KNOCKOUT

Chapter 11

The wheels squeak against the ground as I try to roll the suitcases across the gym. Once I get them to the door, I stop in my tracks and wait for Holden. I'm sure he's upstairs panicking; it may be my job to calm him down, but I'm freaking out just as much right now.

We have no idea how long Holden's trial will last, so we've packed for two weeks. Even after having a week to piece together a plan for the case, we've got nothing.

As of now, we don't see a way for Holden to win. If the police are able to match his DNA with anything found from the original investigation, it'll all be over. The only thing working in Holden's favor is Josh unable to bring forth any physical proof. Any proof he would've had was sure to convict him as well, so he destroyed it before moving Holden to New York.

I'm terrified for Holden.

The elevator makes a shrill sound and I direct my eyes toward it, waiting for Holden to appear. We have to leave soon or we'll miss our flight to London.

When he emerges from the small space, his eyes are rimmed red and I can feel my heart shattering for him. Although nothing has physically changed about him, he looks so small and so exhausted.

"I have to report to the courthouse within three hours of our arrival," he mumbles, barely loud enough for me to hear him.

I nod, "Sterling's outside waiting for us."

Holden takes the suitcases from me, pushing the door open and hesitating momentarily before I push him through the threshold. I know he's saying goodbye to the apartment, and to the gym. He doesn't believe he can win the case, and I can't blame him. We haven't even had a meeting with his lawyer; we only know his lawyer is said to be really good at her job.

I can only pray that's true.

Sterling hops out driver's seat, sending Holden a strange look as he takes our bags. Holden told him a toned-down version of the story, careful to avoid outright admitting anything. Sterling is Holden's best friend, but so was Josh. Holden micromanaged everything he said about the topic, only giving Sterling enough detail to understand what was happening.

I glance between the men before placing my body in the backseat, leaning my forehead against the glass window.

Two more doors slam minutes after mine, signaling the men's entrances. The car ride is silent, no one sure how to approach even the simplest conversation. To be fair, none of us were ever prepared for this to happen.

The journey is much shorter than desired, but Holden and I exit the car regardless. We thank Sterling for the ride and I'm surprised when Sterling exits the car himself. He hurries around the back of the vehicle, hugging Holden quickly before moving on to me.

"Be careful," he whispers, speaking into my hair.

I nod into his chest, ready to pull away, but his grip on me doesn't budge.

"If he can't come back," he takes a breath before continuing, "I'll come get you. You're not alone."

I nod again, ignoring the few tears running down my cheeks. Sterling places a gentle kiss to my forehead before turning returning to his car. I ignore Holden's gaze and walk forward into the airport, clearing the tears from my face.

After we get our boarding passes printed, we check our bags and head through security. The man checks my passport first, waving me through and I'm about to continue on when I notice Holden getting stopped.

"Sir, you need to step to the side for a moment." Holden's brow scrunch together in confusion, but he listens to the man anyway.

I backtrack to the stand, interrupting the guy muttering into a walkie-talkie.