31. Chapter 31

Chapter 31

ALEX

T hat was a restful night’s sleep, but how did I get to bed? Must’ve been the angel next to me. I had that great dream on the beach again too. His eyes fluttered open and a smile followed.

“Hi. Thanks for the lift to bed.” I murmured.

“You’re welcome. How did you sleep?” He mumbled through the most beautiful sleepy brown eyes then yawned .

“It was perfect. Just what the doctor ordered. How about you?” I stretched over and rubbed my hand lazily up and down his arm.

“It took me a while to go to sleep because I was perfectly content watching you sleep so soundly. Did you want to go to the gym?”

I nodded in agreement, “But I just want to sit in the sauna and meditate after I do a little yoga. I need to get my mind in a calm state. I’ve been so hyped up and today is game time.” He inched closer to me, hooking his arms around my waist, closing the distance between us.

“I have something that will calm your mind.” There was a hot, searing look coming out of those eyes now. He kissed my lips and my jawline, working his way down. He was right— this was definitely calming.

After a lovemaking session we went to the gym for some yoga and meditation.

Breakfast was quiet until the phone rang. Matt’s name scrolled across the screen.

“Hi Matt. I have you on speaker, Roman’s here.”

“Hey you two, good morning. Jack’s here as well. We’re heading to the courthouse. Just wanted to let you know that we’ll meet you outside and walk in together.”

Roman asked, “Is that usual practice? Is something wrong?”

I scrunched my brows together and looked at Roman, who now looked somewhat nervous. It had me wondering why he would think that was a big deal or that something might be wrong.

Jack said, “It's not a big deal at all. We just got wind that there’s a bunch of reporters waiting there to make this a zoo and thought it would be better if we all walked in together.” I could feel the anxiety welling up in my chest.

“What the hell for?” I sounded panicky and agitated .

“Someone tipped off the press that you were not the victim, that Tanner was.” Jack's voice was calm and reassuring even as he said those words.

Oh lord, I’m going to hyperventilate.

“I can only guess who started that bullshit. What does that mean, now?” My voice however was not. I realized I had a death grip on Roman’s sleeve. I looked up at him, taking a deep breath and released his arm. He put a hand on my back, and I know he was just trying to calm me down but I’m not sure anything is going to be able to do that for me today. I’m going to have to get a grip before all hell breaks loose.

Matt reacted sternly. “Nothing. It means keep your mouth shut when we walk in the building no matter what they ask or say to you, do you understand me?” He sounded pissed but Jack and Matt knew me as well as their wives, how I would react to getting harassed.

“Alex, we’re serious this is not going to be the time for you to tell anyone how you feel, that’s what the courtroom is for.” I'm sure Jack was trying to figure out how to diffuse the tension that builds between Matt and myself since the deposition.

I was gritting my teeth when I said, “I hear you loud and clear. No telling anyone to fuck off.” I shook my head, leaving my phone there as I stormed across the room to get some air and think. I heard Roman say thanks to the guys, then hung up the phone.

As he was walking toward me, I addressed my fears. “I knew this was going to get worse, I just knew it. He’s such a piece of shit.” I was pacing back and forth— the nausea was creeping in.

“Matt and Jack are right. We just go into the building and ignore the media. You can say everything you need to say in the courtroom.” Roman tried to be as comforting as possible. I mindlessly nodded my head ruminating over the plan of what I was actually going to do to that son of a bitch in there.

“If this is all over the news, what’s going to happen to my business? This is insane. If they make shit up about me for ratings or to sell news, everything I’m trying to do for those residents will get destroyed.” That’s my biggest fear. Everything I’ve worked so hard for, ruined.

“That’s not going to happen. Those people know you.” Roman tried to reassure me but my focus was elsewhere.

“Well, what about the investors?” They sure as hell don’t know me but they will soon enough. I’m sure I’ll be known as the loose cannon after this.

“They know me and Harrison. They don’t care about shit like this, I promise.”

I was trying to stay calm but all the yoga and meditation this morning was washed clear from my veins and replaced with anxiousness and fury.

“Court is at nine. What time is it now?” Time to get this over with.

“It’s eight.”

“We should leave soon and get there early. I have to let everyone know what’s going on out there, so they’re not blindsided.”

