The Widows Daughter

Part ninety-two

(Chloe's POV)

This was a very bad idea. This was a very bad idea. This was a very bad idea.

Shut up.

I mentally scolded myself for talking to myself. I wasn't even on my own yet and I was going crazy. I just needed to focus on the plan and I would be fine.

I had managed to slip inside the courthouse and past security undetected. The next step in the plan was to find my guy. Once I found him, I could really get to work.

I did a little dance inside when I found the right door. Judge Avery J. McCain was printed on the opaque glass in the door.

I phased the door quickly making sure no one was watching me. Behind the door was a big wooden desk, and behind that was a middle-aged man. I cleared my throat and he looked up startled.

"Can I help you? How did you get you in? Who are you?" He asked with a mix of anger and fear.

I put on the best fake smile that I could muster and spoke. "Who I am is of no concern to you Mr. McCain. However, I do need a favor." I smiled slyly.

"Who are you?! How did you get in here?! I'm calling security!" He bellowed and stood up from his chair.

"Before you do that Mr. McCain, you might want to hear me out. Your wife might also be interested in hearing what I have to say." I picked at my fingernails unconcerned.

My comment made him stop in his tracks. He looked at me with a scowl. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I can tell your wife the truth, or you can hear me out and do what I want and she can be none the wiser." He sat down in his chair again and frowned.

"What do you want?" He asked me suddenly switching tracks.

Did I know he has something to hide from his wife? No. Did I even know he was married? No, I did not. But the chances he has something to hide are high, so here we are.

"In a few minutes, you are going to be in front of two men, both charged with going against the Sokovia Accords. I want you to pardon them and let them go home." I told him in my most serious voice.

"And why would I do that?" He asked. "And why do you think I would ever listen to you little girl?"

I pulled down my hood and he stiffened slightly. "Because half the world's looking for me and my team, and you have me sitting right in front of you asking for a favor. Plus, I could always make you, I'm just asking to be nice." I smiled cruelly.

"If I were to do this, I want something in return." I raised my eyebrows but said nothing. "I want you to testify."

Not exactly what I wanted but I can work with that.

"Against?" I asked.

"No one. But I want the whole unadulterated truth. Do we have a deal?"

I sat for a moment thinking about the consequences this could have on everything. I could get thrown in a tiny cell with a shock collar, but I could also get Scott and Clint pardoned for good. I looked at the not so honorable judge that sat in front of me.

"I testify and you set them free?" I questioned.

"The best I'll be able to do is get them a few years on house arrest. Other than that, it's out of my hands." I bit the inside of my cheek debating my options.

Mom is so going to hate me.

"Fine. You have a deal. But I want them to get two years on house arrest at most. And you pull any funny business, and I'll tell everyone what I know." I threatened.

"Alright. We have a deal. Now I-" I phased through the wall and walked away from his chambers.

Now all I had to do was get through this hearing and I could get myself out of immediate danger.

                      ———————

To dramatically enter or not to dramatically enter? That's the question.

I stood in front of the doors to the courtroom debating what to do. I knew I had to go in, obviously, I just didn't know how to do it. Suddenly, with a flash of urgency, I phased through the door and quietly snuck behind a row of seats to watch.

"Today we are here to discuss the punishment that will be placed on Clinton Francis Barton and Scott Edward Harris Lang. The two defendants have been charged with crimes against the Sokovia Accords and have both written their statements, which are to be read." Judge McCain read off a piece of paper. He looked up at the courtroom, then looked at the prosecutor. "Does the prosecution have anything to say?"

"No, your honor." A woman said. "I don't."

"I do," I spoke up.

Good going Chloe, that wasn't dramatic at all.

Every head in the room turned to look at me and I immediately regretted my decision. Taking a deep breath I walked down the aisle until I came to the wooden gate the separated the seats from the floor.

I looked to my left and regretted it. Clint and his family were watching me. They all had looks of horror in their eyes. I smiled softly and looked farther down the row. A little girl with brown hair sat next to a woman with blonde hair and a man with dark hair. I smiled at the little girl and she waved.

"Permission to approach the bench, your honor?" I asked and Judge McCain nodded.

I walked through the gate not bothering to open it. "We still have a deal?" I asked the judge quietly. He nodded and I smiled slightly.

I walked over to Clint and he frowned. "What are you doing here?!" He hissed.

"Fixing my mess," I told him.

"Chloe, I volunteered to help Steve, you didn't make me! This was my choice!" He whispered loudly.

"The world doesn't know that. I'm going to tell them that you two are innocent, that I begged you to help and you only went against the accords to make sure I didn't get killed or something." I told Clint pointing at both him and Scott.

"Chloe, please don't do this!" Cooper begged from over the railing.

I smiled at him. "It's fine. I'm gonna be fine. I promise." I looked at Scott and said, "I'm sorry you got pulled into all this."

"It's alright. It was my own doing I guess." He shrugged.

I turned to leave but was stopped by Clint grabbing my wrist. "Chloe, what about your mom?"

"She knows what I'm doing. She trusts me. Now I need you to trust me too. Please." Reluctantly Clint let go of my wrist and I reapproached the bench. "I have a few things I would like to say in defense of Mr. Barton and Mr. Lang, your honor."

Judge McCain nodded and gestured to the witness stand. I breathed deeply and walked towards the chair.

Hey, look at that! I actually updated in a timely manner! Yay!

Who thought that this was her plan? I've had this planned for forever.😆 What do you think is gonna happen next?

Let me know what you thought, and I will see you guys soon.