Page 116 of Yolo

I’d personally do the escorting if needed.

The next two hours went back and forth as first the Harris family got onto the stand, and then the “witness testimonies.”

Bindi sat quietly through it all, not saying a word.

I, on the other hand, was angry as hell and wanted to rip them all apart.

They had people up there accusing her of trying to kill Joseph, when in reality it was the exact opposite of what had actually happened.

My phone had started going mad crazy, but I ignored it in order to hold Bindi’s hand and reassure her that I was there.

The final witness left the stand, and the judge asked if the lawyers had any other questions.

When they both said no, the judge leaned back in his chair and studied the room at large.

His eyes went to Joseph, who shifted in his seat.

Then they went to Bindi, who sat there stoically, waiting for the next blow.

My poor girl just couldn’t catch a break.

Except…

“I think,” the judge said. “That we’re going to have to define the word victim.”

Joseph and his lawyer stiffened.

“According to the dictionary, a victim is a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action,” the judge drawled. “And you, Mr. Harris, do not fit into that category.” He looked toward Bindi. “Ms. Howe, on the other hand, does. From what I understand, her only ‘crime’ as you say, is staying with you longer than she should have.”

Joseph blinked.

Bindi squeezed my hand, realizing like I was that the judge might be on her side.

“Your lawsuit is officially denied,” he said to the room at large. “You will not receive any compensation, because I feel that no crime or injustice has been committed.” He looked at Bindi. “You, Ms. Howe, are more than welcome to bring your own suit against Mr. Harris.”

The entire Harris family inhaled deeply.

“Court is adjourned.” He slammed his gavel down.

Bindi stood up and turned. I caught her hand and held it between the slats of the short divider that separated the audience from the rest of the room.

When she leaned into me heavily, I pulled her right over the divider and squeezed her tight to me.

“I would highly suggest countersuing,” Kevin advised as he packed up his things. “You mind if I keep this?”

He gestured to the papers, and I shrugged. “Go for it.”

“Maybe after Christmas,” Bindi said lightly. “I want to spend the holidays with my family.”

I grinned.

“This isn’t over,” Joseph snarled as he walked past us.

Bindi sighed.

The rest of the Harris family went, glaring at the two of us as they did, and we only followed suit when I was sure that they were out of the courthouse.

Bindi and I spoke quietly and were slow in our exit out the doors.

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