I called my brother to let him know about the reporters. I told him to maybe come in a little later with dad, but he said they were already on their way. He didn't seem to concerned.

Roman was driving so I decided to call the girls to get some motivation and text Shay and update her on the situation in front of the courthouse.

ALEX: “Hey girl, just a heads up that there are reporters outside the courthouse. Don’t talk to them, just come on in.”

SHAY: “Thanks. Are you hanging in there? ”

ALEX: “Doing just fine, girl. See you soon.” I hated to lie to her, but it helped me lie to myself as well.

I called the girls on a three way.

Maggie said, “Hey, girl!”

Abby said, “Alex, you’ve got this.”

I laughed and said, “Maggie, I’m going to need you to stomp the fuck out of the eggshells right now.” I needed as much fuel as I could get for this showdown.

Maggie obliged, “In that case, good morning, Jerkface. We’re on our way.”

I said, “Thank you girls. I wanted to make sure you knew about the reporters outside the courthouse.”

Abby said, “We know. The asshole wanted to make trouble. Marcus apparently did it trying to feed the flames.”

It was Marcus too huh? Nice . I just shook my head hoping Roman didn’t get too upset about it.

“Let’s get this over with.” I said trying to end the conversation.

Roman chimed in because I had them on speaker. “Maggie, Abby, Good morning. Why don’t you sit with me.” They both agreed and we parked the car.

Here we go.

***

ROMAN

I was gripping Alex’s hand protectively as we walked in stride toward the courthouse. Matt and Jack were waiting for us off to the side, arm's crossed, with more serious expressions than I had ever witnessed on either of them before. Maggie and Abby had driven separately. I glanced down the sidewalk to spot them now swiftly making their way to our location.

“I don’t get this, really,” Matt said while shaking his head in disbelief. I mean why was this whole thing such a big deal anyway?

“This is personal. He’s going after my family, and anyone associated with them. They’ll try to use this to hurt the company and ruin all our reputations.” That’s the only thing it could be about.

Jack said, “Sounds like a couple of sore losers to me.” Alex looked like she was getting nervous, but Abby and Maggie were talking to her, hopefully trying to calm her down.

“Let’s get this part over with and get in there,” Matt nodded, and we ushered the girls towards the steps.

I whispered in Alex’s ear right before we got to the media vultures, “All the important people know the truth. Don’t let this rattle you. Remember everything you’ve been working so hard for.”

She looked at me with a coldness in her eyes and nodded slowly like she was looking through me rather than to me. “I’m fine. Tunnel vision, I promise.” The venom that came with it is what bothered me the most.

She had that eerie calm look in her eyes. I figured I should be glad because that would get her past those reporters. Hopefully, she’d keep her mouth shut like Matt and Jack suggested. Matt looked at Alex and winked and she smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. What had reached her eyes was a little scary for my taste.

As we headed up the steps, Matt and Jack made a way through the reporters for Alex as they yelled questions at her. They tried to get her attention, and I felt her body jerking to turn around and say something, especially when someone yelled, “What a bitch.” She was doing great, even as her breathing accelerated. I instinctively wrapped my arm around her to keep her from turning .

Right as we stepped inside the courthouse, she wrenched out of my arm. I held my hands up taking a step away, knowing she was not calm right now. Matt turned around at the right moment and pulled Alex aside. “Don’t let them get to you. Take Maggie and Abby into the bathroom and splash some water on your face or something.” She looked furious. Maggie and Abby both hurried her into the bathroom.

“Thanks,” I said to Matt. “She seems better when you help her out.” It frustrated me that she always pushed me away.

“I’ve known Alex since she was eighteen. She was a sweet girl before she got together with Luke. That marriage changed her, and we went through all of it with her. You’ve taken Luke’s spot, and even though you’re clearly not him, she’s not that far removed from the divorce.” Matt recited the past with familiarity and frustration.

“I guess I should’ve taken that into consideration.” So, I’m Luke? That’s just fucking great.

“You’ve gotten in her head; don’t give up. We’ve seen the sweet Alex again and the girls are grateful. And so are we.” Jack encouraged me not to let her bother me.

I don’t think we’re going to see the sweet Alex today .

“Thanks, and I don’t plan to, but she seems to need space from me, and I don’t know how she’s going to get that living together. She hasn’t even unpacked her stuff yet or gone to get more.”

