Stone Tavern: Isabella's Savior

CHAPTER ELEVEN

~CHAPTER ELEVEN ~

ISABELLA (BELLA)

When I got up this morning, Jack was already awake. I smelled coffee, bacon, and French toast. I came downstairs to seeing Jack setting the table for us to have breakfast. How the hell did I get so lucky to have him in my life. Neither of us said anything as we ate. Afterwards, he took our dishes to the kitchen to clean breakfast up. I went up to my room and grabbed my things for my shower. I got a shower and dressed into my dressed suit that Macey helped me pick out. Once I did my hair and light makeup, I came downstairs. After I finished doing my hair and putting on some makeup.

Jack looked concerned about something. Maybe there is something on his mind that is causing him to feel troubled. I'm questioning whether I have outstayed my welcome and if it is time for me to leave. I strongly hope to be with Jack, and I genuinely mean it. The unresolved court case and lingering issues from my past are causing me to not proceed until I fully resolve them.

When I walked into that room where he was standing, he finally looked at me when he noticed me in the room. He looked at me like he could devour me for his next meal. This caused me to chuckle for a second. We engaged in a brief discussion that lasted only a few minutes. Before we embarked on our journey, we made a stop at the garage, where we ultimately entered his truck. After backing out of his spot in the garage, he made use of the remote control to close the door. As soon as we shut the door behind us, we embarked on our journey to Greenwood Courthouse.

The drive to the courthouse was quiet. I didn't know what to say. Other than it felt like the world was caving in around me. I felt my chest getting tight, and it hurt to breathe. Next thing I know, I feel Jack's hand squeezing mine. Hell, I wasn't evening paying attending to my surroundings, as my vision had blurred. I took some deep breaths. Once I got myself calmed down. My breathing and vision were normal again. I realized we were at the courthouse already.

"You ready to head inside, Bells?" Jackson asked. Shaking my head no.

"Honestly, no! Not really. But we have to, don't we?" I said.

"Unfortunately, we do. Come on. Remember, I am here for you and I am not leaving." Jackson said.

As we both headed inside the courthouse, and I am pretty sure I saw Max and Ty here. There were in a room with police officers. I don't understand. They did nothing wrong, they only ever tried to help me. As we headed for the courtroom; to meet the district attorney. Jack caught a glance of Seline Burke. She was talking to her husband, Owen. She gave me the look of pure hatred. Selina leaned in and said something to Owen and he looked our direction. She smirked and pointed at me. I started shaking with fear. Thankfully, that it when the District Attorney Derek Harrison walked up to us.

"Hey, you two finally made it! Please follow me." Derek said.

"Why? Is everything ok?" Jackson asked.

"Yes, everything is going fine. But we want to ensure Isabella's safety. So, we want to put her in a secure room. With extra security." Derek mentions. Bella just looks at him. "It is only till you testify, Isabella. Then you will be free to leave the courthouse."

"NO!" I said. Both Derek and Jackson looked at her, confused.

"No, about what? Isabella." Derek asked her.

Bella took a deep breath and said, "I don't know."

"Bells, what is going on? Talk to us. Derek can help you." Jackson said. She just looked at Jackson and then at Derek.

"I'm sorry. But I can't do this. I am too terrified to testify." Bella said.

"I know she has been nervous about it that past couple of days. More so this morning." Jackson said.

"That is 100 percent completely natural to feel that way. When we all spoke on Friday, you were onboard to testify today, Isabella. Did something happened. Between Friday and today.?" Derek asked.

"Bella, did you tell him about what happened at Sweet Heaven?" Jackson asked her. He had sent the information to his assistant, Jason Ross. Jackson knew she wouldn't tell him about it.

Derek believed he was aware of what incident that Jackson was refereeing to. It was an altercation between Isabella and Selina. His assistant, Jason, brought him pictures and camera footage of the incident. Selina can't deny anything. We have her word for word saying things to Isabella. As well as assaulting her in public.

"No, I know I should have." I said.

"It's ok Bella." Jackson said. He looked at Derek and nodded.

"How about you tell me about what exactly happened, Isabella?" Derek asked.

"Well, I remember I just finished my therapy session. Jack and I went for a walk in West Avenue Park and we walked over to Sweet Heavens for ice cream. But the problem was we were being followed. I felt it and I just knew it in my bones. Anyway, when we were leaving Sweet Heaven, Selina confronted me." I said.

"What did she say to you?" Derek asked.

"She demanded that I drop the charges against David. She told me to retract my statements from the police. She also accused me of lying to the police and filing false charges. She said that if I didn't do what she said that she would make my life hell." I said.

"Bella was smart. She remained calm the entire time." Jackson said.

"Well, since we are here at the courthouse today, I guess you didn't drop the charges?" Derek said.

"No, I didn't. When I refused to drop them is when Selina smacked me across the face." I said.

"What a delusional woman. I am terribly sorry that she did that to you. She shouldn't have. She knows the law. Especially with being the wife of a lieutenant in the Fairville County Police department." Derek mentions.

"She is something alright." Jackson said. Derek just gave him a look.

"When Bella and I walked into the courtroom. I noticed them staring." Jackson said.

"Yeah, she had this look of pure hatred on her face. Then she leaned into Owen and said something. Owen looked in our direction and she pointed at me." I said.

"Did you press charges for assault?" Derek asked. "I don't know what her deal is in the courtroom."

"No, I did not press charges. I already have one Burke after me and trying to kill me. I really don't want another one. Besides, she scared the hell out of me. So, no, I didn't press charges." I said.

"I agree. Besides Selina, is there another reason you don't want to testify?" Derek said.

"D-David. I just can't face him. It's too much. It is making me physically sick." I said. I ran to the trash can and vomited in it.

"Bella, calm down. It's ok. He can't hurt you anymore. I promise." Jackson said. David hands Bella a tissue to wipe her mouth.

"Thanks." I said.

"Your welcome. But can you promise that?" I asked.

"I will do my very best today, Isabella." David said.

"How about I get to the restroom and get cleaned up?" Jackson said.

"Good idea. And in the meantime. Isabella, calm down Isabella, I will see what I can do." Derek said.

"Thank you." Both Jackson and I said at the same time. Derek nodded his head and left the room that he placed us in.

Jackson helped me to the bathroom. I went in and I got my face and hand washed up. I splashed warm water on my face. It seemed to help. On the way back to the room, we stopped at the vending machine and got a bottle of water. The warm water on my face and the cold water to drink seemed to help a little so far.