Page 44 of Scooter's Endgame
After a quick exchange of pleasantries, we head inside for the start of the second day of mental anguish at Jeff’s hands. I know I should have expected something underhanded from him – he’s never been one to tolerate being made to feel unimportant or disrespected, even if it is only implied.
Yet here we are. Not in my wildest imagination would I have believed he’d go so far as to try to take Luke away from me.
The morning goes by quickly with more of the same as yesterday. More lies, manipulation, passive aggressive venom. And his audience continues to hang on his every twisted word. Watching the judge’s face, I can see how taken in she is by him, and panic begins to bubble in my belly once again.
Unexpectedly, I feel a warm hand wrap around mine, squeeze gently. Turning to look over at Beckett, I take in his handsome face.
“Have faith, sweet pea. We’ve got this, I promise.”
Nodding, I feel myself settle again. I told Beckett last night that I trust him. Now I need toshowhim that I do. Squeezing his hand in return, I take a deep breath and reach deep for a sense of calm.
By lunch, Jeff’s team is finishing up with his testimony.
“Your Honor, that’s all I have for Mr. Grimes at this time.”
“Thank you, counsellor. Thank you, Mr. Grimes. You’re free to step down.”
He gives her one of his smiles – the one he believes to be irresistible to women. And maybe he’s right. Women seem to adore him. “Thank you, ma’am.”
As he steps out of the box, he looks right at me and givesmea smile that tells me he knows he’s crushing it. I have no idea what prompts me to do it, but I give him a confident smile in return. A look of surprise flashes across his face before he turns away, taking a seat beside his attorney.
“All right then. We’ll adjourn for lunch since Mr. James is done for the moment. Ms. Seymour, are you ready to proceed after the break?”
Lindsay gets to her feet. “Yes, thank you, Your Honor.”
“Very well, then we are adjourned for lunch.”
Beckett leans over to whisper in my ear. “Want to grab a quick bite before proceedings reconvene?”
I shake my head, my stomach roiling at the thought of eating. “No, thanks. But you go ahead. I’ll find somewhere to sit and read.”
He doesn’t look happy at my response. “I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone for that long.”
“I’ll be fine. You and Tex go. It’s notthatlong.”
The look of doubt lingers, but I insist, and eventually he gives in. We leave the court together, and he helps me find a relatively quiet spot to sit. “We won’t be long. Call me if you need me.”
“Stop worrying so much. I’ll be fine. Go.”
I watch as the two of them walk off and, for the first time since meeting him, I notice that Tex has an almost undetectable limp. Still pondering the possible reason for it, I open the reading app on my phone. My favorite author has released a new book, and I can’t wait to dive in and lose myself in the story – an escape from real life.
I have no idea how long I’ve been reading when I hear a voice from behind me. “Lover boy abandoned you already?” The tone is so oily it would be flagged as an environmental crisis. It immediately has my back stiffen and my mood souring.
“There’s so much wrong with that sentence, but I couldn’t be bothered to correct any of it. You wouldn’t listen anyway. Besides, my attorney has advised me not to talk to you.” I stand, intending to walk away from Jeff, but he grips my arm painfully to prevent me from leaving.
I struggle against his grasp but only succeed in causing myself more pain as he tightens his grip. “Don’t you walk away from me, bitch. I’m not done with you yet.”
“Yeah, actually, you are. Get your hands off her before I break each and every one of your fingers.”
My eyes widen in surprise as I hadn’t even heard them approach. The first I knew Beckett and Tex had returned was when Tex spoke up.
“Was that a threat, Mr. Macho?”
“No, sir –”
“Didn’t think s—”
“What that is, you slimy little worm, is a promise. One that would give me great pleasure to fulfil.” Stepping between Jeff and me, Tex crooks his elbow, offering me his arm.
