Page 48 of Unburdening His Heart

The reporters yell a barrage of questions at us as we walk to the SUV. We have to ignore the ridiculous accusations being leveled against Andrea. It’s nearly impossible, but we manage. I take the front passenger seat, and Jack gets in the back passenger side, taking his seat beside Andrea.

I turn to face Andrea to see her fingers laced with Jack’s resting on her lap. “I’ll figure out how to put a stop to this. I promise. I’m sorry.”

Releasing Jack’s hand, she reaches for my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “This isn’t your fault. Don’t blame yourself.”

She doesn’t yet know how my decisions have landed us all right where we are. I don’t respond verbally. Instead, I place my hand on hers and give it a squeeze before turning to face forward in my seat.

SJ blows the horn twice and backs the SUV out of the driveway. The reporters part and allow the vehicle to pass. They still take pictures, but the blacked-out windows prevent them from seeing our faces.

The ride to the café is mostly quiet except when SJ asks if I want him to make a statement on our behalf. Normally, I’d take on the task myself, but this all too close to home for me. One word out of line about Andrea from a reporter, and I can’t be sure I would keep my composure. This is too important to risk me screwing it up because of my emotions.

I agree to allow SJ to make the statement. I know he’ll represent our family well, and I help him go over it to make sure it’s airtight before we make it to the café.

Thankfully, when we arrive, the local police department has pushed the reporters back from the front of the cafe. They set up across the street with their cameras pointed at the café door.

SJ pulls up to the curb to let us out. As soon as Andrea’s foot makes contact with the pavement, the reporters are yelling questions. We ignore them as we have been. The front door of the café swings open with Charlie holding it open for us. Her red hair is still a mess; her face is angry.

I turn around to see if I can spot SJ before I walk in. He’s parked the SUV and is getting out of the driver’s seat. I watch him approach the crowd of reporters, ready to make the statement. I think allowing him to speak on our behalf is the right decision.

“They’re live with SJ now.” Irene’s voice catches my attention.

I turn and walk towards her office. I can’t help but notice the café is pretty empty, even though it’s already open for the day. It’s usually packed this early because of the morning rush before the townies start their day. However, it seems no one wants to be recorded while trying to get a cup of coffee before work.

I shudder to think how this could affect Irene’s business.

In Irene’s office, Andrea, Jack, and Irene are gathered around the small TV on her desk. SJ’s deep voice commands the crowd. I squeeze in where I can see and listen. Charlie comes to the doorway, her eyes catching mine. The instant pull between us is distracting, but I try my best to ignore it and focus on everything SJ says.

“My name is Samuel Johnson. I’m speaking on behalf of the Shaw family, specifically Andrea Shaw. Andrea Shaw rejects all statements made by Anthony Morales while under oath or that he may make in the future. Ms. Shaw had no knowledge of Morales before seeing his testimony this past week, nor has she ever heard any mention of his name in the many years she has known Christopher Gates. Furthermore, the Shaw family doubts the validity of the relationship between Christopher Gates and Anthony Morales and are in the process of compiling evidence to disprove the stated relationship.”

SJ looks straight into the camera through the entire statement. He doesn’t answer a single question. When he finishes his last sentence, he turns and walks away.

We hear the front door chime, indicating someone has opened it. I’m the first out of Irene’s office. SJ strides past the front counter toward me.

I smile. “Good work.”

I’m impressed with his statement. It’s the truth and exactly what the press needed to hear. Any other reaction from us, as a family or individually, could hurt our public image. We have to maintain self-control and a united front to get through this.

I extend my hand to SJ, and he takes it. “Thanks, boss.”

Chapter Sixteen

Charlie

I can’t even describe the level of angry I was when I realized the reporters made it to the café. My best friend’s life is being turned upside down and inside out after only narrowly escaping two direct attempts by Christopher on her life and one hired attempt! This is ridiculous!

I throw the dish towel down. It isn’t fucking fair, and I don’t know how to make it better for her. I blow out a long breath, trying to calm myself. My blood pressure is rising again just thinking about all of it.

“You okay over there?”

I startle at Andrew’s voice. When I turn, I find him much closer to me than I expected. I must have really been stuck in my head for him to have snuck up on me like that. I laugh because it’s just an absurd question. None of us are really okay.

His eyebrows shoot up. I guess he didn’t expect me to laugh.

“Not really. I’m mad and hurt that she’s in the middle of a three-ring circus.” He walks over and leans against the counter, crossing his arms. “I’m sorry.” His usually rich baritone voice cracks slightly at the end.

“For what? I should be asking if you’re okay.” I stop folding the dough for the scones and turn to him. I really take him in and notice the bags under his eyes and a grim line set in his lips.

“I would be better if Andrea and Addy didn’t have to go through this shit, but there isn’t much I can do about it now. At least, not yet.”

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