Page 75 of Whispers on the Water

“Our son,” Joshua said, a small bit of moisture in his own eyes. “Yes. Can you explain that in more detail?”

She straightened her back and explained the medical issues and how Sam had rushed back from Costa Rica to donate a piece of her liver.

“She sounds like a hero.”

Penny sniffled and looked at Sam. Their eyes met, and Penny’s lips twitched into a small grin. “She is.”

“No further questions,” Joshua says. Instead of going back to the bench, he leaned over to his wife and pecked her cheek.

The prosecution was called again for cross-examination and started their questioning. For the most part, focusing on why Penny didn’t call the police and why she would help me run if she planned on confessing. But there weren’t holes to be poked in her story, and eventually, they relented. After asking Josh if he had any rebuttal—which he didn’t—she left the courtroom, and everyone settled into quiet once more.

The judge looked at all the evidence and then laced her fingers together.

“Obviously, this presents a problem.” The courtroom went completely still. My whole body started to tremble as the judge studied my face. “In light of the confession of Penelope Bennet and evidence presented here today, I am approving the motion to drop the murder charge against Elaine Williams.”

A murmur spread across the courtroom. Josh had mentioned it would probably take days for the judge to reach a decision. But it seemed as though things were going much better than anyone expected.

The judge raised her voice. “As for the remaining charges against Ms. Williams, including the potential addition of a perjury charge, a separate hearing will be scheduled to determine how we proceed, in line with legal protocols.”

She looked down again. “Regarding the allegations against Penelope Bennett, this confession necessitates further investigation. The state will convene a grand jury to examine the evidence and decide if charges should be brought forward. This process will take time to ensure due diligence. Court is dismissed.”

No one moved. Even I was afraid that if I did, the spell would be broken, and I would wake up to find myself in prison. It couldn’t possibly be over, could it?

Joshua turned to me, a sad smile on his face. “We’re hoping for a deal for the other charges. In light of the evidence, I think they’ll come to us in the next few days.”

“But Penny?” I ask, my voice choked with emotion.

“Are you asking me as her husband or her attorney?” But I couldn’t speak, afraid to sob in front of so many people. I know the reporters were still watching. Joshua waved a hand, trying to show he wasn’t at all worried. “As her husband, I’ll say this; she did it. She did it to keep you alive and has no guilt about it. Whatever happens, she’s okay with it.”

“Josh, she can’t go to jail!” I was shaking all over. Keeping my sister and me out of jail was the whole reason I never came home. Though I am relieved for myself, the worry for my sister was only growing.

He rubbed my back with a small smile. “Then as her attorney, I’d say that given the circumstances, we’ll argue it was self-defense. But I’m not gonna lie, it’s complex—the law requires us to prove that Penny believed she was in imminent danger and that her response was reasonable. It’ll be tough, everything will be scrutinized, but I’m confident.” He takes a deep breath as if already in the middle of his wife’s defense. “Between you and me? I’m proud of her. If he would have…” He was growing more emotional and swallowed hard. “My beautiful Annie and Penny are both only alive because Penny pulled that trigger, I’m sure of it. If she hadn’t, Kevin would have killed you and her.”

Looking over my shoulder, I see Penny seated in the front row, Greg’s arm around her shoulder. Penny let loose a small, crooked grin, and I return the gesture. It’s done now. I might be free but know that Penny has a long road ahead.

Chapter forty-five

Sam

My phone rings before I even leave my seat at the defense table.

Tilly. I swipe to answer, though I’m not really in the mood to handle her excitement. “Sammy! Greg texted me. Oh my god, I can’t believe you!”

The guilt hits even harder at Tilly’s excitement over my acquittal. I’m going free while my sister is now on the hook because of my poor decisions.

“Joshua did a really great job,” I manage to say.

“I know! So when are you coming back? Ron’s already planning a huge party for you. I say we just let the tequila flow and we just…forget all this shit.”

I laugh, I can’t help it. Hearing Tilly be so animated and relieved is a welcome change. Tilly had been a surly mess since the whole thing started, and I missed my rambunctious friend dearly.

“I’d love to. But I have to finish up with the other charges and want to wait until Clark is home with Penny.”

Tilly blows a raspberry. “Fine. I’ll wait but don’t make me go find a new best friend. Everyone else around here is boring and basic.”

“You better not,” I say, my tone taking on an oddly serious turn. Thinking of Tilly hanging out with someone else is surprisingly hurtful, though it hasn’t even happened yet.

“I won’t. Who else would take the wrap for a murder I committed?” Tilly is laughing, but my face suddenly pales. When I don’t say anything, Tilly scoffs, “Jeez Sam, it was a joke—”

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