Текст книги "Unlawful Justice"

Автор книги: K. Langston

Соавторы: K. C. Lynn
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Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 19 страниц)

CHAPTER 12

Olivia

I’m sitting beneath the big oak tree, soaking up the late afternoon sun and devouring my current read, when the sound of an engine pulls my attention from the pages. I expect it to be Pap, but when I look up my tummy does a flip and a smile tugs at my mouth when I see Grayson in his patrol truck.

As he steps out of the vehicle I stand and dust off my bottom, making my way over. “Hi, I’m glad you…” I trail off, my smile vanishing when I get a look at his sullen face. “Grayson?”

“Hey, Liv,” he greets me, his voice tortured and low.

Once we reach each other I gasp at the red mark on his jaw. “What happened to you? Are you all right?” I ask, gently grazing my fingers across the wound.

He stares down at me, his blue eyes tormented, making my heart hammer in my chest. Instead of responding he lets out a heavy sigh and pulls me against him, hugging me tight. So tight I have a difficult time breathing.

The act catches me off guard, but I wrap my arms around him, returning his embrace. “Grayson, you’re scaring me. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m okay.” The rough sound of his voice breaks my heart. His hands slip under my long hair as he cups my face. Another bout of anxiety plagues me at his worried expression. “Where’s Walter?”

“He had to make a run into Springfield for some feed and supplies.”

Disapproval washes over his face. “He left you alone?”

I roll my eyes; tired of everyone treating me like glass, and thinking I’m incapable of being left alone for a few hours. Pap wanted me to go with him to Springfield, but I refused. I know this has been hard on him, but we can’t live our lives in constant fear. “Yes, because I am fine for a few hours on my own. Tania just left.” That doesn’t seem to appease him. “Why? What do you need Pap for?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Can you come with me to the station?”

“What for?” I ask, confused.

Something passes over his face, something I can’t decipher, but it makes me even more apprehensive. “We got him, Liv.”

I tense, wondering if he means what I think he means. “Wh-what?”

“We got him. The lab results came back on the chain and we have a match. I arrested him earlier today. We don’t have the others who were involved, but we’re certain we have the one who was in charge.”

My heart thunders in my ears as I stare back at him. His hands still warmly frame my face, but I can’t feel them. The only thing I feel is cold dread creeping up my spine. “Who is it?”

Indecision battles in his eyes. “Well, before I tell you that we’re hoping you might be able to pick him out of a lineup.”

Anxiety and fear slam into me at the thought. I shake my head. “But… How? I never…I never saw him, not really. I can’t remember anything. I can’t…”

He pulls me in close, trying to calm me. “Hey, Liv, baby, it’s okay. Calm down.” He leans down, bringing his dark blue eyes level with mine. “Listen, if you can’t do it then that’s okay. We have his DNA on the chain and yours. We just thought if you could pick him out of a lineup then it would help make the case against him that much stronger.”

“But I never got a good look at him. I don’t remember much about anything except…” I pause, remembering the words that will forever be ingrained in my memory. “Except for what he said to me.”

His expression softens as he moves a stray curl out of my face. “Do you think you could identify him if you heard his voice? If he said those same words back to you?”

I nod. “Yes, I think I would be able to.”

How could I ever forget?

“Look, I fucking hate asking you, and if you can’t do it, Liv, then it’s okay. We can go with what we have, but the more evidence we can gather the better. I want to lock this shit up tight.”

I stare up at Grayson, his eyes burning with concern. The entire thought of seeing my attacker in person terrifies me, but it scares me more to think of him getting off.

“I’ll do it,” I tell him softly.

“Are you sure? Do you want to think about it? Wait for Walt to come home?”

I shake my head. “No, I don’t need to think about it, and I don’t want to wait for Pap. It might be better if he doesn’t come for this. I’ll tell him when he gets home.” Hopefully, he isn’t upset about my decision. Since we’ve had our talk we’ve found a small measure of peace, I don’t want him coming face-to-face with the man who did this to me. Not yet. “Just let me grab my purse.”

