The Other Twin

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two

*Final Verdict*

"I'm going to kill you."

"That doesn't sound good." Gavin's voice sounded amusedly from across the line.

"Taryn I'll help," Hafsa offered from across the aisle, "just give me the word."

"We're out for your blood Gavin," I informed gravely. Gavin chuckled in response despite our threats.

"Didn't you get my text? 126 Matinee Street."

"Your text," I said slowly and deliberately, "said Martin Street."

"Sh--!" He swore, quickly losing his humor. "Where are you all right now?"

I glanced outside, "Corner of Nolle Boulevard." We'd been wandering without direction for the past half hour, in search of an address that evidently did not exist. The exertion of walking, coupled with the over bearing summer heat, had finally lead us to the first air conditioned convenience store we found. I'd been calling and texting Gavin vainly throughout the whole time, but the idiot hadn't bothered to check his phone till now.

"Okay, that's not too far," he began with obvious relief, quickly rattling off the right directions to the courthouse before I could further yell at him.

"Alright people, I finally know how to get there," I said moving the phone away from my ear so I could get their attention. "Buy whatever you want and move out to the bus stop." Karyn nodded and grabbed Ollie's hand, walking out to the door held open by Hafsa as Scooter and Beth finished paying for their purchases. Beth caught my eye and maimed a strangling motion directed at Gavin.

"Beth wants to strangle you, by the way."

Gavin laughed guiltily, "I'm scared for my life right now."

"You should be."

"I still don't know how I sent "Martin" instead of "Manitee"."

"Don't tell me it was autocorrect." I groaned, though that was a major possibility considering some of the strange texts I'd received from him in the past.

"Errr... sorry?" He said weakly.

"Inadequate apology not accepted."

"But I am," he insisted sincerely, "I've just been out of it lately, especially today. I could barely manage to button my own shirt in the morning."

"How's the trial going so far?" My voice softened as he let out a battered and burdened exhale. I waited.

"Allhamdulilah." He said finally. "Vivian and Clyde got a really good lawyer, but your parents prepared for everything." The tone of his voice tipped me off that something was bothering him but I decided not to push him when he was already so on edge. "We're in a short recess now," he said finally, "Preston and I will be waiting in the outside pavilion." I heard Preston call my name in the background, relieved that his sunny disposition was keeping Gavin company.

"We're gonna head to the bus stop then," I looked up to see Karyn give me a nod to tell me the whole group was done and headed outside to join them. "See you in about fifteen minutes."

"Okay," Gavin's voice suddenly got very small, like he didn't want to end the call.

"Hey," I stopped walking.

"Yea?"

"It's all gonna work out. Insha'Allah, right?"

The line went quiet but I could still hear him breathing softly into the receiver. "Insha'Allah." Gavin agreed.