Page 32 of Crazy Thing

Hearsay and rumors run rampant with each question. No one knows anything for certain, but I’m hoping that each witness at least plantssomedoubt in the judge’s mind. At least enough to cast a shadow on Edison’s plans.

As the opposing lawyer pursues his line of questioning, I’m becoming less and less confident about the situation.

Then he asks a question that leaves each witness fumbling.

“Did you witness anything that could suggest the current owner was pressured into selling to the defendant?”

This one is met with confusion. A lot ofno’s. A fewums.

This particular question is key for us. Frank is trying to establish that Edison pressured the owner into selling the waterfall under unfair circumstances. He thinks that it’s the only angle that really works for the type of injunction we’re seeking.It’s the one that I’m betting on, but it’s also the one that comes with zero evidence.

Things don’t get much better for my case when the witnesses are asked about me directly.

“And how do you know Mr. Brighton, the plaintiff?”

This is a ‘fun’ moment each and every time the question is asked.

The only people in the room who actually like me are the ones who share my last name. Meanwhile, the other witnesses are cringing painfully and struggling to hide their disdain for me, all without perjuring themselves.It’s not an easy feat, apparently.

By the end of the day, I’ve deemed the testimony as a whole to be a bit of a shit show.From where I’m sitting, it’s not looking good.

The court won't grant an injunction lightly. It’s the first time this reality has smacked me so hard in the face. If this doesn’t work, Edison will be the new owner of the waterfall and everything around it, all before we can even figure out our next move.

There's not really anyone else around town who can file a last minute injunction. Not unless they can show that they have the capability to purchase the property themselves.

At this point, I’d be fine if someone else wanted to throwtheir hat in the ring, but I’m not being an ass when I say no one else can afford it. This is a lot of land, and it’s not cheap. But legally, you’ve got to show financial interest if you want to request an injunction.From the way Frank explained it, at least.

That’s what makes me a critical piece for solving this mess. Even if the locals don’t like me all that much.

When the judge disappears to deliberate in his chambers, I can’t help but notice how nervous Ziggy becomes. This waterfall means a lot to her. And as much as I’d like to think it’s because of the history we shared down by the water eons ago, I know that I’m the furthest thing from her mind.

The waterfall means a lot to her because it means a lot to her friends and family. And I’m realizing that one of Ziggy’s weaknesses is taking on everyone else’s problems as her own.

Or maybe it’s a strength.I haven’t decided yet.

Without thinking, I reach over and put my hand on her back to comfort her.It seems to have the opposite effect on Ziggy, as she jolts in her seat and looks at me with wide eyes.

But she doesn’t pull away. Instead her gaze remains locked with mine, her chest rising and falling jaggedly as fire sizzles between us.

And then she goes and bites down on her rosy bottom lip.Well, fuck.

I’m tempted to push things further, to really test her reaction to me. But a few seconds later, the judge strolls back in and the hearing resumes.

Once he has the room’s attention, he doesn’t waste any time. The judge grants the injunction, gives a few stern warnings to all parties, bangs his gavel, and storms back out.

Wait—did we just…win?!

I’m still trying to make sure I heard the judge correctly when Ziggy jumps into my arms. I can vaguely hear the town in the rows behind us celebrating and cheering as her arms come around my neck and she crushes her body against mine.

My attention is firmly focused on two things.

We stopped the sale. Ziggy is rubbing up against me.

We stopped the sale. Ziggy is rubbing up against me.

That fire that was sizzling between us just a few minutes ago is back and burning hotter than ever.

Holy shitballs.

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