At his nod I turn to run back in the house, but he grabs my wrist and stops me before I can leave. I look back up at him and my heart stops at the way he looks down at me, a wide range of emotions splayed across his face.

Reaching up, he cups the side of my face again. “You’re so strong,” he murmurs, almost thoughtfully. “Even though you don’t need me, I’ll be beside you the whole time. I’ll do my best to make this as painless as possible for you.”

My heart warms and my throat grows tight at his words. He’s wrong. I do need him. His presence alone gives me strength. Encircling his wrist, I lean into his soothing touch. “I know you will,” I whisper.

His hand falls from my face but his eyes remain connected. “Go. I’ll wait here.”

I run into the house and grab my purse then send Pap a quick text letting him know I’m going out with Grayson, just in case he gets home before me.

We enter the police station twenty minutes later, my clammy hand clasped firmly in Grayson’s. Lucy stands as we pass, offering a sympathetic smile. “Hi, Olivia.”

“Hi, Miss Lucy.” I return the greeting, giving her a nervous smile.

She turns to Grayson. “They’re ready for y’all.”

He nods. “Come on, baby, this way.”

A light flutter dips in my tummy at his endearment, and I hold on to it, loving the way it makes me feel. It eases the fear and anxiety coursing through me.

He leads me down a long hallway until we reach a secured door where he punches in a code before opening it for me. We walk down another long hallway, stopping at yet another closed door. Grayson turns to me, his gaze heavy with concern. “You ready?”

“Yes,” I say with as much confidence as I can, but on the inside I’m terrified.

“You got this, Liv.”

The certainty in his words gives me the assurance I need. Releasing a deep breath, I nod. “I know. I’m ready.”

He opens the door and we enter into a dimly lit room where there’s a two-way mirror. Sheriff Dixon awaits us along with Terrell; David Henderson, the district attorney; and a man in a suit who I don’t recognize.

Terrell greets me first, pulling me in for one of his bear hugs. “Hey, Liv.”

“Hey, T,” I mumble into his chest.

Sheriff Dixon shakes my hand next, with a gentle grip, then Mr. Henderson. Grayson introduces the other man as the defense lawyer, Mr. Franklin Gordon. The man’s greeting is not as friendly and to be honest, he’s a little intimidating.

“Thank you for agreeing to this, Miss Bradshaw,” Mr. Henderson says, bringing my attention to him. “We’re going to call five men in who will line up under those numbers,” he says, pointing to the single digits marking the wall. “We will then have them step forward one at a time and repeat the sentence you gave in your original statement. Just take your time and do the best you can. If you’re not certain then it’s okay.”

“Can they see me?” I ask past my dry throat.

Grayson answers right away. “No, Liv, they can’t see you.”

A whoosh of relieved air passes my lips.

Sheriff Dixon hits a button on a panel located on the wall. “Send them in.”

A guard walks in first, leading a group of five men, all of them standing under the number they’re instructed to. They’re all similar build and height but all different races. Three are black, one is white and the other Hispanic. I don’t recognize any of them but my eyes keep drifting back to number four for some reason.

“Number one, step forward and repeat the sentence you were given.”

“This is for Jamal, bitch. Consider it justice served.”

My eyes close, and I shudder as the words are spoken. Grayson moves up behind me, his hard chest against my back as he places his hands on my shoulders in reassurance. It gives me the boost I need. The man’s tone is similar but not an exact match of what I remember. It’s too raspy.

I shake my head. “No, not him,” I say confidently.

Sheriff nods then the next one is called up. Again, his voice isn’t quite right, and I shake my head again.

“How are you so certain?” Mr. Gordon asks, his tone cold and holding skepticism.

Grayson tenses behind me and speaks up before I can. “She’s not on trial here, she doesn’t have to answer to you.”

