Page 75 of Shattered

“We believe Holly Geithner’s actions against Hayden Raftery were because she was attempting to protect her niece from a predator.”

Franks looked at Walker in disbelief. “Excuse me?”

“We have proof of a sexual relationship between Hayden Raferty and Nico Lopez. Ms. Geithner made moves to protect her underage niece from an Alpha wolf.”

“This bitch,” Nico muttered for Mackenzie’s ears only.

“Except Hayden is now mated and married to Nico Lopez,” Franks stated.

“Ms. Geithner, along with several other expert witnesses believe Ms. Raftery to be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.”

Franks’ abrupt laughter had the Judge and Mr. Walker turning their attention to him. “At no time did Nico Lopez ever kidnap or hold HaydenRaferty-Lopezagainst her will. Your honor, if I may—”

“My experts say differently.”

Franks gave a long-suffering sigh. “Hayden Lopez currently sees Brie Blu, a certified therapist, twice a week, and has been every week for the last year. Mrs. Blu’s reports have been submitted as evidence. But to paraphrase them, the only thing Mrs. Lopez is currently suffering from is a case of PTSD from events that occurred within the last year.”

“And my experts state differently. They believe Mrs. Blu has misdiagnosed Hayden Raferty. Also, Ms. Geithner has proof of the relationship between her niece and Mr. Lopez.”

Nico swore under his breath.

Franks shook his head. “What proof does she have? And why are we being made aware of it now?”

“I was just given the evidence five minutes before court resumed,” Mr. Walker claimed.

“Your Honor, we haven’t even had a chance to see what he has. How exactly have your experts come up with Hayden’s diagnoses since yourexpertshaven’t seen or even spoken to Mrs. Raferty-Lopez?” Franks argued.

“Your Honor, may we approach the bench?” Mr. Walker inquired.

When the Judge gave his approval, both attorneys approached and began whispering in a heated conversation.

“Is it me or is this asshole unprepared for this trial?” Royce took a seat behind Nico and Mackenzie, surprising both of them. He’d been dressed in his sheriff’s uniform, and Mackenzie supposed he’d been so wrapped up in the proceedings, he hadn’t even noticed his son slipping in to watch.

“He’s barking up the wrong tree,” Nico stated, his tone cold and filled with anger.

Mackenzie couldn’t blame the rage he felt rolling off of the man sitting next to him. He’d been accused, in a court of law, no less, of being a sexual predator of an underage girl, and the defense supposedly had proof.

“He seems unprepared and all over the fucking place,” Mackenzie said, keeping his gaze on the two lawyers who continued to argue with the Judge. He rubbed at the ache in his neck, and wondered, not for the first time, what Holly and her lawyer were up to.

Royce leaned forward, bracing his forearms on the back of Mackenzie’s bench. “If Holly is found guilty, they’re going to appeal the conviction, claiming her lawyer was incompetent.”

Mackenzie turned his attention to his son. “Even without our testimony, Royce, the evidence gathered in Massachusetts is overwhelming against her.”

“Doesn’t matter, dad. If her legal representative failed to perform their job and new lawyers could prove it, they’ll have a valid appeal. Kal is under the impression it’s how this is all going to play out. After seeing this shit-show, I have to agree with him,” Royce replied.

Mackenzie scratched at his scruffy three-day beard and pondered out loud. “Wonder if he knows something none of us do.”

Royce snorted in amusement. “Most times, he’s at least ten steps ahead of everyone else.”

Nico nodded before he nudged Mackenzie, drawing his attention to the bench. “Looks like we’re getting ready.”

Charles Franks and Alexander Walker walked back toward their desks. D.A. Franks’ face was twisted in anger, and Mr. Walker had a smug smile Mackenzie had the overwhelming desire to wipe off.

“This can’t be good,” Nico muttered.

“Nothing about this is,” Mackenzie added.

The Judge cleared his throat, getting the court’s attention. “It has come to my attention that Counsel for the defense has new evidence with regards to this case as well as the prosecution. In order to give the prosecution, the defense, and myself a chance to review it, I’m going to call a recess. Until 9 am next Wednesday seeing as this is a holiday weekend.” The Judge looked at Hayden. “You may step down, Mrs. Lopez.”

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