Page 66 of Coming Unraveled
They pull back from each other and Brooks smirks at the dazed expression in her eyes, the milky chocolate colored irises hidden behind enlarged pupils.
“You look really handsome in this suit,” she says as her hand trails up and down the lapel of the gray material.
“Thank you. You can take it off of me later.”
The blush he loves so fiercely grows on her cheeks and travels down the valley of her breasts. He finally takes in her attire, letting his eyes roam up and down her navy-blue form-fitted suit. The color pops against her pale skin and the fuchsia-colored blouse beneath.
“Everleigh, you look stunning.”
Suddenly, Sierra moves beside them, drawing their attention as she mimics pointing to a watch on her wrist.
Everleigh’s back stiffens and Brooks watches as all emotion drains from her body.
He reaches out and takes her hand in his, offering her a piece of himself, a solitude to rely on.
“Hey, we’re all going to be there to support you. Just tell your story and then you’re done. Get your justice, sweetheart.”
“But what if the lawyer tries to twist my words or the jury doesn’t believe me?”
“That’s why Sierra is here. She’ll take care of you. You can do this. I believe in you. We all believe in you.”
Her chest expands as she takes a deep breath and steels her expression, wearing her warrior face proudly.
“You’re right. I can do this. I need to make sure that those other women get their justice.”
Everleigh links her arms into each of the free arms of Sierra and Avery, the women walking out of the café as a unified front as Brooks trails behind them, happily watching as the women sway their hips in unison.
They stop in front of the large wooden doors having made it through the throngs of reporters waiting at the base of the stairs and stare up at the building.
This is it. This is the moment that could make or break his wife’s spirit. The moment that can give her a sliver of her innocence back, a bit of spark that had dulled from her eyes.
Knowing that there is no turning back Brooks opens one of the doors, gesturing with his arm widely, as he says, “Ladies, after you.”
THE SNOW FALLS OUTSIDE his office window of the clinic and Brooks leans back in his chair. It has been a month since Everleigh was brought onto the stand to testify. As they had figured, the lawyer tried to twist Everleigh’s statement to bring his client into a better light, but the prosecutor had objected at every turn.
She had been amazing that day, Brooks can vividly remember how she had walked into the courtroom with her head held high, no longer the scared victim from fifteen minutes prior. And when the prosecutor had finished her questioning she had asked Everleigh if she could say anything to her abuser what she would say.
“I would tell that person that they were the weak one. They were the one that fed on the strength of their victim. But I will no longer cower. I will no longer be afraid. They may have stolen everything from me as a girl, but I’ve found my peace with myself and that is a power they can never take from me.
I would tell them that from where I stand my future is just beginning and my past will no longer define me.”
The crowd had roared for her while Rich squirmed in his seat. His woman had returned to full strength and his love for her had rocketed skyward.
They had been sitting in limbo as the trial continued for weeks. The jury had to sift through hundreds of pieces of evidence and listen to testimonies for many of the victims. Rich is being tried for multiple counts of homicide, battery, and impersonating a law enforcer and Sierra had messaged him a week ago that a decision should be coming down in the next few days.
A knock sounds on his door and Brooks looks up to find Dr. Long standing with Joseph and Amy.
“This is a surprise. What can I do for you all?”
Dr. Long turns to exit, smiling brightly as she shuts the door, leaving Brooks with his wife’s parents, which he assumes still didn’t realize that he and Everleigh were married.
“You’re lawyer friend just called to inform us that she is almost here…and she said a verdict will be passed down today at noon.”
Jumping from his chair he begins removing his white coat as he rushes out, “We need to get Everleigh.”
“Yes, we do, son. But first, I want to make sure that you don’t screw this up.”
Joseph’s steady gaze holds Brooks’ and he suddenly feels like a teenager again. And he fully understands how Joseph and Amy were able to keep their children in line growing up.
