Page 82 of Never Been Gargoyled
Judge Harrison made notes, then looked toward our table. “Mr. Budiere?”
I stood. “Your Honor, I believe the evidence I presented a few weeks ago significantly impacts this case. Rebecca’s own letters to the deceased tell a very different story than the one opposing counsel has presented.”
The judge examined each letter carefully, her expression growing more serious as she read. When she reached the final letter, her eyebrows rose. “Mr. Kingsley, did you actually read these letters?”
“Of course, Your Honor, but I'm not sure what?—”
“These letters show an escalating pattern of hostility when Rebecca’s attempts at contact were not reciprocated.”
Rebecca's face had gone pale. She whispered to her lawyer, who looked increasingly uncomfortable.
“Furthermore,” I said, “the medical records show that Ms. Morrison was diagnosed with early-onset dementia twenty-three years ago, after most of these letters were written. She had the opportunity to respond but didn’t. I believe that shows her state ofmind related to the daughter she gave up for adoption.”
Judge Harrison studied the documents for a bit longer.
Finally, she looked up. “This case raises complex questions about intent, capacity, and family obligations. I'm going to take these documents under advisement and issue a written ruling in the next few days.”
She stood, and we all rose as she left the courtroom.
“We’ll hear within a few days,” Dazy said as we walked to the parking lot. “Do you think we have a chance?”
“I think we presented the truth. That has to count for something.”
Back at the estate, Dazy went to her former bedroom and started folding her clothing, placing each item into boxes.
“What are you doing?”
She didn't look up from the sweater she was folding. “If we lose, I'll need to be ready to move out quickly.”
“Dazy—”
“I can't take much. Most of the furniture belongs with the house.” Her voice was carefully neutral, but I could see the tension in her shoulders. “I'll need to find an apartment somewhere. Maybe back near where I used to work. I could beg, and if they have some hours available, they might hire me.”
The thought of her returning to a life that didn't include me, made my chest feel hollow. “You don't have to go far.”
She finally looked up. “What do you mean?”
“Helga deeded the cottage to me years ago. It's small, but it's mine. It's ours, if you want to live there with me.”
Hope flickered in her eyes. “You'd want that? Even if I lose everything else?”
“Dazy.” I crossed the room and took her hands, stilling her folding. “I told you I'd follow you anywhere, and I meant it. To another state, another country. It doesn't matter where we are as long as we're together.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks, but she was smiling. “I love you.”
“I love you too. No matter what happens, that won't change.”
She pulled me down for a kiss. When we broke apart, she rested her forehead against my chest.
“The cottage sounds perfect,” she whispered.
We might lose the estate, but we wouldn't lose each other.
Chapter 29
Dazy
The cottage felt different now that it might be our permanent home. Smaller, cozier, but somehow more precious. I'd spent the last few days arranging my few belongings in drawers that smelled like cedar and lavender, trying not to think about the judge's ruling that could come at any moment.
