Choosing Hope -Moss Bluff Series Book Two

Chapter 19

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Chapter 19

Quinn

There's something wrong. Something has happened. Why haven't they come back? Georgia should be here by now. I know she was dealing with the bank this morning. I know she said she'd be late. But I don't think she meant she'd be this late.

And where is Leo? Why isn't he back? I've tried his phone several times now and he's not answering. Blake and Derrick followed Leo out of the courtroom to find Lindsey. Where did they go? I'm getting that hard, heavy feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach and it's making me sick.

I can't concentrate on what's happening with the hearing. My mind is focused elsewhere. Where is Leo? He supposed to be here. How is this going to affect the case? He's supposed to testify this morning, but he's not back. What happens when they call him to the stand and he's not here?

Was that the plan? Did Lindsey leave to get Leo to leave at just the right time?

Glaring across the courtroom, I stare at Fitz who has his head together with his attorney. The mayor is sitting right behind him, and there's a smug smirk on his face. Texting on his phone, the man doesn't have a care in the world.

Wait until he finds out what Georgia is doing. The mayor won't be so smug then. He chose Fitz's side on this for a reason. Lindsey probably had a hand in persuading him but he's got more at stake than to risk his career, his standing in this town.

Is he a part of this? Does he know something?

"Quinn, where's Leo?" Wells asks, getting my attention.

Breaking my stare, I look at Wells and shake my head. "Something happened. He left with Blake and Derrick. I don't know where he went. I've tried texting him. He isn't responding."

Looking around the small room, I see plenty of people who have come out to see what's going on. Those that live on the gossip of others' bad fortune are sitting anxiously waiting for a dirty little tidbit of information to spread. Each one of them wants to be the first to tell the tale of drama at the courthouse.

A few I only know by face, I don't remember their names. I'm not good with that like Georgia is. I recognize a couple of the police officers that helped when Fitz came that night sitting in the back. One of Paige's waitresses and the man from the pub are talking quietly in the corner. Even Leo's dad, Will, is here with Charlie, the police chief. Both showing support for us thanks to Georgia.

Leo and Ethan, Cole and Blake and Derrick are missing. The men that have stood up for me are nowhere to be found. Emma doesn't seem worried but it's not her or her child that's been threatened.

I shouldn't judge her. She's here for me. I appreciate it. I'm just not used to having many on my side. Feeling a hand on mine, I look down and see Emma's hand. My eyes lift to hers and she gives it a squeeze.

"They'll be back. He'll call you as soon as he can, Quinn. Don't think the worst just yet." Emma keeps an optimistic outlook on this. I wish I could.

As the judge calls for Leo to approach the stand, I watch Will and Charlie look around for Leo. Just as the judge calls for Leo again and asks the bailiff to check the hall, Charlie's phone goes off. The loud shrill ring in the hush of the room startled everyone as they turned to look at him.

"Sorry, your honor." Charlie apologizes before he answers the call and listens.

Wells and I watch and wait. Charlie's eyes widen and meet mine, then jump to the judge and back to me. Locked on mine, I watch the signs of a man who is out of his depths, struggling to keep his composure. Disconnecting this call, Charlie gets to his feet. Whispering something to Will, Charlie turns to rush out.