Page 58 of In This Moment
“Let the record show, the defense has just one remaining challenge.” Judge Wells looked over her glasses at Luke. “Let’s finish this up, Mr. Baxter. Jury selection shouldn’t take all day.”
Wendell wasn’t a lawyer but he sensed the hostility Luke faced in this courtroom. The next six jurors seemed as opposed to Bible study and the Christian faith as Andy Nelson. Luke used his one remaining challenge, but after that there wasn’t much he could do to stop three of them from being placed on the jury.
Thirty minutes later they had their jurors. Luke turned to Wendell. “It could be worse, but it’s not what I hoped for. It’ll be pretty split based on their answers today.”
“I wondered.” Wendell felt a ripple of concern. “We’ll just have to pray. God’s not surprised by anything that happened today.”
“True.” Luke smiled and shook Wendell’s hand. “I’ll be in touch tomorrow. We’ll go over everything regarding the trial.”
Wendell left the building with Luke. It wasn’t until he reached his car that he noticed someone standing by the driver’s side. His heart stopped when he saw her.
“Alicia.” She had a way of showing up when he least expected her and most needed her. “Why... what are you doing here?”
She lifted her face, the strength back in her eyes. “I’m tired of walking away from you.”
“Okay.” Wendell didn’t blink, didn’t turn away. He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jacket and waited.
“I don’t like how things ended this morning.” She took a step closer. “Today was jury selection. What sort of friend disappears when the stakes are this great?”
True,he wanted to say. But he remained silent.
“Forgive me, Wendell. I won’t turn my back on you again.” She reached for his hand. “Whatever happens after this trial, I’ll be your friend, at least. I’m not going anywhere.”
It was a start, a first step. Wendell wanted to say he still loved her. But for now this was enough. He pulled her slowly into his arms and held her. After a long moment, he stepped back and said the only thing he could think to say. “Thank you. For being here.”
Her eyes held the hint of sparkle. “Let’s get coffee. So you can tell me about jury selection.”
Alicia followed him to the coffee shop a mile from the courthouse. He checked his rearview mirror six times—just to be sure she was really behind him. So he would know this wasn’t something from a dream. An hour later, when they parted ways and he headed home to his kids, Wendell felt better about today’s jury selection and the trial ahead.
Not because the process would be any easier. Luke Baxter assured him that the next week would be the most difficult of all.
But because he had a friend to see him through it.
17
Luke and his family filed into the CKT children’s theater that Saturday night for the opening performance ofSeussical the Musical. The play several of his nieces and nephews were in. He was keeping his word. Spending more time with his family and glad for it.
But today all Luke could think about was the case against Wendell Quinn.
“You look distracted.” Reagan leaned close to him and searched his face. “You’re thinking about the trial, aren’t you?”
“Trying not to be.” He kissed her cheek. “Sorry.”
Tommy was sitting next to Reagan. He opened his program and turned to them. “Who’s playing what parts again?”
Malin and Johnny listened, too, while Reagan explained it to them. “All of Aunt Kari and Uncle Ryan’s kids are in it. Jessie’s playing Horton—her biggest role ever.” Reagan looked at the program. “RJ and Annie are ensemble.” She pointed to a column of names. “Aunt Ashley and Uncle Landon have three in the show, too. Amy is a Bird Girl, and Devin is the mayor. Janessa is one of the Who townspeople.”
“I thought Maddie had a role.” Luke was still struggling to stay focused. His family and the rest of the Baxters had been looking forward to this night for months. He needed to at least try. “Is she in it?”
“She’s not in the cast.” Reagan put her arm around his shoulders. “Maddie’s an assistant director along with Bailey Flanigan.”
Tommy nodded. “That’s right. Maddie’s dating Bailey’s brother Connor.”
“Not anymore.” Reagan gave him a sad smile. “They’re on a break. Maddie told us that last time we were all together.”
“A break. Right.” Luke looked into Reagan’s eyes. “I remember how that felt.” He kissed her again, this time on the lips.
“Not much fun.”
