Don't look back

Chapter 19

My heart is shattering to the point of no return.

Being accused of making up stories to put innocent people away is killing my spirit and my soul. The defense lawyer blatantly called me a liar and a drama queen. Accusing me of lying to get Brandon put away for my own benefit.

I wish I knew what I had done in my past life to bring this on to myself. I was sure my case was solid but the way I was torn down makes me think this was all a big mistake.

One by one, Cameron and Ainsley were called in to testify. Never once was I left alone. There was always someone sitting with me. Cameron was still in the room giving his statement and Ainsley was sitting beside me. He was talking to me. I could see his lips moving but not a sound came from them. My mind was cloudy, a heavy fog that wouldn't lift.

I close my eyes for a brief moment only to open them and scream at the sight in front of me

Lucille- "AHHHHHHHH"

Ainsley- "Lucille, it's okay, It's only me"

Blinking my eyes, my vision starts to clear up. Ainsley is crouched down in front of me. Both his hands are on my knees.

Ainsley- "Luce, focus on my face. I am going to ask you a couple of questions okay"

I nod my head at Ainsley

Ainsley- "What day is it today?"

Lucille- "Wednesday"

Ainsley- "Where are you right now?"

Lucille- "Court house"

Ainsley- "Where is the courthouse?"

Lucille- "Blackburn"

Ainsley- "Good girl"

He leans forward and pulls me into his embrace. I rest my head on Ainsley's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. He isn't anything like Cameron but right now I need support to keep me going. Ainsley pulls back a little to look me in the eyes

Ainsley- "Can you tell me what spooked you so badly"

I take a deep shuddering breath

Lucille- "When I opened my eyes, all I saw was Brandon staring at me"

Ainsley pulls me back into his chest, rubbing my back and smoothing my hair down

Ainsley- "He won't ever get to you again Lucille. They claimed you were lying about your kidnapping but the evidence and police reports do not lie. He will be put away for a long time"

I keep taking long, deep breaths. My breathing has been erratic all day and the vision was not helping.

Before long Cameron was exiting the court room. One look towards Ainsley and I, he knew something was off. Making his way to us he pats Ainsley on the shoulder letting him know he was back.

Ainsley drops his arms from around me and I look up at him, he smiles and winks at me then walks away. Cameron takes his place and holds me to his chest.

Cameron- "He will be going away for a long time. His lawyer had no idea on what to say when I threw out the facts of the kidnapping"

Cameron takes my hands in his, I lift my head to look him in the eyes

Lucille- "One down"

Cameron- "We will get her Luce. She will never be able to hurt you again"

Still holding my hands, Cameron helps me to my feet

Cameron- "Did you want to get a coffee while we wait for Ainsley"

I nod my head and let Cameron lead me to the small café. Placing our orders with the barista we take a seat and wait.