We walk through the heavy oak doors, all six of us tightly packed together. Although it's only been a week here in England, the city of Cheshire has been good to us.
Today is Holden's third and final hearing, but we've been reminded how remarkable he was to get past the first day.
I'll give it to Mrs. Darling ⎯ she's good. She works much better at the front of a courtroom than she does in someone's house. The insufferable woman has been a necessary asset and I couldn't be more thrilled with the progress so far.
Holden could actually win this.
We walk hand-in-hand, Holden and I. Mrs. Darling walks ahead of us and Holden's family is stationed behind us. Close by, Austin trails the Samuels family, being just one more link in Holden's support system. Reporters line the hallway, each and every one shouting questions over and over again. The loudest question rings through my mind, everybody but Holden and I curious about the answer.
Did the beloved boxer, Holden Samuels, really murder someone?
The questions all go unanswered and the sound of voices fade as we enter the courtroom. Mrs. Darling opens the door for us, but stays behind, presumably to talk to the prosecutor about dropping the accusation. Holden lets go of my hand as he passes the gates to the front of the courtroom. I claim my seat behind him, sure to be close to offer my support.
"I'm going to the restroom before we start," I say, motioning for Isabella to save my seat. She nods and I head back out of the room. As I approach the bathroom, I hear Mrs. Darling's voice speaking in hushed tones.
"That's not possible," she hisses. "You said we had everything covered up. I wouldn't have taken his case if there was a chance of losing."
I wait by the door, obviously startling the woman. She looks distressed ⎯ the complete opposite of how she's been this whole week. Now I know why; she's always expected Holden to win.
"What happened?" I demand.
"Ms. Stevens, it's nothing."
She tries to move past me, but I block her. After realizing I won't let her go, she sighs, patiently waiting for me to speak again.
"I know you won't tell Holden, so tell me. Now."
Mrs. Darling clicks her heels on the ground, "They found a DNA match."
"What?"
"When they first investigated Dean Winters' death, they were able to find someone else's DNA under his fingernails. Like he was clawing at his attacker." She pauses, "Holden's blood test revealed a match."
I can feel my throat tightening, "What does it mean for the case?"
"We need a miracle to win."
I've needed a miracle my whole life, finally getting one when Holden busted into my life. God would have to be playing some sort of sick joke on me to take Holden away now.
Together, Mrs. Darling and I walk back toward the courtroom, my earlier trip to the bathroom forgotten. Before we can enter through the large doors, an idea sparks in my head. It's a long shot, but it might be worth it.
"Put me on the stand," I call, halting Mrs. Darling in her tracks.
"You're not a witness." She rolls her eyes, "What good would that do for anyone?"
"I've spent the most time with him." The idea is far-fetched, but having a bad plan is better than no plan at all. "I'd be a character witness. I've watched him fight in and outside of the ring. Besides, I'm your only option at this point."
YOU ARE READING
KNOCKOUT
Fiksi Remaja***SEQUEL to FIGHT*** The last word she said to him was "fight." And that's exactly what he did. Tatum and Holden seem to have faced more challenges than most. They've been through pretty much everything - abusive exes, terrible family members, dark...
