Chapter 239 GRAND FINALE PART II
AURORA’S POINT OF VIEW.
The courthouse loomed ahead, the heavy, tall building projecting onto my fears. Outside, I heard the shutters of cameras, followed by the roar of the media ready and waiting for us to step out of the car. Levi’s voice streamed in from the car speakers. He advised us to ride separately as opposed to the idea of us riding together.
‘Perception does not start with the jury, Aurora. It begins at the gates of the media. You all will be photographed before you breathe, until you walk out of there after the sentencing is pronounced. Not only must we arrive in style, showing a united, powerful front, but we must also not respond to anyone. Let Aurelia and me do the talking, no matter what.
They will fire their questions, jabs, and insults. Some might accuse you outright, but your composure must not waver. Armando will be counting on you making a slip-up so his lawyers can use that to throw the case off. Don’t give him that chance.
Trust me, and Aurelia to do our jobs, and everything will be fine.’ I remembered the pep talk from thirty minutes ago before we got into our cars. I rode with Kai, and the driver, while Mom and Silas rode together, leaving Aurelia and her Levi alone.
“We step out together. When I give the mark, let your driver's head out, and pull your doors open. Do not do it yourselves. The jury will think you’re arrogant. I know it might seem like doing the opposite does the trick; but after a decade of winning criminal cases since I passed the bar, I would ask that you trust me.” Levi said. “One, two….three; go on.”
Our driver heads out, along with the other two from the other cars ahead, and they obey the command. Kia steps out first and helps me along. Then, they press us like flies and bees to honey.
“Miss Evermore, what do you think about your father’s incarceration? Do you believe you have this case?”
“Some believe your mother and you planned all this against an innocent man, that you both forced him intot he alleged killing of Denise De la Vista; any comment, Miss Evermore?”
“Mr. Mercer, is it true that you laced the accused’s drink with some substance to get him to act out of the ordinary? What about your mother? Any thoughts on how your life has been affected by this case? It is rumored that the late Marloise had something in common with Armando. Any comments?” The flashing lights were blinding, but I chose to act unfazed, my head high with the innocent look Levi ordered me to have on at all times while we are here.
“Mr. Mercer, over here!”
“Miss Evermore, are you really doing this for your inheritance? Is your mother really broke?” The moment we climbed the final step, I released a sigh of relief, the sound of Levi’s voice addressing them filled my ears along with the ringing.
“You should know, as their legal counsel, I will be doing everything possible to ensure this works in the favor of my clients. Further comments will be reserved for the courtroom. My clients have suffered enough; today, we let the evidence speak for the trauma they've each endured." Levi’s voice was firm. He didn't wait for their rebuttals or questions. With a firm hand on the heavy brass handle, he ushered us into the courthouse.
The transition from the roar of the media to the tomb-like silence of the lobby was jarring. The air here was ten degrees cooler, smelling of floor wax, old mahogany, and the heavy weight of our pending fate.
"Breathe, Green," Kai whispered, his hand sliding down to interlace with mine again. His touch was the only thing keeping my knees from buckling. "We’re going to win.” He all but swore, yet even though I would believe Kai any day and anytime, I did not know how to believe him here.
For some reason, the fact that our victory lay in Morgan’s hands filled me with unease. We got into position, sitting on one bench and grabbing each other for support as everyone else filed in. In no time, the court room was filled.
To the left of me, I saw the Horsemen, Lucien, Cassian, Theo, and Ace sitting in the second row, their expressions grim and unyielding. Beside them, Sloane, Amara, and Seraphina formed a wall of silent support. They turned to us, each of them nodding to show support and strength. Kai and I nodded back, grateful for their presence.
Just then, as I looked ahead, my eyes landed on the defense table.
Armando sat there, looking every bit the picture of a grieving, dignified man he was not. He wore a navy suit that projected an aura of reliability and grace, with innocence. He’d grown a beard too; the sight of it made him look even more pitiful. When he turned to look at us, there was no sneer, no flicker of the monster I’d seen that day at the gala. He looked at me with a tragic disappointment and despair, as if I were the one who had betrayed him.
"All rise," the bailiff intoned, and as we did, the judge walked in. It dawned on me then; I was not dreaming…….we were at the final lap.