Page 56 of Tin

“So, essentially, Jackson Murphy didn’t just kill his own baby. He killed every baby you had the potential to conceive and birth in your lifetime.” Devyn spins around to face the jury. “How much do you suppose that’s worth?”

Then, before the other side can even utter their objection, she quickly adds “Withdrawn” as she returns to her seat. “Defense rests, Your Honor. I have no more questions for the defendant”

And neither do I. I get it now. Everything. Those unborn lives he killed that day meant something now. Because they weren’t just hypothetical babies anymore. They could have been ours.

QUINN

I’m getting a tremor in my left hand. I haven’t had them since I was on trial for Jackson’s murder. Maybe they’re courtroom related. Maybe they’re Jackson related. Either way, I shake my hand to try and un-twitch whatever muscles and nerves are causing the spasm. But nothing helps. I want to cry. It’s stupid. But this one little vibration is pushing me over the edge. Probably because it’s just one more way the universe is letting me know that I don’t have control over anything. Not my own life. Not even my own body.

“Ms. Quincy?” The judge’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I get the feeling this isn’t the first time she’s tried to get my attention.

“Yes, ma’am?” As far as I know the plaintiff’s side is allowed to have another go at me. What with me being their star witness in the case against myself. I guess that’s the downside to being the only person still alive after the altercation. That and the whole being labeled a murderer bit.

“You may step down.” She nods toward my seat beside Devyn. “Counsel has declined to redirect.”

I glance over at the Murphies and their attorney. They don’t seem too happy about it. Now I’m kind of sorry I zoned out and missed whatever conversation led up to this.

Regardless, I follow her orders and hurry over to my chair. Any seat is better than this one.

As soon as I’m beside her, Devyn rises. “Your Honor, the defense calls James Shepherdson to the witness stand.”

What? I immediately spin around and search the room. I don’t have to look long. He’s sitting two rows behind me. And he’s staring straight at me because he knew I would look for him the moment I heard his name. He doesn’t smile. He doesn’t do anything other than stare back at me. It’s the first time since I’ve known him that I can’t get a read on what he’s thinking or feeling. Riker’s an open book when it comes to his feelings, which means he’s making a conscious effort to hide them from me now.

“Counsel, before you call your first witness, perhaps you would like to make a motion?”

Devyn shakes her head like maybe she’s misunderstood the judge. “A motion, Your Honor?”

“Yes. A motion.” Judge Hanson leans forward. “You are familiar with court proceedings, are you not, counselor?”

“Of course, Your Honor.” Devyn lifts her chin a little higher and squares her shoulders. “We’d like to make a motion to dismiss, Your Honor.”

Then, shocking us all, the judge nods. “I should think so. Motion granted. This case is dismissed.”

Jackson’s mom and sister are visibly enraged by this unexpected turn of events while I’m just...here. I have no idea what to do or feel. It’s too much. It’s been less than ten minutes since I was asked to relive the most terrifying, most traumatic, mostdevastatingday of my life. I can’t just snap out of that and rejoice because the universe has flipped the script on me out of the blue. Besides. I don’t trust the universe yet.

“Your Honor, with all due respect, you can’t be serious.” Not surprisingly, Harrold Sullivan, the other lawyer, is up on his feet trying to undo what’s been done. “Mrs. Murphy’s disabilities prevent her from working. Her son was the sole provider of their family. His death has caused them financial hardships they can’t begin to overcome unless the defendant pays what they are owed.”

“You’re confused, counsel. Your talking portion has come to an end. So sit back down and be quiet unless you want to find yourself in contempt of court. It’s my turn to talk now.” Judge Hanson adjusts her seat and fixes the long flowing sleeves of her robe while Sullivan drops into his seat, completely flabbergasted. “I didn’t choose to pick up this gavel or wear this robe to sit by and watch our justice system be misused in such a grossly negligent way as I have seen here since the proceedings began.” She folds her hands and lays themflat on her podium. “However, after hearing testimony today from the defendant, I am more convinced than ever that we owe this young woman not only a not guilty verdict, but an apology. As members of this court, it is our duty to act with the utmost respect for human life, always. Unfortunately, at times we seem to forget that the defendants, however reprehensible they may seem, are entitled to that same respect. And when I see cases like this one, I am reminded time and time again that we are failing in this very important aspect of our jobs.” She directs her focus to me and gestures for me to stand. Even though I can barely feel my legs, I do.

“You give me hope, Ms. Quincy. You give me hope, because your strength in spirit and your kindness of heart remain even after all you have endured. You give me hope, because I believe you will continue your work as you have done since your release from prison, and with your help, maybe society will stop asking women to be more preemptive in dealing with their attackers. Expect less mindful planning of their reactions to their attacks. And be more gracious and understanding of women who love their attackers in spite of how they suffer.”

She turns toward the Murphies. “I am truly sorry for your loss. No mother should have to endure the death of a child. But no woman should have to endure the violence your son subjected Abigail Quincy to either. No human being should have to face the choice between dying and taking a life. Least of all the life of someone she loves. And no human being should ever have to face prosecution for surviving what should have killed them. Abigail Quincy owes you nothing. We owe her. We owe her the years of her life she spent in prison. We owe her for the months of public shaming she endured during her trials. We owe her for the undeniable pain and likely humiliation she faced every time she was asked to recount the times she was brutalized. And we owe her fornever acknowledging her losses. For sayingit’s your own fault. For suggesting she deserved the sort of treatment she was given. Let me assure you one last time, she does not.”

Her attention lands solely on me as she slams down her gavel. “This case is dismissed. Abigail Quincy, you are free to go. May no one ever be foolish enough to attempt to drag you back into my courtroom.” Then she grants me an unexpected smile and stands to leave.

I still haven’t processed any of it when Devyn throws her arms around me, jumping up and down like we’re twelve and just got One Direction tickets. Kirsten’s already piling herself on top of us. Over all the commotion, I can still hear my mother sniffling repeatedly while my father keeps clearing his throat. Then I remember. He’s here.

“Riker.” It’s the first thing I’ve said since I was asked to leave the witness stand. As soon as his name passes my lips, it’s like the sea of people surrounding me clears. Only he’s not there anymore.

“Where did he go?” I break away from Devyn and Kirsten and take several steps toward the empty seat he occupied just a few minutes ago.

“I don’t know. He was here a second ago.” My sister’s searching the room as well.

Then it hits me. “How long was he in the courtroom, Kirsten? When did he get here?”

“You were still testifying. The asshole was just asking you the last of his questions and then Devyn got up.” She’s smoothing the sides of her dress. She’s anxious.

“He heard.” My voice gets stuck somewhere in the back of my throat.

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