Page 102 of Second Start: Family
Hall knew he should pay close attention to all this, but the words spun around his head like a whirlwind. He caught the general tenor, but not their individual meanings.
The newcomer was someone his lawyer wanted to have make a statement.
The opposing lawyer jumped up. “I object.”
“On what basis?” the judge asked.
The other lawyer mumbled something about not knowing yet, then rallied with, “This is an unusual procedure and a disruption and—”
“I’m entitled to bring in a rebuttal witness.” With an eye on the judge, Eric quickly amended that to, “A statement from someone with direct knowledge of the events introduced in this court two days ago, to rebut opposing counsel’s written statements to Your Honor.”
“I’ve had no notice of this witness.”
“Neither did I,” Eric said, drawing a few chuckles from behind them. “As Sheriff Grainger said, I didn’t know for sure until he walked in that this would happen. I’ll also point out there was no objection to Gramps, so the precedent—”
That sparked another lawyer-to-lawyer back and forth, until the judge brought down her gavel.
“I didn’t expect to have to use my gavel,” she said in disapproval. “We’re taking things informally, as you agreed. Both of you. Let the man in, Deputy. I’ll hear him.”
Eric gripped Hall’s forearm.
His lawyer clearly thought this was good news.
The stranger came forward, took the witness chair, gave his name, one Hall had never heard. Then — in answer to the first question from Eric — described his position as headmaster at a school Hallhadheard of.
Kenzie’s former boss.
He recited his degrees and résumé under Eric’s questioning. Hall didn’t listen.
If the man weren’t so much older, Hall wouldn’t mind taking a piece out of his hide.
The man who hadn’t protected her. Who’d let her go through that alone when he should have backed her. Should have told her—
His thoughts about the man abruptly shifted … close to home.
Could have told her … how he felt.
Hall pivoted in his chair.
Every eye of those behind him was on the new witness.
He waited. One beat. Two.
On the third, one pair of eyes came to him. Kenzie’s.
“I’m sorry.” He said the words aloud, but with no hope she could hear them. Maybe he hoped she could read his lips. Maybe he hoped she could read his heart. “My kids are lucky to have you in love with them. But I hope it’s more than my kids.”
“Mr. Larkin, we seem to have lost the attention of your client,” the judge said.
“Hall. This is important.” Eric’s hand on his shoulder urged him to turn forward.
Hall didn’t.
“So’s this.”
Kenzie’s eyes went wide. She put one hand to her throat, then slowly nodded.
He nodded back.
