Page 27 of A Little Discovery

“Yes, Michael,” he says. “Now let’s get this all on record already.”

The judge chuckles before asking me to start from the beginning. I don’t want to be here all day, but I also refuse to leave anything out.

“Sabrina Carlisle sent me multiple emails requesting me to investigate her husband, Mr. Holloway, starting in April. By the second Friday in May, she was sending multiple requests per day. I never even wanted to take the case, but I was accepted into a study abroad program for my photography. My scholarship only covered half of the costs, and I had three days to come up with the rest of the money to secure my spot.

“I’ll admit that I over-charged Ms. Carlisle compared to my usual fee. I adjusted it up so that the deposit would cover the funds I needed. I told myself that if she was willing to pay a five-thousand-dollar deposit, it would mean she was certain of his infidelity, and I would not have to deal with her beyond handing over a few photographs.

“The investigation resulted in zero proof of infidelity, at least on the part of Mr. Holloway…”

CHAPTER 18

SPENCER

I spend the next hour relaying all of the information I discovered, as well as what I put in my report that was supposed to be filed into evidence. I even share everything I have learned since getting home about how Sabrina and her lawyers falsified my address and that someone didn’t follow procedures for my summons through the court system itself.

“Who the hell was responsible for that, Mike?” Joe speaks up while I take a swig of water. “You mean to tell me my grandson lost everything because someone in your office is either incompetent or dirty?”

Judge Roberts shakes his head before answering verbally, “I can assure you, the person responsible for the summonswillbe questioned and investigated in this matter. Anything else to add to it, son?”

At the looks from the men, I figure we have been at this for a while.

“Just that she showed up in the early hours Saturday morning at the hospital after Mr. Holloway was admitted following an accident,” the panicked look on Joe’s face makes me rush to continue. “He suffered a minor concussion with some trauma related memory loss, but he’s otherwise fine. He just doesn’t remember the last couple weeks.

“Anyways, she showed up at the hospital while myself and another of the guys from the house were sitting with Lucky, er, Mr. Holloway. She told the night nurse that she was his wife and demanded to know where he was and what his condition was. When the nurse hesitated, she demanded information and threatened legal action because, and I quote, you can’t keep a wife from knowing her husband’s condition.

“I know I don’t have to tell you this, Judge, but she was pushing that nurse to break the law to get that information. I am still looking into how she knew he was even there. We didn’t call anyone, and we filled out the intake forms as Lucky Hollow, not Lucas Holloway. He was so worried about Ms. Carlisle chastising him for wasting money on a hospital trip that we thought it better to tie everything up with a small lie until he wasn’t talking about laughing pillows and pizza thieves.

“Before she could get anything from the nurse, I interrupted, and she was escorted away by security after a verbal altercation with myself. I will admit to you now, I recorded everything she said to me when I confronted her. It was in accordance with the regulations that protect me in the active investigation of a case, but I have not yet reviewed the conversation in depth.

“I was more concerned with keeping her away from Mr. Holloway in his vulnerable state than paying attention to what she was saying.”

The two men in front of me nod and make noises of agreement.

“I’ll want a copy of that recording, Mr. Wright,” the judge says. “It won’t be logged in as evidence for this case, but I want to include your case findings in my petition to the district attorney to file charges against Ms. Carlisle. At this time, I believe this concludes our conversation, are we agreed?”

Both Joe and I give our statements agreeing and Judge Roberts turns off the recorder.

“Off the record,” he says standing up and putting the recorder back into his pocket. “Your son isn’t the only Sadist in town, Joe. Your grandson is going to get everything back and then some after I’m through with the whole lot of them. No one gets to use me like that and get away with it.”

As we walk back toward the parking lot, I see Joe pull out his phone when he turns in the direction of the main house.

“Elliot! Why is this the first I’m hearing about Lucky being in the hospital?,” I hear him say before he disappears inside.

I really need to have a talk with our resident Sadist about what is and isn’t acceptable to keep hidden.

CHAPTER 19

LUCKY

The first thing I see when I wake up from my nap is my grandfather’s watch on the pillow next to me.The bitch didn’t take it.The relief of it being in the box was enough to exhaust me earlier. I don’t even remember what else was in the jewelry box aside from this watch and the rings, but I have what matters. The crash from the adrenaline was so severe, I could barely keep my eyes open. The doctorhadmentioned that I would need to sleep more often, but I didn’t think the drowsiness would hit me like this. Having Spencer tuck me in was a unique experience.

I vaguely recall a kiss to my forehead, but I was halfway asleep already. Some people might feel strange being treated like a child, but I kind of enjoyed it. Letting Spencer take the lead like that was a revelation for me. Growing up, I was always calmer when I had someone to tell me what is expected of me, what the next steps are. The anxiety of making decisions paralyzes me, especially if I know my decisions will affect someone other than just myself.

It’s not even the decisions that bother me. It is what happens after. My parents have always drilled it into me that I have to be viewed a certain way, not bring shame or disgrace to the Holloway name. If I make a wrong decision, it can be disastrous and cost a lot of money and effort to fix it. I’ve seen it enough with my father’s family to the point that I prefer to leave the decisions to someone else. At least then, I don’t have to deal with guilt on top of the anxiety.

In my experience, people make decisions on my behalf based on society’s views or their own personal gain. My mother does it. My wife does it… EX…ex-wife.I must remember that. I hate how their choices make me feel, yet it is all I’ve ever known. Letting them make all of the decisions means I’m less likely to be noticed. Being invisible has saved my booty many times over the years. I had almost succeeded in having everyone forget that Lucas Anthony Holloway even exists.

How Spencer treated me earlier, and even yesterday in the hospital, was completely different from what my family has done in the past. He made some decisions for me, but the reason always seemed to be for my benefit or well-being. If he has a selfish reason for what he’s done for me, I can’t see it. I want more of that in my life. Now that I’ve had a taste, I’m craving it.

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