Matt reached over patting me on the shoulder. “She’ll get there.” Yeah, right. But where’s she going before she gets there?

The girls came out of the bathroom with smiles on their faces, so I guess whatever happened in there was a good thing, or else they were plotting something. I’d bet anything they’re plotting.

** *

ALEX

The girls snagged me by each arm, practically shoving me into the restroom. I'm not even sure if they pushed me into the women's bathroom.

Maggie said, “No name calling right now. This is serious. You need to pull your shit together. You can’t go into that courtroom with that look on your face.”

“What look is that, Maggie?” I spit out placing my hands aggressively on the sink before looking at the crazed wild eyes staring back at me in the mirror.

Abby growled uncharacteristically, “Calm down.”

I whipped my head around in her direction and said, “Don’t tell me to fucking calm down. There’s not some lunatic having a whole battalion of reporters call you a psycho bitch whore.”

Maggie and Abby were silent, holding their breath before we all burst out laughing and Maggie said while gasping for air, “What... is... a... psycho... bitch… whore?”

I put my hands on my face, doubled over and screamed into my hands to muffle the noise I really wanted to make. When I came back up, the girls had gained their composure, and all the anxiety seemed to be out of my system for the moment. I turned back to the sink and patted some cold water on my face then dried it. I calmly fixed my hair taking a deep breath and motioned the girls back to the hall.

Matt asked, “All good?” Not yet , I thought, but it will be.

I nodded and snarled, “Yep, let’s go send this asshole to jail.” I smiled contemptuously as walked in front. I was going to use this adrenaline to my advantage now. Abby and Maggie hurried up to keep up.

At the door to the courtroom my dad, brother and Roman’s parents were already there. Matt and Jack said they would be inside and to meet them at the table with the DA. I gave dad and Edward a hug and waved to the Kings. Roman ushered his parents and Harrison over to meet my dad and my brother.

He introduced our families, “Hank. Edward. These are my parents Lisette and Fitz. This is my brother Harrison.” My family shook hands with everyone, and I suggested they sit together. They agreed and out of the corner of my eye I saw Grant, Shay, and the Santoros. I started to get an uneasy feeling about all these people hearing these horrible things said about me.

Roman turned around and said, “Shit.” Why does that bother him? He should be happy I have so much support even though I’m a little agitated with all these people here.

I looked at him questioningly. “What?” He looked nervous and agitated himself. I reached out, taking hold of his hand and his palm was sweating.

“Nothing, it’s fine.” It didn’t seem fine, and his vibe was just as complicated as his words.

As soon as they came over, we started the introductions but apparently Roman’s dad already knew Grant and the Santoros. I don’t have time for this new revelation. I need to get in the courtroom and get ready for war. Mrs. Santoro hugged me and told me everything was going to be fine just before I grabbed the handle of the door. I thanked her then Abby, Maggie and I walked into the courtroom.

Abby whispered, “Who were they?” I ignored her, scanning the room zoning in on the defendant's seat for Tanner. I spotted him staring at me, creepily, from his seat with a shit eating grin on his face. I immediately looked for Jack and Matt who were ushering me forth keeping my focus on them .

Unspoken words “Don’t look at him just look at us.” The girls sat in the seats right behind us saving a spot for Roman. I took my seat in between Jack and the DA.

The DA instructed me, “Alex, I don’t want you to look at the defendant at all during this unless someone asks you to point him out.” The rest was kind of a blur of telling me what I should and shouldn’t say or do to the point I tuned them all out. I knew what I was going to do; common sense told me that it was going to be a disaster.

***

ROMAN

Oh my god. What the hell are the Santoros doing here? Why would Grant bring them here? Jesus, do they know the Ellington’s too? This is going to be a fucking circus. I guessed introducing everyone and pretending it was no big deal was the best decision. I introduced Alex’s dad and brother first. Edward quickly ushered his father into the courtroom seemingly not trying to overwhelm his father. I was about to introduce my parents, but my dad was already deep in hugs and conversation with Grant and the Santoros. Mom was the only one who needed to be introduced, it seemed as she stood there with her hands tightly clenched looking more nervous than willing to meet new people. Harrison eyed me suspiciously and I shrugged my shoulders because I had no idea what was happening. I felt at this point it was time to exit this conversation and head into the courtroom. I’ll talk to dad later and find out what was going on.

