Page 37 of Come Back for Me
“I’m not asking for anything. I just want you to know that you’re not alone.”
“I want to be the woman you see.”
I know how that feels. I stand and extend my hand to her. “Then show me.”
Chapter Twelve
Ellie
Iplace my hand in his and exit the car, garnering courage from him with each step I take. He thinks I’m brave. He doesn’t look at me like I’m a stupid girl who was too weak to leave. Connor sees me as a woman who put her child first and left when that child’s safety was threatened.
Now, I need to feel that strength again. I need to be strong, even though I want to hide in the car and never see him.
When we get to the courthouse doors, the district attorney, who was once good friends with Kevin, is standing there.
“Ellie,” Nathan Hicks says with his hand raised.
My hand moves to Connor’s forearm, and I hold on as we move forward. “Hi, Nate.”
He looks at me, taking in the bruises and cuts that I can’t hide, and his jaw clenches. When his attention moves to the man beside me, his eyes widen. “Connor? Connor Arrowood?”
“Nate, been a long time.” Connor reaches out to shake his hand.
“It’s been years. You left town and none of us ever heard anything again. It’s good to see you. God, I can’t believe it’s really you.”
Connor doesn’t appear to look happy to see him, but Nate is known for being an asshole. “I take it you’re the prosecutor?” he asks.
I start to tremble a bit, but then Connor’s other hand covers mine and squeezes.
“Yes, I am. I didn’t know you knew Ellie . . .”
“He lives next door, and . . . well, I’m sure you read that Connor is who helped on the scene.”
“Yes, of course. I didn’t even put two and two together,” Nate admits. “Well, I’m glad you both are here. This is the preliminary where we see if the judge will detain Kevin—”
My fingers tighten against Connor’s arm because Nate might make this go the other way. What if he isn’t on my side.
Connor’s eyes meet mine, and then he steps in. “You mean Mr. Walcott. The man who beat his wife, broke three of her ribs, and put that bruise on her cheekbone, right?”
Nate bristles and then clears his throat. “Yes, I apologize, Ellie, this is all a bit strange. I knew you and Kevin argued, but I didn’t know it was physical. We’re going to ask that the court keep him until the trial for your and Hadley’s safety. The verdict will likely depend on the report that Sheriff Mendoza submitted and the statements you make today.”
“What kind of statements?”
“I don’t understand all of this . . .” I confess. “I know Sheriff Mendoza explained it, but honestly, it’s just too overwhelming. I’m . . . sorry . . . I shouldn’t be this confused.”
“Don’t be sorry. You’ve been through a lot, so I’m happy to explain it. Today is to show the judge we have enough of a case to go to trial. If he doesn’t think I have enough evidence, which we one hundred percent do, then he could dismiss it. It’s why it was imperative you come.”
All of this is so paralyzing. Not only am I still reeling from the entire thing but also I now have to go before the judge and look at the man who hurt me. I have to relive it in front of people, and this is the preliminary. I’ll have to do it again if this goes to trial.
Connor nods and clenches his jaw. “What are you asking for, Nate?”
Nate puffs his chest out a bit and then turns to me. “What do you want, Ells? I can push for him to be detained or is there going to be someone who will post bail?”
“I don’t want him released if that’s what you’re asking.”
They can’t let him go free. If they do—he’ll kill me and Hadley.
There’s no way he’s going to let us go.