“He’s right,” Mr. Henderson says, cutting in. “You’re only here to observe, not ask questions.”

With a glare, Mr. Gordon quiets and turns back to the men in front of us.

“I’ll never forget his voice,” I mumble under my breath.

“What’s that?” he asks, turning back to me, pinning me with an icy stare.

I don’t let his cold demeanor intimidate me, and this time I make sure to speak loud and clear. “I said it’s because I will never forget his voice. I hear it in my nightmares every single night. That’s how I can be so certain.”

Silence surrounds the room before Terrell gives me a light punch in the arm, a proud smile taking over his face. “That a girl.”

Grayson’s hands give my shoulders another squeeze, conveying the same message. Mr. Gordon dismisses me and turns away again, but not before I see some of the disdain ease from his expression.

As the third man repeats the line I shake my head. When the fourth one is called, I step away from Grayson and move closer to the window. I look at him closely, his lip is busted and face swollen.

He seems familiar, but I don’t know why…until he speaks.

“This is for Jamal, bitch. Consider it justice served.”

The sound of his voice weakens my knees, making me lose my balance. I grab onto the table next to me to steady myself, my heart pounding in my chest. “Oh God, it’s him,” I manage to say through the fear clogging my throat. “That’s him!” I shout louder as my hysteria builds.

“Are you sure?” Mr. Henderson asks.

“Yes. I’m positive. He…” I trail off as the man’s dark, malicious eyes stare back at me. It’s as if he can see me, his horrific gaze chilling me to my core.

“Liv, what is it?” Grayson’s voice is muffled, sounding distant to my ears.

I start backing away on shaky legs. My vision blurs and the walls close in around me as images begin assaulting my memory.

“Look at me, bitch!”

I shake my head, trying to rid my mind of the menacing words and dark eyes.

“Hey, Liv, you with me?” I try to cling to Grayson’s voice. I try so hard but the other voice is so loud, echoing so much hate and revenge that it drowns out Grayson’s.

“I’m here to deliver justice for my boy Jamal.”

“Please. Don’t do this,” I plead with a whimper. “I swear, we—”

Rough hands tear the clothes from my broken body.

“Me first!”

“NO!”

“Stay still, bitch!”

“No! Stop! Get off of me!” I scream and thrash against the arms that restrain me, desperately begging and pleading.

“Goddammit, get him out now!”

I gasp as the shouted order penetrates my frightened mind, bringing me back to reality.

“Come on, Liv, come back to me, baby.” The same voice murmurs in my ear but now it’s low and soothing, bringing me the peace and safety I crave. The arms holding me are warm and welcoming, as I try to regain my breathing. “Good girl, just breathe. I got you.”

I take in my surroundings, and see I’m on the floor with Grayson holding me. Terrell kneels down in front of me, his gaze sympathetic and concerned. The other men all stare down at me in the same way, including Mr. Gordon.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry,” I apologize through my raw throat.

“You have nothing to be sorry about,” Grayson says, his arms tightening around me. “Are you okay now?”

I take a moment to answer. “Yes, I think so. I’m not even quite sure what happened?”

Terrell puts a hand on my knee. “You had a panic attack but it’s almost like you blacked out. You were screaming out things. Do you remember?”

I shake my head. “Not really. His voice…his voice triggered a-a memory, I think. I remembered more of what he said to me.”

“Liv, in your flashback. Could you see him?” Terrell asks gently.

“Now wait just a damn minute,” Mr. Gordon jumps in, his booming voice making me flinch. “She thinks she remembers this. Look at the episode she just had, she’s not in any state to be making accusations.”

“Back off, Gordon, and let her answer the fucking question.” Grayson warns.

I try to think back to the memory as it barely hovers at the edge of my mind, but I can’t grasp it. Shaking my head, I cover my face as a sob of frustration escapes me. “I can’t. I’m sorry, I just can’t.”

“It’s okay, baby. Don’t worry about it. You did good,” Grayson soothes, before addressing the others. “I’m taking her out of here.”