I spotted Tanner up front in his seat staring at Alex. Thankfully she wasn’t looking in his direction. Abby and Maggie were waving me up to the seat behind her and that’s when Tanner whipped his head around to look in my direction. He had such an evil expression on his face. I glared at him as I scooted into the bench with Abby and Maggie. Alex was whispering with her attorneys, so I didn’t get a chance to say anything else to her before the judge came and everyone was instructed to rise. The courtroom was full of support for Alex. There seemed to be only a few people there to support Tanner. His brother Marcus was there scrutinizing the room before detecting me staring at him. I kept his seriously wicked gaze trying to figure out what his game was before he flicked his eyes to the back of the room. I glanced back to see the who he might be looking at. His line of sight seemed to be on Grant and the Santoros which doesn't surprise me since they seem to stand out in the crowd— but is there more to it than that? Do they all know each other?

Maggie leaned over and whispered, “What are you thinking about? You’re starting to look like Alex.”

I smirked bringing myself back to my side of the room. I’m sure I was behaving just like her, since I could feel all that energy coming off her. Glad I couldn’t feel anyone else's.

When the hearing started, they called all the witnesses first, then we took a break. That part was over quickly. For whatever reason, Tanner’s lawyer didn’t do much to cross examine the witnesses and he didn’t rattle any of them. We had planned to go across the street for lunch, but the vultures were still circling, so we didn’t end up staying put. They had vending machines, so we had vending machine lunch, and went into a conference room to talk strategy, is what Jack and the DA mentioned.

Matt was very diplomatic. “It’s going well in there. They haven’t done anything out of the ordinary.” His demeanor seemed to be more settled now .

Then Alex muttered quietly, “They’re just waiting for me.” Her face was like stone, and she was staring blindly at the table.

Jack mildly agreed, “Maybe, but according to the witness list they don’t have anyone else so they’re going to have to put Tanner on the stand if they decide he’s a credible witness. But anything he has to say about you is hearsay as far as character goes. If he brings up the assault, then he’s going to have to tell everyone in there what you did to him. I really don’t think he wants to tell the story of the little girl who made him scream on his knees.”

Everyone laughed except me and Alex. She was staring at me apologetically. What the hell is going on in your head?

***

ALEX

Tanner’s lawyer was waiting to get me on the stand, and I’m looking forward to it. They didn’t care about cross examining anyone in there. I could hear what Matt and Jack were talking about, but I only listened in case they said anything I needed to hear. I was too focused on my plan.

Whatever Tanner’s lawyers were doing with the witnesses made me think they’ve got something already in place to get him out of this. I’ve got to make sure he gets something if they do. I know that asshole isn’t taking the stand. He would never let my team go after him— they would shred him. All their hope is in discrediting me and making it look like some kind of mutual thing. When everyone started laughing about Tanner having to testify, I looked over at Roman to see if he was laughing. I hoped that he was, but he definitely wasn’t. In fact, he was looking right at me, and I knew he could see right through me and was piecing all of this together. It’s too late to stop it now, though. I had to follow through on this plan. Bruce was in the courtroom in case I needed a ride home. I guessed if I did, I’d be going back to my apartment. I never did get rid of it or get anything else out of it. In the back of my mind, I must have known.

When it was time to go back into the courtroom, I pulled Roman aside, making sure everyone left the room before I reassured him and wasted a little time.

I put my hands on his cheeks and professed, “I love you. I want you to know that.” He smiled but it was completely forced and the worry in his eyes was ripping through my chest.

“I do know that. I love you too. Do you want to tell me what’s going on? A little honesty would be good about now.”

“You’ll find out soon enough.” I dropped my hands to my sides hoping the lack of contact would help me bring the control and focus back to the plan.

He put both hands on my shoulders, squeezing and releasing nervously. “Alex, I have a bad feeling about what you’re going to do. Should I get Matt and Jack and talk about this first?”

I shook my head slowly from side to side. I held the tears at bay replacing the fear of hurting Roman with the mental visual of hurting Tanner.

“No one can stop me from what’s about to happen in there. No one knows what I’m doing but me. It’s for me and it’s for a lot of other women like me who don’t want to feel like victims. This is all I can tell you. I want you to stay calm and not say a word.” He wasn’t happy, I could tell that much. I seemed to be good at pissing everyone off these days. I thought about the arguments I've been in with Matt lately and used it to fuel me.

