Cold State Line

Haylee took the bench for, hopefully, her last time. The nerves she had had were gone now. She looked at ease, knowing that she was about to share the last of what Clay had done to her. Today, all she had to talk about was the last incident that had her with the cheek scars.

Alvin smiled at Haylee. "Miss Lewis, can you tell me about the last time you saw Mr. Anderson?"

Haylee cleared her throat. "Yes, it's what put me in the hospital. I don't really know what happened to cause him to come after me, but Clay broke into my home a few weeks ago. I was upstairs, sleeping. I didn't even hear anyone get into my house. By the time I woke up, Clay was hovering over me holding a knife. He used it on my breasts, face, and neck. I honestly don't remember much other than what people told me happened. I just know it was Clay over me."

Alvin nodded. "No further questions. The defense may now question Miss Lewis."

Judge Anderson stood up, buttoning up his cream jacket. He looked like Colonel fucking Sanders. He had a white, handle bar mustache and a big beer belly. He even wore glasses like the Kentucky Fried Chicken guy did. It was actually uncanny, and I was a little upset I had never noticed.

"Miss Lewis, isn't it true you've accused Mr. Anderson of these crimes before?"

Haylee's eyes snapped toward the judge. "Yes, but--"

"And it's it true Mr. Anderson was found not guilty the last time?"

"Yes, but--"

"And Miss Lewis, isn't it true you were denied a restraining order?"

"Yes, but--"

"So, Miss Lewis, why should we believe you this time?"

Haylee sighed. "Because, you were the judge involved in all of Clay's previous cases. And it's it true that you're his father?"

A gasp went around the court room. I don't know why. It was clear from looking at the judge and Clay that they were related. The judge presiding over the case looked at Judge Anderson. I could see something flicker behind her eyes.


"Judge Anderson, is this true? Are you saying that given all the evidence that Miss Lewis and Alvin have presented, that you let your son go free?"

Judge Anderson sputtered. "I would like a quick recess in your chambers, judge."

"Granted."

Alvin and the two judges headed to the back room while we all stood around. Haylee hopped off the bench and headed directly toward me. I could see relief and pain in her eyes. There was still a little piece of her that thought Clay would get off, but after what the judge just heard, I imagined Clay and his father were about to be in big trouble.

"How are you feeling, babe?" I pressed a small kiss to her lips.

"Better than I have in a while. Thank you for all of this, Matt." She hugged me to her, her arms doing their best to wrap around my waist.

"No need to thank me, babe. Let's just make sure that jackwad is behind bars."

Haylee laughed and then I watched as her eyes widened. I turned to see Clay approaching us. There was something off in his eyes. I could see all his anger, bitterness, and hate in those crazy eyes. He looked like he was ready to do something absolutely crazy.

"What the fuck are you thinking?" Clay yelled. Now all eyes were on the three of us as he tried to get closer. I could see two bailiffs approaching us out of the corner of my eye, but I never took mine off Clay. I had no idea what he was up to.

"What?! Getting me in trouble isn't enough, bitch? Now you want to get my father in trouble too! I will fucking kill you." Clay reached into his pocket and pulled out a plastic gun. Turning Haylee away so my body was in front of her, I waited for the bullet to hit.

The gun sounded and something bit into my ribs. I held Haylee against me as pain ripped through my body. Black spots appeared in front of my vision as I heard thumps behind me. I didn't have time to think about it.

"Haylee, I don't feel good."

"Matt?"

Notes

Oooooo the drama.