Page 40 of Thunder with a Chance of Lovestruck
Rachael
My hands trembledas Goodfellow poured me a glass of water. The jury kept staring at me like I was a circus freak. The judge was still being patient with me, and I appreciated it.
Goodfellow helped to steady the glass as I nodded my thanks to him. He didn’t seem to care in the least that I’d needed to stop the questioning for a sip of water. If anything, he seemed relieved.
I took a sip and had to force it down. It did nothing to stop the feel of sandpaper in my mouth and throat.
“Take your time,” said Goodfellow.
“Thank you,” I managed, taking another sip before handing the glass back to him.
He walked it over to the prosecutor’s table and set it next to a half-filled glass pitcher of water. He then cast a thousand-watt smile in the direction of the jury before returning to me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the side entrance to the courtroom opening. As I glanced in that direction, I found Drest there. He wasn’t in a suit, as he had been when he’d given his testimony. He was in a plain dress shirt and dress slacks with his badge hanging around his neck from a long chain.
Two other men were with him. I didn’t know either of their names, but I did know they were Hunters, not human law enforcement officers. I’d seen them questioning my brother and Amice a week or so back.
Goodfellow noticed them as well. He cleared his throat and touched the wooden railing in front of me. “Ms. Frankenstein?”
I took a deep breath and answered the question I’d been asked, only to feel my brother’s anger from across the room. I stammered over my words as I gave my response, my gaze darting to Henry. The anger, mixed with disappointment on his face, nearly did me in. Henry had rough edges. I knew that more than most, but at the end of the day, he’d been there for me all my life. He’d stepped up and raised me, and I was betraying him.
Swallowing hard, I tried to find the courage to continue.
Goodfellow positioned himself in a way that left his powerful frame blocking Henry’s line of sight to me. I appreciated that. My gaze flickered toward Drest once more.
He gave the slightest of nods in an almost encouraging manner.
I continued answering Goodfellow’s questions and watched Drest the entire time, using him as a support system of sorts. By the time Goodfellow was done, and Nile’s attorney was finished cross-examining me, I was mentally and physically drained.
“That will be all for the day,” said the judge. “We’ll reconvene tomorrow morning. I want both sides ready to present their closing arguments tomorrow. This has gone on long enough.”
The jury was led out of the courtroom first.
Deputies neared my uncle, and he rose slowly to his full height, which was imposing. He put his hands out before him, his cold gaze sliding directly to me. I froze on the stand, my breath catching in my throat. Seeing his soulless gaze fixated on me, never blinking, I realized just how dangerous he was. Pure, unadulterated rage came from him.
I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he’d kill me if given the chance.
Fear lanced my stomach, and I touched my chest, leaning back in the chair.
The edges of his mouth drew up slightly. He was proud of the fact that he terrified me.
“Ms. Frankenstein,” said Goodfellow, extending his hand to me like a lifeline.
I took it and felt compelled to look at his face, not at my uncle’s. I stared into Goodfellow’s eyes, and he winked as he eased me from the chair, helping me down from the witness stand.
My heels clicked loudly on the hard floor. I smoothed down the back of my dress, needing something to do with my hands.
Goodfellow slid his arm around my waist and drew me toward him, keeping his body between my uncle and me. “You did a good job today, Rachael.”
“Th-thank you,” I whispered, feeling safe with him close.
“I have a car and driver set to meet us in the side alley,” said Goodfellow. “I thought you might want a break from the cameras.”
I squeezed his hand gently. “Thanks.”
He nodded and stayed near me, glancing around as if something was off. “I spoke with your personal bodyguard.”
“My what?” I asked.
