Page 345 of Ashes of Sin and Stardust

I could hear the creak of benches, quiet whispers, the wisp of clothing. Someone’s perfume was strong, and several people cleared their throats. The colors in the room were black, white, and brown, with a few other accents thrown in. I took in every detail without truly processing it.

“Breathe.”

Sir’s voice was a low, smooth purr in my ear, and without thinking, I took a long, deep drag of air into my lungs, and released it slowly, sitting up straighter.

Sentencings were usually simple. The judge was introduced, everyone sat. The prosecutor would call Woodrow, confirm he was of sound mind, and ask his plea.

Somehow, he’d negotiated a plea bargain for multiple counts of second-degree kidnapping and assault. Rape was not on the list.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to tell the judge and the security guards and anyone who would listen.Search his house! Find the notebook! Look at the photos!

But that would just get me kicked out.

Reuben took my hand and squeezed it. I took another long, deep breath.

Everything went as planned. The prosecutor confirmed he was of sound mind, and that he knew his rights, and then asked, “How do you plead?”

“Not guilty.”

My eyes shot up to the defendant’s booth where Woodrow sat, staring straight ahead, sweating slightly. His lawyer raised his hand for a moment and whispered in his ear. Woodrow didn’t seem to even hear him.

What was going on? We had already been informed of the plan, of his decision to plead guilty and accept the bargain. But there he was, staring angrily at the judge as if personally offended, and gripping the table with his hands.

He looked so...angry. When he’d come in here, he’d looked calm, secure, confident... almost proud.

Something wasn’t right. While lawyers whispered and the prosecutor confirmed his decision, I looked around the room.

Alex was sitting a few rows behind him, her face a blank mask of indifference, as always. Her eyes were closed.

I smiled and looked down at my hands, not uttering a word.

That evening, everyonemet at The Lounge. Reuben bought everyone dinner and drinks. People encouraged us and gave us hugs, telling us they would be rooting for us during the upcoming trial. I was still a little confused and numb, and was drifting through the evening, completely unfocused.

“I’m so relieved,” Tiama said to someone I didn’t recognize. “I want that bastard to get what he deserves.”

“How is it going to be a fair trial with so many people on the inside?” Rachel was sitting on the other side of me, picking at an appetizer plate. I could tell she was uncomfortable and nervous. “Will the media get involved? Do you think I’ll have to testify?”

“You will,” Alex said, her low, rough voice cutting through the noise of the room. People quieted, their attention instantly drawn to her.

She stood on the raised stage, her heels together and toes apart so her feet made a straight line. She leaned against one of the poles while she drank a double shot of vodka on the rocks. She looked down at the floor while she spoke, and everyone in the room listened.

“It is extremely likely that every single one of you will be questioned. Many of you are connected to this in ways you do not yet realize.” Alex briefly glanced up at Megan, who was standing beside Noah with her hands behind her back, looking nervous.

Becca also spoke up. “Rachel, we can petition to have your testimony given anonymously and from a safe place, for your own protection.”

“What’s going to happen?” Hillary asked. “How will it work?”

“I will tell you what is going to happen,” Alex said. “The trial will begin, and almost immediately, it will be moved to another judge, and another prosecutor will be assigned.”

“Why,” I asked.

“Because Cole Stewart owes me a favor,” Alex muttered under her breath. Then she downed her vodka and returned to the bar for a refill.

Reuben leaned over and pressed his lips against the side of my neck, and then opened his mouth and pressed his teeth into my skin enough to make me shiver.

“I’m proud of you.”

No reason to be proud of me yet,I thought.We’re only just starting. The real shit is about to hit the fan.

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