“Thank you, your Honor. I would like to question Mrs. Wilkinson.”
She inhaled deeply, the rise and fall of her chest evident. She tried to maintain eye contact with Vernon.
Vernon attempted a reassuring nod. “Mrs. Wilkinson, will you please tell us exactly what happened that day—in your own words?”
“Objection, your Honor. That question’s been asked.”
“Overruled. Let’s see what Mrs. Wilkinson has to say without the segmented questioning, shall we?” He smiled smugly and turned to Susannah. “Please continue.”
Her smile was forced. “As I said, I was about to leave when the violence began. I don’t believe in forcing my views on anyone. It was at that time I saw rocks being thrown, and the elderly woman hit by the rock and the smoke happening. I helped her to a bench and made sure she was all right before I took her to her bus stop. That’s where my involvement in this ends. I don’t know anything past that until the authorities came to England and forced me from my home and brought me back here.”
Ms. Percy rose from her seat. “Your honor, the video does not show any of this occurring. We only have her word.”
“Ms. Percy, why wasn’t the video viewed at the onset of this case? When the first arrests were made?” He leaned forward to peer at her sternly.
She rifled through her file and stuttered, “I—I’m not certain …”
“What I think, Ms. Percy, is that someone dropped the ball on this and saw an opportunity to make a name for himself …” he emphasized, “… or herself.”
“May I speak your honor?” Vernon asked, lifting a file folder.
“Yes, Mr. Sturdivant.”
“Your honor, I hold here a file containing evidence that the investigator assigned to this case made a grave error and overlooked obvious evidence.”
Ms. Percy stood abruptly, arms crossed. “Your Honor. The prosecution was not apprised about this so-called evidence.”
The judge’s eyebrows pulled together. He nodded at Vernon and replied to his unanswered comment, “How so, Mr. Sturdivant?”
Ms. Percy’s composure evaporated. “Your Honor, objection.”
“Ms. Percy, do you want to be found in contempt? Overruled.” He turned back to Vernon.
“First of all, Ms. Percy has seen this evidence and found it to be inadmissible as hearsay. I disagree and would like for you to review it. I have a witness’s deposition that can corroborate Mrs. Wilkinson’s testimony about the violence she was not a part of.”
The judge opened the file and read it. Clearing his throat, he proceeded to tell all present that the elderly woman Susannah assisted had passed away, but that her daughter agreed to give a deposition stating what her mother had told her. “She states the events that occurred were as Mrs. Wilkinson’s testimony states and were not a part of the violence in any way.”
The judge closed the file. “I’ll allow this as evidence.”
A low buzz of voices sounded in the courtroom. Jury members glanced at one another, their faces anxious.
Ms. Percy rose. “Your Honor, this is hearsay. This should not be admissible since it’s from a third party.”
“Ms. Percy, I understand what you’re saying, but why should this not be admitted? This third party was not directly connected to the occurrence, but the series of what happened there was relayed to her by her mother—not some stranger off the street. She didn’t know Mrs. Wilkinson. Therefore, I don’t think she was swayed one way or another.”
The judge turned his attention to Vernon. “Mr. Sturdivant, would you like to question Mrs. Wilkinson further or call any other witnesses, or close?”
“Your Honor, I would like to ask Mrs. Wilkinson one last question if I may.”
The judge leaned back, propping an elbow on the arm of his chair. “Continue.”
∞∞∞
Susannah swallowed hard, her eyes clouding, knowing what was coming.
Vernon moved to stand in front of her once more. “Mrs. Wilkinson, why was speaking to these women at the clinic so important to you?”
Her head hung. After a moment she raised it, her gaze fixed on the closed door at the back of the room. She couldn’t tell her story if she made eye contact with anyone. “I had been married a couple of years when I found that I was pregnant. My husband didn’t want children though. He was adamant about that. When I unexpectedly became pregnant, he gave me an ultimatum.” She straightened and didn’t dare look at anyone, especially Ryan. “End our marriage or have an abortion.”
