Page 16 of Shaded Amethysts
The thought of him staying in town long enough to make renting an apartment a viable option made my heartbeat jump into overdrive.
“That would work,” I said, trying not to let my significant excitement over that prospect show. Wanting to do my part, I offered, “Maybe I could keep him here until you get settled.”
Gage didn’t consider it long before answering, “No, I don’t want him to set off your dad’s allergies. I can probably sneak him into the inn, until we get settled into a more permanent place.”
He was quiet for a moment before adding with a mischievous grin, “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve broken a rule.”
My mouth smiled back at him of its own accord, even though I was secretly wondering if he was joking about committing a murder. Surely, he wouldn’t do that.Right?
I wanted to be angry with my mother for planting the seed in my mind that Gage might be a murderer. I truly couldn’t imagine the kitten-loving, boy-swinging, plant-giving man, who was concerned about causing my father’s allergies to flare up, murdering someone. It simply didn’t compute in my mind that he could ever do something like that.
The rational side of my brain reminded me that serial killer Ted Bundy was also handsome, charismatic, and likable. As much as I liked to think I could trust my gut about such things, there was no denying that I had lived in the same town with Kevin Durley while growing up and never had any inkling of the horrors he was capable of committing.
Gage seemed to sense my discomfort because he suddenly stood and said, “I should go.”
I didn’t want him to leave, yet I knew it would be for the best… if nothing else to set my mother’s mind at ease. Without a further word, the man rushed out of my room, but he occupied my mind for the rest of the night.
13
Avery
Grant’s high-priced, overrated legal team balked at the couple’s decision not to sign the negotiated custody agreement. We all suffered through an awkward in-person meeting where Grant had to sternly remind them that he was the client, so they needed to comply with his wishes.
The lead counsel glared at me so hard from across the table that I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, but we held our ground and insisted that we take the matter to court. This was too important of a life-altering decision to cut any corners. I just hoped that I wasn’t putting the visitation they’d been offered at risk.
The day they announced which judge had been assigned to the case, I cringed. Of all the rotten luck, Judge McCreery would be sitting on the bench during the proceedings. The stern woman was known for being especially tough on men––having been left at the altar… twice. I just hoped her sense of fairness would shine through and allow her to see that Grant and Molly were and should remain Scout’s parents and guardians.
We spent every waking moment for weeks preparing for the case. The white-haired men that comprised Grant’s legal team didn’t respect me or my opinions, but I refused to let them intimidate me. Molly wanted me to have a seat at the table, so I belonged there as much as they did.
Grant and Molly worked tirelessly as we grilled them in preparation to take the stand. Their entire lives would be on trial, so they would need to be ready to explain anything from their pasts. Molly’s life had been pretty tame, since she had lived her entire life in this small town, but Grant went through a wild stage during the height of his fame. We needed to make sure the judge saw the loving, responsible family man he was now, rather than the partying movie star he’d been back then.
As the court date approached, the worry lines now etched onto Molly’s face deepened. I wanted to reassure my best friend that everything would work out for the best, but I wasn’t at all sure that was the case. At this point, it could easily go either way, and that realization sent a chill of terror down my spine. If they lost the time with Scout that we could have agreed to in the beginning, Molly would never recover from the loss––and I would never forgive myself.
The night before the proceedings were set to begin, we decided to stop our preparations in the early evening. Everyone needed a decent dinner and a good night’s sleep––not that Molly, Grant, or I would likely be getting any rest tonight. We had done all we could to get ready, so there wasn’t anything left to do but wait and try not to let the nervous energy consume us.
I didn’t want to go home and face my parents’ anxious stares, so I decided to go for a walk out to Captain’s Point Lighthouse to enjoy the fresh air coming in from the sea. The bright red structure that was such a well-known landmark had always had a calming effect on me, and I could definitely use some relaxing energy right now.
It was easy to recognize Gage, even from behind. Seeing his broad shoulders and dark hair that fell just below his shoulders made heat tingle deep in my belly as if I’d just taken a shot of Fireball whiskey. I hadn’t seen the man in weeks, since I’d been so busy with preparations for the case, but he’d never been far from my mind.
“Fancy meeting you here,” I said as I walked up and stood beside him, allowing my arm to brush against his. Even though we were both wearing jackets, that simple touch sent a zinging spark down my spine.
He was leaning on the stone wall looking out at the ocean, so I mirrored his stance.
Although he didn’t turn in my direction, he seemed to know it was me because he said, “I haven’t seen you around town lately.”
“I’ve been super busy with work, but I’ve been meaning to reach out to you.”
This news made him look my way just before he asked with interest, “Oh?”
“Yes, I wanted to see how our little kitten friend is doing.”
If I didn’t know better, I would have sworn a look of disappointment flashed on his face before he was able to cover it. “He’s doing great, but he’s an ornery little scamp, so that’s what I named him.”
“Scamp?” I asked, smiling. At his nod, I said sincerely, “That’s perfect.”
The waves crashing onto the rocks below were the only sound as the silence between us stretched to the point of becoming awkward. Finally, I said, “I’d love to come visit him sometime.”
“That would be fantastic!” The delight in Gage’s expression was undeniable.