He’s about to pick me up as he stands, but I object. “It’s okay, I can walk.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” It takes me a second to stand, and once I do my knees are shaking so bad I can barely stay upright.

“Fuck it.” Before I have time to process his words, my feet leave the floor and I’m scooped up into Grayson’s arms. I start to protest but he cuts me off. “Just let me do this, Liv.”

I stare into his determined gaze as he holds my trembling body and relent with a nod, too tired to argue. Dropping my head on his shoulder, I turn my face into the crook of his neck and let his scent comfort me. Thankfully, he heads out the back exit, saving me from facing anyone else. He deposits me in the passenger seat of one of the patrol trucks. As he fastens my seatbelt I stare out the windshield, feeling numb and emotionally exhausted. The fear from the memory still hovering over me.

The slam of the door as Grayson gets in on his side pulls me from my trance. “I think we should go see a doctor and check to make sure you’re all right.”

I shake my head. “No, really, I’m fine.”

Blowing out a breath, he runs a hand through his hair. “Okay. Home then?”

I shake my head again. I’m not ready to go home yet. I’m surely not ready to face Pap so soon. He’ll be livid when I tell him everything.

Grayson understands and doesn’t hesitate. He slowly pulls out of the parking lot and heads out of town. I lie back and stare out my window, not caring where we go as long as it’s not here. The further away we get the calmer I begin to feel. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. Hearing that voice again and the memories it brought back has a cold shiver racing down my spine. Will there ever come a time when that voice won’t have control over me, that I won’t hear it every time I go to bed?

A few minutes later he pulls up to Clover Hill and parks.

Silence surrounds us as we stare out at our town.

“I’m sorry I freaked out on you like that,” I whisper, hating I lost control, especially after he told me earlier how strong he thinks I am.

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Liv, I should be the one apologizing.” I turn to see him watching me, guilt and anger battling in his gaze. “I fucking hate that I put you in that position. I hate that you remembered even a sliver of that nightmare, and more than anything I fucking hate that even for a moment you felt fear again.”

I shake my head. “It’s not your fault.” I can tell he doesn’t believe me, but instead of trying to convince him otherwise I move the conversation along. “Who is he?” My question is softly spoken. I want to know the answer yet fear for it at the same time.

Grayson watches me carefully before answering. “His name is Reggie West, he’s Jamal’s cousin.” My eyes fall closed in disappointment. “He moved here a few years back from California and was a suspect in the recent fires that were going on.” My eyes snap back open at that information and collide with Grayson’s hard ones. “Terrell had questioned him after the attack but he had an airtight alibi that checked out, so we looked elsewhere.” He shakes his head, frustration and guilt passing over his expression.

Reaching over, I lay my hand on his arm, wanting to calm his turmoil. His eyes find mine again. Taking my hand in his large one, he brings it to his mouth and kisses the inside of my wrist. “But we have him now, and I swear to you, Liv, he will pay for what he did to you, and I will find the others who were with him.”

I nod and give him a reassuring smile. “I know you will, I just hope this all gets wrapped up soon, not only for my sake but for the sake of our town. I just want things to go back to the way they were.”

“They will, in time.” He says it with confidence, but I can see the doubt and uncertainty in his eyes.

After some more talk about what to expect and what will happen next, I have Grayson take me home so I can fill Pap in. The sun has started its descent as we pull up to my house, ten minutes later. Pap’s truck is parked in the driveway and the kitchen light shines through the window. Grayson hops out first then comes around to help me down. Closing the door, he leans against the panel and stares down at me in concern.

I know he’s still thinking about my panic attack earlier. “Stop worrying about me, I’m fine,” I whisper.

Reaching over, he cups the side of my cheek, the warmth of his touch spreading through my chest. “I can’t help it. I’ll always worry about you.”

