Page 86 of All Yours

“Very well then, case dismissed with prejudice,” the judge said, and hit the gavel.

The clerk was already calling the next case as Jeremy ushered Sloane from the table, and they headed straight to us. Sloane’s blank face indicated she hadn’t registered what happened.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“Let’s get out in the hallway,” Jeremy said.

We all filed out into the hall after Jeremy. He gathered us in a group down the hall from the courtroom door.

“It’s over,” Jeremy said, looking at Sloane.

“Wait, that’s it?” Sloane asked.

Lauren squealed in delight. “I told you—”

“Save it,” I snapped. “What happened?” I asked, sliding an arm around Sloane.

“As part of her deal for talking to the Feds, Eden insisted that all charges against you be dropped.”

“See, I told you Eden was a good person,” Lauren snapped.

“Who has to answer questions for the Feds.”

Sloane’s hand grazed up my arm. “Drop it right now, please.”

I glanced down at Sloane. She had dark circles under her eyes and hadn’t slept well after getting notice to appear in court.

She laid her head on my bicep.

“Where is Eden?” Adrian asked.

“Why do you care?” I asked.

Adrian shrugged. “I’m going to need to find a new server.” He turned, pulling out his cell phone and wandering away.

Camden and I caught each other’s eye. Yep, that was weird.

“I haven’t heard what Eden has gotten into, but I’ll try to find out more,” Jeremy said.

“What did the whole prejudice thing mean?” I asked.

“They can’t come back and charge her again for it at a different court level,” Jeremy said. “It means she’s done with this. It’s not coming back.”

“Thank goodness,” Lauren said, reaching over and hugging Sloane.

“Yes, absolutely. Thank you all for being here and supporting me,” Sloane said, sliding her arms around my middle. I wrapped her in a tight hug.

Jeremy eyed us and smiled.

“Sloane, I hope to see you around, and not in a legal capacity,” Jeremy said.

“Oh, that’s right, you two are cousins,” Lauren said. “I can tell a family resemblance. Is it on your mom’s side or your dad’s side?”

“You’re kidding, right?” I asked.

“What?” she asked, glancing around at everyone, laughing.

“Let’s go,” Camden said. “I’ll explain it to you in the car.”

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