Page 75 of Resilient Rhythms
Here, in a nondescript office in the courthouse.
Mav and I take two seats together as May extends a hand toward the DA. “Mckenna, this is District Attorney Cooper, and he’ll be prosecuting your case.”
“Good to meet you, Mrs. Tate.” He reaches out to shake my hand. “And please, call me Rob.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Rob,” I reply. “Please call me Mckenna. And this is my husband, Mav.”
Introductions are made, coffees and teas are offered, and the usual bit of polite chitchat occurs. Once we’re all seated around the conference table, Rob begins the meeting.
“Mckenna, now that Branson Burton is in custody, he cannot contact you directly. However, indirect methods are always a concern and I’d like to remind you and your family to remain vigilant and report anything out of the norm.”
I nod, clearing my throat. Beside me, Mav slides his hand onto my thigh and I press my palm on top.
“Because Branson Burton is in jail, the substance of our discussion today has changed. We won’t be talking about safety as much as I’d like to begin discussions about your case and developing a strategy for prosecution.”
“Okay,” I agree, nodding.
“Okay,” Rob says, folding his hands on top of my case folder. Then, he launches into an explanation about pursuing a parallel prosecution along with Kaitlyn Crane, the woman who reported Bran for stalking. His method for this is that the two-prong approach will keep pressure on Bran. Plus, Kaitlyn’s family name, well-known and well-connected in Massachusetts, will work to our benefit.
“You will most likely need to testify at trial, or pre-trial, hearings and write an impact statement. May will be integral in helping you prepare for that,” Rob continues.
My gaze shifts to May who offers me a smile and reassuring nod. “Don’t worry, Mckenna. We will work thought it at a pace you’re comfortable with.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. Feelings I was unprepared for bubble to the surface—relief and gratitude.
Mav shifts closer to me, offering as much comfort as possible without pulling me into his lap and wrapping his arms around me.
But after years of thinking I was crazy, years of questioning myself and doubting my reactions to Bran, it is a massive relief to know that the people sitting in this room believe me. That they’re willing to fight for me and other people in my situation. I know a lot of women don’t have the same support system I do. That’s why it’s even more important for me to move forward with my prosecution.
I blink rapidly to keep the tears at bay. Laura moves to place a box of tissues nearby and I pluck out two as Rob continues to outline the various outcomes of our prosecution.
“While we’re going to push for conviction, Branson Burton may plead guilty or take a plea bargain, which would lessen the severity of his charges. There may also be a conviction on lesser charges, such as stalking instead of sexual assault. There can also be a dismissal before trial, an acquittal, or a mistrial. The first two scenarios would result in no conviction while a mistrial would leave the door open for us to retry the case. I want you to be aware of all the potential outcomes.” He fixes me with a long, empathetic look, and I read the years of experience in his gaze. Experiences that have provided tempered disappointment more often than outright jubilation.
Having just graduated law school, I understand the checks and balances built into our legal system as well as the various outcomes a case like mine may encounter. “Thank you, Rob. I understand,” I say.
He nods. Our meeting continues for a few minutes to discuss next steps and then, I’m shaking Rob’s hand and exiting the conference room. Laura hangs behind to exchange a few words with Rob, but May accompanies Mav and me to the front of the courthouse.
“How are you feeling?” she asks.
Biting my bottom lip, I pause to take stock of the emotions coursing through my limbs. It’s almost like an out-of-body experience. Part of me can’t believe I’m here, at the courthouse, preparing to try my case against Bran. “Relieved,” I say finally. “Relieved but also realistic.”
May pats my forearm. “You’re doing great, Mckenna. Please call me if you need anything.”
“Thank you, May,” I say.
Mav and I wait to say goodbye to Laura who promises to be in touch in the following days.
“You were wonderful in there, Mckenna,” Mav says as we walk to meet Alfred and Drew, idling at the curb in the black SUV.
“I’m glad you came with me, Mav.”
“Of course. Whatever you need, I’m here.”
I smile at him. “I know.”
“Are you tired? It’s still not too late to call off bowling.”
I snort and shake my head. “I feel okay. Good,” I amend. “And I want to go bowling.”
