Amelia

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

"Stay quiet or you'll regret it." Alexander's threat went in one ear and out the other. As soon as we entered the courtroom, all I could focus on was finding Fin. He wasn't there yet, but Morgin was, with Kappi, Gunnar, and Skari. I had never met Fin's sister before, and I was devastated to know that our first time would be under these circumstances. I was sure she'd be angry with me, the woman who put her brother back in jail, but she only shot me a sad smile and a small wave before conversing with her father. Morgin tried to get up to come see me, but Gunnar held her back. The look he gave me let me know there were no hard feelings; it was just safer for everyone if they stayed away from me. I returned his look with a watery smile, hoping to convey my understanding.

Alexander must have noticed them too, because his hand tightened painfully on my wrist. Clearly, he remembered Morgin from the hospital and was cross with the lie I'd fed him.

None of that mattered, however. Suddenly, there was a hush over the crowd as a police officer brought in a giant in a blue jumpsuit. His hair was oily and disheveled, as though he hadn't showered in a while, and his facial scruff was over grown. Bloodied hands were clutched together in an attempt to lessen the pain from the cuffs cutting off circulation to his fingers.

Fin.

A strange noise came out of my mouth and I rushed to him, not thinking, just wanting to hold him and plead with him to forgive me. All I could think about was getting to Fin, no one else mattered. Until a forceful hand grabbed my arm and stopped me short.

Alexander held onto me as if he were a good husband comforting a distraught wife. I continued to struggle, wanting to get to Fin, who had seen me and was currently in a similar situation trying to fight off his now three police escorts. I didn't even stop when Alexander whispered in my ear.

"If you don't cut this shit I will break both of your legs when we get home." I didn't care. I didn't care. He could do whatever he wanted with me, as long as I could hold Fin, as long as I could see him. I didn't care what happened to me. I wanted Fin.

"Amelia, cut this shit or you'll never see him again." That stopped me. I knew what Alexander meant. He would do something to Fin, hurt him, and I couldn't let that happen. Fin saw my struggles cease and he glared at Alexander, knowing it was him who had caused the blood to drain from my face.

Fin held my stare, and I held his. We said nothing, but the world faded until it was only us, standing too far apart, wanting and reaching but never touching.

I felt my heart break all over again.

Eventually, the police coerced Fin into his chair and Alexander forced me into mine: right in the front row, on the opposite side of Fin's family. The Quincy Lawyers were already seated at the table, and Alexander went to greet them. I was lost staring at Fin until I felt a cold chill at my side.

Tearing my eyes from the man I loved, I glared at my mother. Her cool face was looking towards Morgin, who scowled hatefully at her. Mother made no indication of emotion, just simply watching her plan fall into place.

I made to get up and move away from her, but my mother latched her sharp talons into my arm, a silent warning to stay still. I wrenched my arm away, but stayed in my seat.

The door to the courtroom opened and every eye turned to the intruder, having not expected anyone else to enter. Two confident looking men in dark grey suits and shiny black leather shoes strutted to the floor. Each had a polished black briefcase with them.

Lawyers.

I fully expected these men to be part of Alexander's team, but no. Instead, they passed through the gate and made their way to Fin, who looked just as confused as I was. A quick glance and Morgin and Kappi showed that they, too, had no idea who these men were.