The Succession: Sequel To The Passage (h.s.)

Chapter Six

Harry's POV

I can't believe this is happening right now. Why does life continue being consistently unfair to her? I don't like keeping secrets from Willow, but right now I don't feel like I have any other choice. I've made the decision that I'm not telling her about this until after the wedding. It's supposed to be her special day with no worries, I refuse to ruin it for her.

My lawyer called me while I was at lunch with Willow and Mum. I had a gut wrenching feeling the moment I saw his name on the caller ID. I knew there had to be some sort of significant problem. He's aware that I'm on vacation, as a matter of fact, he knows the entire situation about her being sick. The only reason he'd call is if something is terribly wrong.

The judge in James' attempted manslaughter case insists that Willow and I be present to give our preliminary testimony next week. She still isn't well enough to travel, and we're completely across the world from LA. I'm in full on panic mode right now, my stomach is tied in knots and the more I think about it the closer I come to throwing up.

My attorney Mark was informed that if we don't attend these proceedings, they'll reduce the charges to a lesser crime. Something ridiculous about burden of proof; what other proof do they need. He was there when the police arrived, and Willow was lying near death on the floor. You could see bruises on her neck where his hands tried to strangle her. And from a forensic standpoint I can guarantee that the photographs the police took will match his hands perfectly

I should've killed that son of bitch when I had the chance. All three of my girls; Willow, Lark, and Lily shouldn't have to live like this. Willow will be terrified if they let him out of jail. She's already scared, especially in her sleep; all alone with her thoughts and those horrible memories.

The nights she screams and cries in her sleep, are weighing on my mental and physical healthy. She begs for her life and considering she's unconscious there's not a damn thing I can do to protector her. There're times when her voice is strained as if she's being choked all over again. The only thing I can do is hold her and make her feel safe. When she falls back to sleep again, I sit and cry to myself because I don't know how to make her fears go away. In reality this doesn't happen very often, but my fear is the news of him being back on the streets will trigger more night terrors.

The bottom line is this, a reduction of charges means not nearly enough jail time for him. For the sake of my family I wish they'd lock his ass away forever but unfortunately that's not my decision to make. Mark submitted a petition of stay for the court proceedings and he's awaiting word from the judge.

If the court doesn't approve the stay, Mark will have to draw up another petition requesting we be able to provide our testimony via video conferencing. Considering this is a preliminary hearing it shouldn't fucking matter if we're in person or not. I'm so fucking angry and scared, if neither option works, I have no idea what we'll do.

I pace the floors of the apartment, as if these persistent steps will provide me with a simple solution to this problem. I'm glad Mum has Willow out of the apartment for a while. I'm a wreck and I've always been a horrible liar. She'll see right through my attempts to act like everything is normal. I can tell she already suspects something's upsetting me.

I've contacted Dr. Bianchi; he's preparing a medical statement reporting that she's unable to travel out of the necessity of her life and the life of the babies as well. When we're on the phone we chat for a while, he's curious to hear about her progress.

"You're doing a great job taking care of her Harry. I know how much work it is, and you have a lot going on right now. I'd like you to bring her to see me for a quick check on her and the twins tomorrow. I think it's really important that I keep a close eye on her."