Page 82 of Kylan

Cameras clicked, reporters asked Dominic questions. They knew who he was, and I had no doubt, no doubt at all, that if they didn’t know Leon and Marek—and Fitch and me—they would within the hour.

We sat a few rows behind Benji and Nolan.

He turned around, looking, searching, and visibly relaxed when he saw us. His father wasn’t even going to be at this session, thank god.

I didn’t want Benji to have to go through that. Tohave that man sitting there, staring at him, knowing Benji was testifying against him.

I never wanted that piece of shit to be able to look at him ever again.

But the legal process, the formalities, the bullshit; I could barely follow any of it. I kept thinking about Leon’s offer for me to study law, but I just couldn’t see it.

This type of law?

Not for me.

When the session was over, I was surprised when everyone stood up. I was lost and dreading having to walk back outside into the throng of the bloodhound media.

“Are you okay?” Marek asked me quietly.

I nodded, though I’m sure he saw right through me.

“Okay, we need to go,” Dominic said.

“What about Benji?” Fitch asked.

“He’ll be fine. He’ll meet us there.” Dominic nodded to the end of the pew, signalling we should leave. I grabbed Fitch’s hand, and with Marek on one side of us, Dominic at the other, and Leon at the front, we made our way back outside.

“Mr Ellington,” one reporter said, shoving her microphone in Leon’s face. “What are your ties to the Barbieri case? Who are these young men with you?”

“Mr Akhurst,” another said, getting in Marek’s way. “Can you explain...”

Yep.

They’d learned who they were.

Their faces, names would be on TV and in the papers. With me right beside them.

There was going public, and then there wasthisshitshow.

But Leon and Marek kept us walking, and Dominic gave some generic, cool-headed comment. We were shuffled into a waiting black van and the doors closing blocked out the noise.

The silence was deafening.

“Are you okay?” Leon said, taking my hand.

I nodded out of habit but then going with the truth, I shook my head. “I didn’t like that. They knew who you were. They’ll know who I am soon enough and wonder why you’re with me.” I looked back at the courthouse as the driver merged into traffic. “Where’s Benji?”

“We’re going back to Nolan’s place,” Leon said. “He’ll meet us there.”

“How do those reporters not get punched?” Fitch asked. Then he looked up at Dominic. “They pushed you!”

Dominic snorted. “I’m used to that.”

God. I could never.

It seemed all I could do was shake my head. I didn’t want to do this again.

“How often does Benji need to attend?” I asked. Leon, Marek, Dominic. Anyone. “Does he have to go all the time?”

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