A sad smile graces my face. “That day when I left work,” I start quietly, “I was so upset. So hurt that the school I loved, and had done so much for, would let me go over what happened to Jamal. As I got into my car I remember thinking how my entire world was crumbling around me. Then my tire blew on the way home, and I remember saying, ‘This day can’t get any worse’.” I shake my head at the irony. “I regret those words now, because it did, it got so much worse.”

His eyes turn hard, a horrible rage lighting the blue depths, and it’s not what I want him to feel, not anymore. Moving in closer, I reach up and brush my fingertips across his swollen jaw. His arms come around me, holding me close.

“But I’ve learned something through all of this,” I whisper. “As horrible as it all is, I now know it can always be worse. What if I hadn’t woken up at all? No matter what I went through, I’m grateful for my life, Grayson, and I’m grateful for you. You saved me.”

His jaw flexes as he stares down at me, emotions storming in his eyes. He slowly leans down, bringing his warm lips to my forehead. My eyes close as I revel in the intimacy the small kiss brings. He trails his smooth lips down to the corner of my eye, laying another soft kiss, then across my cheek all the way to my ear. Fisting his shirt, my heart completely stops as I wait to see where he’ll go next.

“I’ll always save you, even if there is nothing to save. I’ll always be there.”

A breath locks in my throat at the beautiful words. He draws back so he can look down at me, his eyes meeting mine before dropping to my mouth. Secretly, I wish for those lips to meet mine. I crave it, pray for it.

He brushes a stray hair from my face with the faintest touch of his fingertips then leans down, and I know he’s about to make my wish come true. My heart stops altogether and I close my eyes, waiting to feel his warm lips on mine.

The sound of the front door opening pulls me from our intimate moment. I spin around in surprise and watch Pap peek around the door. With a smile he lifts a hand and waves to us. “Heya there, Grayson.”

I turn my attention back to Grayson and witness the same disappointment I feel. “Hey, Walt,” he calls back, then looks down at me. “I like that old man but fuck does he have bad timing.”

I cover my mouth with a giggle, completely agreeing with him, Pap’s timing sucks.

I hear the front door close, signaling Pap’s exit. A disappointed groan escapes Grayson as he pulls me against him, enveloping me in his arms. “You want me to be with you when you tell Walt?” he asks, breaking the easy moment.

I step back and shake my head. “No, I’m good. I think it might be better if I tell him alone, but thank you.”

He nods but doesn’t make any effort to move. We stare at each other, both wishing for the lost moment Pap had unintentionally interrupted, at least I know I am. He leans in, pressing another kiss to my forehead. “Go on, Liv, fill him in. I’ll be in touch soon.”

How soon? I want to ask, but don’t want to sound needy. So instead, I plaster a smile on my face. “All right.”

Turning around, I start heading to the house when a low growl comes from behind. “Fuck it.” Suddenly, I’m spun around, pulled against the hardness of his chest before his mouth claims mine, making my wish a reality.

All the oxygen leaves my body, but I don’t care. I don’t care if I ever breathe again as long as he keeps kissing me. His lips are warm and firm yet slow and cautious, coaxing mine with a skill and grace that has my heart soaring.

I wrap my arms around his neck and reciprocate the kiss. A kiss that is everything I knew it would be. It lights up my soul, the heat of it spreading straight to the tips of my fingers and toes. His tongue licks the seam of my lips, seeking permission, and I give it to him whole-heartedly. A whimper escapes me as his flavor floods my senses and sends my head reeling.

With a groan his arms lock around my waist and he lifts me off my feet. The entire world disappears as we lose ourselves in one another, and for the first time in weeks I feel a little like my old self again, remembering the woman I once was.

Grayson breaks the kiss when he senses I need air. My eyes stay closed as I take in lungfuls of much needed oxygen. I slowly open them to see him watching me, his eyes hooded with dark desire.

A small smile touches my lips as I stare back at him. “You kissed me,” I whisper stupidly.

He smirks. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time now.”

“I liked it,” I admit, feeling my smile growing bigger.

