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Clayton
The weekend is spent just the way Abigail wanted. The three of us just lazing around, in our pj’s doing absolutely nothing useful. I think I put on twenty pounds for all the garbage we’ve eaten at all hours of the day and night. I’m supposed to be at school. Supposed to be in Calculus, but I managed to sneak into the courtroom and sit all the way in the back, so she can’t see me. There’s a good chance that they are handing down a decision today, and I need to be here to hear it happen. We need to know that this is going to be over finally, and we can all really begin to heal.
Abigail is sitting up front with Fred just behind her. Next to him is Mollie, a sure sign that today is an important day. Our girl looks nervous as she watches the lawyers talk amongst themselves. The Judge comes out, and they call the court into session. The Assistant District Attorney stands and addresses the court. She talks about Abigail, about the years of abuse, the miles of recently found evidence that the defense isn’t even trying to deny. Talks about Harmand’s recent attack on her and the things he tried to do. You can see sickened looks from parts of the jury. Tears from some others. Abigail is holding onto herself tightly. She isn’t going to be able to take much more.
The ADA finishes, and the defense gives no rebuttal. They don’t have a leg to stand on, and they know it. Between the evidence, testimony, and Harmand’s idiocy, there is nothing to defend. Instead of deliberating, the judge renders judgment directly from the bench.
Guilty on all counts. Sentencing to commence next week, in the meantime, they, Harmand, his father, Killian, and her good for nothing mother are to be remanded to the state penitentiary. As for Harmand Senior, the grand Pappy of them all, they are still investigating, but all of his holdings are now frozen, and his estate is under review. Our girl is about to bring down the most powerful family in this whole county. So much for a little nobody from the wrong side of the tracks.
I slip out as she stands to hug the lawyer, followed by Fred and Mollie. Blending with the crowd, I get outside and pull the car around. Did I mention I stole to Fred’s and retrieved the General? He was finally fixed, and while Abigail and Vic have probably not been counting the days as readily as I have, with obvious reasons, her license has come up to be reinstated this month. So I’m taking her to the DMV. Today.
I park out front and leaning against the old boy casually, I wait.
Abigail is talking to Fred and the lawyers as she walks out of the courthouse. I’m not sure what they are saying, but she doesn’t seem to like it. She’s doing an awful lot of shaking her head no. Throwing her hands up, she walks down the stairs. Spotting me Abigail comes straight for me. She’s in my arms in seconds with her head on my chest.
“You wanna get outta here?” I chuckle.
“Yes! Please.”
With a quick wave off to Fred and Mollie, I get Abigail into the car, and we pull away. “What was all the gesturing about?” I ask as we turn toward the highway.
“What are you doing, not in school?” Deflection her favorite thing.
“I knew what today was. I also know that the DMV is less crowded in the mid-morning.” I shift down with a smile.
“Why are we going to the DMV?” She asks me, confused.
“It’s been six months; wouldn’t you like to drive this baby home?” I glance at her watching me drive. I know she’s itching to take over.
“I’d completely forgotten. Think I could do it one-handed?”
“Honey, I think you can do a lot more with that arm than you let on. So yeah, you got this.” We’re stopped at a red light, so I take the opportunity to kiss her. “Way I see it, you got plenty to celebrate, so I think we should all go out to Mac’s Friday. Have a good time.” I fail to mention it’s my birthday. I don’t want the fuss. I just want it to be us.
“Yeah, maybe. I’ve got to go see the lawyers again tomorrow. Deal with a couple more things.”
“Do ya get a say in their sentencing?” I side-eye her as we’re pulling into the DMV. “I brought your makeup bag, in case you wanted to clean up or down. There’s also jeans and a tee in the bag on the back seat.”
“Not really. It’s more that the lawyers want me to sue them now. I just want it over. Fred agrees with the lawyers, though.”
“Honey, I don’t blame you. I say fuck it. They’re gonna get theirs. You wanna really fuck, um. Donate the land to a wildlife preserve or some shit. Make it untouchable.”
“They’re trying to add senior into the suing process. I go tomorrow to find out more details, but there may be charges against him to at this rate. It’s all a little much if you ask me. Did you bring a Radman’s tee?”
“Look for yourself. Vic clued me in.” I smile as she climbs into the back.
“Vic told ya, right?” She asks, pulling off her button down and shimmying into the Radman’s tee.
“That’s what I said.” I chuckle. “He’s gonna meet us at Mollie’s by two. Figured we’d be done by then. I was thinking some chili cheese fries and cheesesteaks sounded good. Or is that just me?”
“Sorry, I think I’m still hung up on everything that happened today. Actually, I really just want a pineapple watermelon shake or smoothie.”
I inwardly gag. “Whatever you want, Honey.” I guess I’m not the only one craving things today.
