If I Only Knew(59)

“Because I’m falling in love with my boss and I don’t think it’ll be a good look for us if I stay on.”

“You’re in love?” he laughs. “You?”

“Fuck off, mate. Yes. I don’t know why you find that funny.”

Callum shrugs and then hands me another bottle. “Because you’ve always been so against love, as if it made you weak.”

“It does!” I yell. “I’m quitting my fucking job because of her.”

He releases a deep breath through his nose and nods. “I moved my company to America for Nicole. But you can’t quit, Milo.”

“You don’t get to make that choice.”

“No,” he agrees. “But there’s another option—” His phone rings and he puts his finger up. “Hello?”

I grumble.

“Milo.” Callum grips my arm when I start to walk out the room. “Yes. I understand. I’ll let Milo know. Of course,” I hear the panic. “Text me all the details.”

“What’s going on?” I ask with my heart racing.

Something is wrong. I know my brother and the last time he looked at me like this, I found out my father was dead.





Chapter Twenty-Seven





Danielle





“What happens now, Mom?” Ava asks as we sit in the courtroom, waiting for the verdict to be read.

I haven’t been back since my outburst. Maybe because it didn’t matter in some ways. Maybe because I didn’t want to hear any more lies. Or maybe because as much as I want to get closure, I found something else worth focusing on.

However, Richard called and said we should come today. He got word the jury had reached their decision.

As promised, I got Ava out of school and we came here together.

“They’ll call the court to order and read the verdict. If he’s guilty, they’ll set sentencing. If he’s innocent, you and I are leaving immediately before we’re descended upon, understand?”

She nods.

Keeping my word on this was incredibly difficult. I didn’t think it would be this tough. She’s mature for her age in some ways, but this was her daddy. He was the first man she ever looked up to, loved, and wanted to find someone like.

He’s not only gone, but now she’s going to hear things that she may not want to. I’m a grown woman and couldn’t handle it.

“I’ve never seen him,” she notes. “You know, Daddy’s killer.”

“I never wanted you to.”

My phone vibrates, but I don’t look. This moment is too great to be distracted. I know that Parker is safe at school and then Kristin will take him. Aubrey apparently had big plans for their time together.

“Why?” Ava asks.

“Because he’s the last person your father saw, and I hate him for taking that from our family. I wanted you to stay innocent and protected from him, but I see that you can do this. You’re a beautiful, strong girl, Ava Kristin. I’m very proud of you.”

Gone is the angry mask she’s worn relentlessly for the past two years, and I see her again. “I’m proud of you too, Mom.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you know . . . you’re dating and it’s nice to see you happy. I guess. I mean, I don’t care, but if I have to be around you, I’m glad you’re not being a bi—”

“Watch it,” I warn her.

She shrugs with a grin. “Sorry, I thought we were doing what you and Aunt Nicole do, the whole honesty is the only policy we subscribe to.”

I roll my eyes. “You don’t get admission to that club, kid.”

Ava starts to talk, but then the side door opens and Adam McClellan walks in. I grab her hand, offering support as well as needing some of hers. Each time I see him I hate him even more.

“Just look forward okay?” Her eyes meet mine and I see the fear swimming. “You’re safe, Ava. You have nothing to fear. No matter what happens today, you’re safe, loved, and everything will be okay.”

“He’s just sitting there.”

“I know.” I squeeze her hand. “Eyes forward or on me.”

She squeezes back and sighs. I look around for Milo. He said he’d be here, but I haven’t heard from him. Which is strange because he’s the one person that has always been in this room when I needed him, even when I didn’t know I did.

A few heartbeats later, the judge enters and court is called to order.

“Has the jury reached a verdict?” she asks.

“We have your honor.”

“Bailiff, please . . .” The judge extends her hand and he goes to get the envelope.

My stomach is in my throat as I watch her read. She makes no reaction to whatever their decision was, which I remember Peter complaining about all the time.

Being on this side, it sucks.

Each second feels like an hour passing.

Ava wraps her hand around my arm, holding on tight.

The judge hands the envelope back and then it goes back to the head juror. I swear, this is meant to make people crazy. It’s not just about the murderer sitting there whose fate will be determined, it’s about all of us. The people who loved my husband, our family, everyone who saw our grief and loss. This matters.