Chapter 27

I looked back at Mr. Carter, and he could see the contemplation on my face.

“What do I need to do?”

“We are going to need you to testify. Now, I know my son and he does know what we need you to do. However, I can also see how much he cares for you, and he may try and convince you not to testify. But Leah, I must tell you without your testimony there is a chance they will get a lighter sentence.”

“I will do it. Just tell me what you need me to do. I have to ask though I thought they had made a deal?"

"They were offered a deal, if they were to talk and shed some light on why you were targeted. However, only one of them talked and they did so without the presence of their lawyer which nullified the deal. When Gideon found out that is when he changed their plea to not guilty due to mental incapacity. He is claiming that they did not understand their actions at the time of taking the deal or the night of the attack or the affect they would cause.”

His face then softened as he sat back and crossed his legs. He started to talk to me through the process and what I was going to need to do. He explained that we would need to sit down with Evelyn and get my testimony straight before the trial began. We were finishing up when Logan walked in.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” He looked shocked.

It was evident by the look on his face and his instant tensing, that he had no idea that his father was going to visit me.

He stood and greeted his son with a hug. “We need Leah to testify.”

“Nope, never going to happen.” He walked off putting his laptop down on the chair.

They discussed it back and forth for a while before Logan had no choice but to admit it was the best option for the case. With heavy reluctance he gave in and he agreed. We made an appointment for Evelyn and Jack to come back and start preparation with me. Logan made sure he was there. The appointment was made for the following day after my hospital checkup.

Sleep that night was hard to come by. It was bad enough to have nightmares constantly when closing my eyes but now having to talk through each part in detail over and over again filled me with dread. I knew I was safe in Logan’s apartment but nothing could stop the unease I felt inside. Nothing to reduce that feeling and stop the nightmares. At least not until they were behind bars.

The next morning, I was up at the crack of dawn. I found myself in the kitchen making some toast but after a few bites I found myself pushing it around the plate. I hovered over at the window watching the sun rise above the buildings in the city and the city start to come alive below us. I heard Logan in the shower. I continued to watch the city below and the sunrise. The view from his apartment was spectacular. I heard his soft footsteps behind me. I looked at his reflection in the window behind me. His face filled with concern.

“Is there any way I can convince you not to do this?”

I turned to face him. I could see and hear how scared he was for me.

“They need me to do this, I need to do this.”

“You’ve already faced them. Are you sure you can do this again?”

“Honestly, no. But I have to try right?”

“You don’t know Gideon Davenport, he is ruthless. He will tear you apart on the stand.”

“I have your father and Evelyn in my corner though, and not to mention you.”

“I know but Gideon,” he paused, his brow furrowed.

I stepped forward and closed the gap between us. “I know.”

The air between us felt heavy.