Meryl and Don: An Unforeseen Journey

Chapter 83

"Okay baby, we're all packed." Meryl said coming out of the bathroom with their last minute stuff.

Don was sitting on the floor playing cars with Henry. "What if the trial is extended? Maybe I jumped the gun by making the Maine arrangements and telling the front desk that we were checking out this morning."

"Sweetheart, the judge said himself that he would be rendering a verdict this afternoon. It's all planned, as soon as it's over we'll go get the boy and Larry will take us to the landing strip where his pilot is waiting for us and he will take back our rental car. You even have the beach cabin all figured out." Meryl said as she bent down to get Henry.

Henry smiled. "Me Daddy pway caws."

"I see that." Meryl said with a kiss to his cheek. "Go make sure you didn't leave Colt in the living room."

Henry smiled as she sat him down. "I be wite back."

"Baby, this is almost over." Meryl said wrapping her arms around his neck. "Time time tomorrow we will be on the beach with Henry all thanks to my incredibly handsome and thoughtful husband."

Don leaned his forehead against hers. "It's been one fucking thing after another. I just want us to get away. I don't want anything else to hurt you or Henry."

"I don't want anything to hurt you and Henry." Meryl said kissing his lips. "But baby, you can't control everything including how we are or aren't hurt."

Don sighed as he saw Henry run in with Colt. "I can sure as hell try."

***

"Good, you're here!" Mike said out of breath as he ran up to Meryl and Don as they entered the courthouse.

Don grabbed Meryl's hand and looked at his chosen father. "What's up? What's wrong?"

"Let's go in here." Mike said opening the door as Larry walked in after them.

Larry looked confused as well. "Dad, what's going on? If this has to do with Don and Meryl I need to know as their lawyer."

"Sit down, all of you. This is just another nail in James' coffin but it is upsetting news." Mike began. "Meryl, I'm worried about your stress level but you all will hear about it in there."

Meryl held onto Don's hand more tightly. "Mike, what is it?"

"I got a call from the Manhattan DA; and the forensics from the gun and bullet used to try to kill Don came back." Mike took a breath. "It's registered to James and was bought in Manhattan during the day Don found Meryl and Henry."

Don shook his head. "Are you telling me that the gun Mann used to threaten my wife and son, the gun that was used to try to kill me, belonged to my father? How?"

"I talked to Jane and she said once they got to the hotel in New York City that morning that James said he had business in the city." Mike explained. "The timing all adds up. Meryl, did he have a gun when he took you and Henry?""

Don was wiping Meryl's tears as she was trying to process everything. He noticed she didn't say anything. "Darl, do you remember?"

"Ummm...no." Meryl whispered. "I don't remember seeing a gun until that...I don't even know if it was morning or afternoon or evening when you found us, Don."

Don could tell she was trying not to lose it. "It was late in the afternoon, babe."

"Okay." Meryl breathed. "I don't remember seeing a gun until that afternoon when he threatened Henry and then shot Don."

Don massaged her neck. "So, what does this mean?"

"It means that we have added accessory to his charges." Mike said. "This is good."