Page 112 of The Girls in the Snow

“Mom, what are we still doing here?” Lacey bounced in her booster seat. “I thought you already talked to the judge.”

Nikki had given a statement in court this morning, while Tyler had been with Lacey. She’d looked Mark and his parents in the eyes while admitting what she now knew of that night and apologizing for the pain they’d endured while she’d been trusting the wrong people. Asking for their forgiveness was unfair. “I did, but I’m waiting to hear the outcome.”

“Of what?”

“The case I spoke to the judge about.”

“In the prison?” Lacey rubbed her fingers across the window.

Nikki smiled. “That’s not a prison, it’s a courthouse. It’s where we decide if someone is guilty or innocent.”

“How?” Lacey asked.

“I have to find proof that someone did what they’re accused of so that they can be held accountable.”

“And your friend’s in there, right?”

Nikki hadn’t introduced her daughter to Rory yet. She didn’t even know where their relationship was going, and she certainly wasn’t bringing Lacey into it yet. “Yes, he’s there supporting his older brother who spent a long time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. We’re hoping that’s fixed today.”

None of the new DNA that was tested matched Mark’s. But it did match John Banks, who refused to speak with anyone, including an attorney, in an effort to be treated as a psych patient. It wasn’t going to work. He would stand trial for the murders, and the district attorney had already identified half a dozen of the women in his photos from the house, including Nikki. They’d all agreed to testify that John had drugged them, just as he’d likely done to Nikki. But first he would be tried for the murders of Nikki’s parents.

Someday, Nikki would tell Lacey about her grandparents. She’d buried a lot of good memories along with the bad, and she wanted Lacey to know how amazing her grandparents had been.

“Why was he in prison if he didn’t do it?”

“Because the police didn’t do their job right,” Nikki said. “That’s why it’s so important to make sure we have the truth.”

Nikki’s phone chimed. Her chest tightened as she opened the text.

Full exoneration. He’s a free man. Thank you.

Nikki hadn’t expected the complex emotions that surged through her. She was happy for the Todd family but angry for her parents and all those affected by John Banks. What would Rory’s parents say when he told her about seeing Nikki? If that’s even what they were doing. She didn’t want to label things just yet. Easier to let go if she believed they were just casual.

“Look at all the people,” Lacey squealed.

A throng of media rushed the courthouse steps as Mark Todd walked out a free man, his parents on one side and Rory on the other. Mr. Todd walked with a cane, and his wife slightly stooped, but they were both beaming.

Rory looked incredible in a suit.

“Does that mean your friend won?”

“Yes, he won. He and his family are talking to the reporters now.”

Actually, Mark’s lawyer was talking to the media. Mark looked down at the ground, clearly overwhelmed by the chaos. Caitlin Newport stood with the attorneys from the Innocence Project, probably dreaming about her next Emmy. Nikki was still deciding if she would do anything more than give Newport a statement for her documentary. In the end, Newport had been right about Mark’s innocence. And she hadn’t treated the facts like tabloid journalism. Nikki could always use another ally in the media.

Sheriff Hardin was noticeably absent. He’d refused all media requests, letting Washington County’s legal department issue a statement on his behalf. While it did acknowledge the DNA evidence could have been tested earlier, the statement didn’t include an apology or admittance of failure.

Rumor was Hardin was stepping down. Miller had promised to keep Nikki updated.

A message from Rory lit up her phone.

Going to my aunt’s to celebrate. You can stop by if you want.

Nikki wasn’t sure she was ready for that. Mark’s parents hadn’t been openly hostile, but she doubted they’d welcome her to a celebration.

Need to spend day with Lacey. Happy for you all, she replied.

“Mommy, I’m hungry.”

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