Page 68 of Mending Me
“Isaid, I will love you forever, beautiful.” Even though he had told me he loved me before, my heart never got tired of hearing it. I don’t think it ever will.
“Te amaré por siempre?8,” I attempted, trying not to feel silly for speaking Spanish back to him.
“Very good, blondie, very good.”
1 beautiful
2 I want every inch of you
3 beautiful
4 beautiful
5 You are my forever (You are mine forever)
6 Never, beautiful. You’re my forever (You’re mine forever)
7 I will love you forever, beautiful
8 I will love you forever
39
HANK
The next several weeks were long and painful as Bailey worked to get the proper counsel to take her attacker to court. With Kolbi’s help, she had gotten in contact with one of the best defense attorneys in the city. I met some fierce people during my time in the military, but no one was as intimidating as Remi Keeton. She wore pointy leather shoes and a pantsuit that cost more than my monthly rent, but it was clear she wanted the best for my girl. Of course, she and Bailey hit it off and became fast friends and due to Remi’s connection to Kolbi, she represented Bailey pro bono.
Because of the involvement Kolbi’s company had in finding the tape that showed her attacker going into and out of the alleyway, both he and the tech who scanned the footage were called to the stand to testify. Once Bailey had given him the okay, he turned the footage over to the police and the investigation of her attack was reopened. It didn’t take them long to find the man who hurt her and from there, it was all court proceedings.
There were a lot of horrible things I witnessed while in combat, but nothing compared to how gut wrenching it was tohear my girl sit on the stand and tell her story. When it was her day to speak in court, she asked me and my friends to come and support her. She and the guys had become close due to her constant appearance at campaign night and when she asked them to come, they all agreed without hesitation. Even Conrad, who was slowly warming up to her, though still a little standoffish. We all knew that it wasn’t because of Bailey, and if push comes to shove, he would do anything for her just like the rest of us.
Plus, I think he’s afraid of her just the smallest bit, which I found hilarious. They had formed this unique, older brother/annoying little sister bond and my girl took way too much joy in making him uncomfortable any chance she could. It was all in good fun and watching her hold her own and find her place with my chosen family made my heart swell.
I never valued my friends more than I did as I watched them listen to her story one night before our weekly game play and then again as she sat on the stand. They all showed up for her, and me by default, and doing so meant the world to me. She looked at me as she spoke on the stand and described in detail what she went through that night. A few times, she was brave enough to look the sick bastard in the eye and remind him of just how strong she is.
That’s my girl. That’s my Bailey. Mi hermosa?1.
Remi had assured us this was a slam dunk with the amount of evidence we had against him, but my heart was still pounding in my chest as I sat next to her in the gallery waiting to hear the ruling be read. Her trial had taken just over three weeks and I was ready for it to be over for all of us. Bailey, Ophelia, my friends and I all sat next to one another as we waited to hear the final verdict.
“Have you reached a verdict?” The judge spoke with conviction towards the foreperson who was standing, holding a small piece of paper.
“We have, your Honor.”
“What say you?”
“We the jury find the defendant guilty of the charge of first-degree rape and assault.”
Bailey burst into tears next to me and Ophelia hugged her tightly. My friends and I exchanged handshakes before standing as the judge dismissed us. She moved closer to me and I pulled her into a protective embrace. It was over. It was all over. My girl was free and she never had to worry about him hurting her or anyone else ever again. Our group moved out into the hallway of the court and exchanged hopeful glances. I shook Remi’s hand multiple times, thanking her for helping Bailey out.
“We couldn’t have done this without you,” I said gratefully.
“Nonsense, Bailey had it in her the entire time. All I did was present the facts and speak all the legal jargon people find boring.” Remi winked at us and smiled, “Congratulations, Bailey. Kolbi, I’ll see you around.” Remi waved at the group before walking down the hallway with her briefcase in hand.
“I vote,” Malcolm started, unbuttoning his suit jacket and giving us all a playful smile, “we head to the bar and have a round of drinks on me to celebrate.”
I looked down at Bailey who was now wrapped under my arm and leaning her head on my shoulder. For the first time since meeting her, she looked truly relaxed. She smiled up at me before looking at the group. “One drink won’t hurt.”
My friends and Ophelia all cheered and started down the hallway towards the front door that led out of the court house. We followed slowly behind them, my arm wrapped around her shoulder, until she stopped me in the center of the hall. Peoplebustled around us as the court was packed with different trials and hearings.