“I don’t know if I can do that if I don’t know what you’re going to do. Just tell me so I’ll know.” I don’t need him to try and stop me or tell my legal team anything, that’s why I’m waiting so long to go back in there. Once they call me in, he won’t be able to talk to Matt and Jack.

With that, Maggie came into the room and announced, “Alex, they just called you to the stand.” I smiled painfully at Roman, hurrying out of the room so I didn't see the pain I was inflicting on him.

I’m sorry baby, I really am.

***

ROMAN

I’ve still got to tell Matt and Jack as soon as we get into the courtroom that she’s got something planned; they need to stop her. I grabbed Maggie by the arm before we got to the door.

“Maggie, she’s got something planned that no one knows about. Do you know anything about this? Has she said anything to you?” I was panicking. We hurried back inside.

Maggie shook her head. “What did she say to you?” She asked quietly as we shuffled back into our seats.

“That she wanted me to stay calm and not say anything. That she was going to make sure other women never felt like victims.”

“You don’t think she’d attack Tanner, do you?” Her eyes were wide.

Do I?

“I don’t know. It sounds exactly like that though.” I looked up. Alex had her hand on a bible and her right hand raised. Oh hell, what is this girl about to do ?

“Where were you guys?” Abby whispered.

“Getting ready for the main event, apparently.” I quietly groaned.

“What the hell does that mean?” Abby whispered loudly. Maggie shushed her.

Maggie leaned in. “Alex has had something up her sleeve this whole time and we’re about to find out what it is.”

I stared intently at Alex who was completely vacant and cold.

They went through all the formalities of her name and what she did for a living. Matt and Jack were the only two from her team that questioned her, and she was very calm and did a great job. She seemed to have total control over her emotions. Maggie reached over, placing her hand on my knee because my leg was bouncing up and down. I could tell some of this nervous energy mimicked Alex, because this is what she did with her leg when she was anxious. Then Tanner’s attorney got up. I watched him like a hawk, chewing my bottom lip. He didn’t even look at her. Instead, he stared at a piece of paper he had in front of him on the podium. Then he asked his first question.

Attorney: “Ms. Kennedy. Is it true that you frequent Sebastian's Bar on a regular basis?”

Alex: “Yes.”

Attorney: “Ms. Kennedy. Is it true that you’ve met men in Sebastian’s before?”

Alex: “Yes.”

Attorney: “Ms. Kennedy. Is it true that you’ve had sex with men you’ve met at Sebastian’s before?”

Alex: “Yes.” I wasn’t sure what was going on with this guy, or what Alex’s plans were, but she was like a stone statue. Her training had totally kicked in.

Maggie whispered in my ear, “What’s she doing? ”

“Telling the truth.” It’s one thing to hear rumors, it’s another to hear about it like this. I was sweating and angry now myself.

Maggie whispered again, “I know that, but look at her face. She hasn’t blinked once, since he started asking her questions.”

I shook my head and shrugged. it looked like one of her eerie calm faces or something Bruce taught her, maybe.

Attorney: “Ms. Kennedy. Isn’t it true that you’ve slept with so many men in Sebastian’s you can’t even remember some of their names?” She finally blinked, making a face like she was thinking about what to say. I was glad to see a little more relaxation in her features. I realized I was sitting up on the edge of my seat now.

Alex: “I don’t know, maybe. Is that what you expect me to say? You know that’s a good question though, but honestly the answer is no. I remember names very well. It's one of my many talents.” That’s my girl, I knew she was in there, but where’s she been?

Attorney: “Ms. Kennedy, please just answer yes or no.” I caught Matt whip his head up from the paper he was looking at on the desk in front of him and slowly shake his head at Alex, who was staring right at the attorney like a target.

Alex: “Don’t ask me dumb questions and I will.”

Uh oh. Matt turned to face us with a surprised expression, looking like something wasn’t right.

Judge: “Ms. Kennedy, there was no question. Please refrain from speaking unless there’s a question. Counsel, proceed.”

Attorney: “Ms. Kennedy, isn’t it true that you and my client, Mr. Ellington, have already had sexual relations and you just didn’t know his name?” The room went quiet except for Alex.

Oh, shit what’s she doing?

She’s laughing.