He grunts. “Like is an understatement.”

I giggle, my excitement showing through as he holds me in his arms.

With a sexy smirk he leans in and gives me another kiss. This one is brief, yet no less intense. “Go inside now, Liv, before I don’t let you go at all.”

I personally like the idea of him never letting me go. I’d love nothing more than to stay in his arms, but I know I need to face Pap and fill him in on everything.

“Okay,” I reluctantly agree, sounding as disappointed as I feel, which he finds funny, if his chuckle is anything to go by.

Putting me back on my feet, he kisses the corner of my mouth before stepping away and putting unwanted distance between us. “I’ll be back, baby. Soon.”

My tummy flips like always at the endearment. “Bye.” I wave before turning back around and heading to the house, feeling his eyes on me the entire time.

The closer I get to the front door the more my euphoria dims. By the time I walk inside and see Pap at the kitchen table, my nervousness returns with a vengeance.

“There’s my girl,” he says with a big smile.

“Hey, Pap,” I greet softly as I walk over and take the chair next to him.

His smile fades as he notices my sullen expression, sensing my anxiety. “Livy, what’s the matter?”

I reach over and grab his large, warm hand in mine. “Everything is okay, but I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Grayson came to the house earlier to tell me they caught the man who hurt me. Or at least one of them.”

“What?” he shouts, jumping from his chair, shock and rage transforming his expression. “Why didn’t you call me? Who’s the son of a bitch?”

I reach out and put a hand on his arm. “Pap, please calm down, I don’t want you upset. It’s not good for your blood pressure. Have a seat, and I’ll tell you everything… Please.”

He scrubs a hand down his tired face, exhaling a deep breath, and sits back down. I take his hand again, hoping to keep him calm, then I tell him everything, right down to me doing the lineup.

“Oh, Livy. Why didn’t you wait for me? You shouldn’t have done that alone,” he says, guilt and concern thick in his voice.

“I wasn’t alone. I was with Grayson, he took care of me. I’m sorry if you’re upset, but I didn’t want to wait, I wanted to help any way I could. I…” I pause and take a moment to collect myself, “I recognized him, Pap,” I whisper. “His voice. It’s him.”

Rage darkens his eyes, covering the deep concern he had moments ago. “Who is he?” The question is asked through clenched teeth. “Do you know him? Do we know him?”

I shake my head sadly. “No, we don’t. His name is Reggie West. He’s Jamal’s cousin.” He drops his head in his hands, clutching his hair. For the moment I remain quiet, letting him have time to absorb it. Finally, I can’t take the silence anymore. “Say something,” I whisper.

He lifts his head, and I suck in a sharp breath at the sight of his bloodshot eyes brimming with emotion yet still plagued with anger. “I knew it had to do with what I did. It kills me to know they hurt you because of me.”

“No.” I shake my head. “It’s not your fault, we’ve been over this. The only people responsible for this are the ones who committed the crime.”

He stands and walks to the kitchen window, staring out into the night. “You’re right, Livy, and he will pay for what he did to you.”

The cold conviction in his tone makes me nervous. Getting up, I move next to him and put my hand on his shoulder. “Yes, he will, but by the law not by anything or anyone else.”

He looks down at me; his hard expression easing just before he gives me a nod, but it’s not enough to settle my nerves. “Promise me, Pap.”

“I promise.”

A breath of relief escapes me at his confirmation. I know he would never break a promise to me. He pulls me in his arms, hugging me tight, almost as if he needs to hold me. My arms wrap around his waist and my head on his chest. “Everything will be all right. We just need to stick together and we’ll get through this.”

His arms squeeze me tighter. “Damn right they will because we’re Bradshaws, and everybody ’round here knows we don’t go down without a fight.” I giggle against him. Pap has always been somewhat of a badass. Or at least he thinks he is. But I know what a teddy bear he is on the inside. “I love you, Livy,” he says a little softer, melting my heart.

“I love you, too.”