A few quiet gasps, some sniffling, and a cough echoed through the courtroom.
She brushed a tear from her cheek. “I refused. I would never do that to my child.” Her voice cracked, she cleared her throat and continued, “I’ve been an advocate for the helpless ever since.”
“I have no other questions, your Honor. The defense rests.” Vernon returned to his seat.
The judge couldn’t take his eyes off Susannah. “Yes, well … Ms. Percy, do you have any further questions?”
Her eyes icy, she said, “No, your Honor.”
“Bailiff, please return Mrs. Wilkinson to her seat.”
Susannah allowed herself to be guided from the stand, her attention on the floor, heart pounding—her spinning thoughts, and the closing arguments a blur. Ryan had said Vernon Sturdivant was the best lawyer in New York, and she hoped he was right.
“The jury is dismissed to come to a verdict.”
The bailiff asked all to stand, and Susannah gathered enough courage to glance behind her at Ryan. His shoulders tensed, and he stared at a small object in his hands that glinted in the light as he turned it over and over. He fumbled and almost dropped it. But Susannah had recognized it as the cross—the same one she’d tried to give him but eventually left it for Colin. How could that be?
Before their eyes could meet, the bailiff gently led her away. Looking over her shoulder, she caught a glimpse of Ryan and Vernon in deep conversation, Diann’s hand gripping Ryan’s shoulder.
As she walked, she prayed. God, please let the truth be enough.
Chapter 30
Neville, North Yorkshire, England
Four months later …
April stood in the middle of the wide-open expanse of green in front of Horden Castle. It was a perfect morning—mild temperature, no humidity, slight breeze. She prayed it would hold out for the remainder of the day and night for Hodge’s big celebration. She couldn’t imagine how they had kept it from him. But, somehow, everyone had been tight-lipped.
“April!” Letice called out from across the green.
Letice and Amanda, along with Vita and several others, headed her way loaded with boxes of paper lanterns, torches, and lights.
“Good morning, everyone.” April relieved Amanda of a box. “I can see that you all are ready to get to work.”
“Thanks, dear. I should’ve listened to Colin and only carried one.”
April laughed. “Where is he? Did you leave him to carry everything else?”
Vita smiled. “We should have. He’s so bossy.”
“You don’t mean that, Vita.” Letice pinched her lips together. “He is in charge of this.”
“Yes, well, he’s an okay egg.” Vita strutted away toward the castle gardens.
Horden Castle and its grounds were about to become a beehive of activity. Dozens of people clustered around. It appeared to April that the entire village of Neville was chipping in to help Hodge celebrate.
As April fell into line behind the others, she spotted Colin coming her way. His arms loaded with more boxes. She rushed forward to help.
“Thank you.” He rearranged the remaining two boxes and took in the scene before him.
“You’ve done a lot of work these past weeks in my absence. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. I adored it. And I’ve not done any more than the others—including you.” She grinned smugly. “It’s taken a village.”
He laughed at her joke. “Yes, it has. And I haven�
��t done all that much. I also hate that I’ve been away from the expansion plans for the housing project. I’ve been told you’re involved now as well and even started a little library in the common room.”
“Yes,” April said, her face heating. “Books are my specialty, and I had no idea you could use another person until Amanda brought it up. Next thing, I’m knee-deep in committee meetings.”
“That sounds like her. She knows good help when she sees it.” He motioned toward the decorating underway. “Speaking of help, we’d best get going to have everything ready for this evening.”
April nodded, yet something in his expression didn’t match his cheerful manner. His face was sad. “Are you well?”
He stared into the distance. “Oh, it’s just that I know Susannah would’ve liked to be here. She and Hodge were dear friends. They actually met the first time she came to Neville. I believe he may have played a part in why she chose to move here.”
“Perhaps. He’s a lovely man, isn’t he? I never met Mrs. Wilkinson, yet everyone that did seems to have nothing but nice things to say about her.”
Colin stared at the castle. “Yes, she was a very nice woman and would want us to pull out all the stops for Hodge. So, I say, let’s get on with it, shall we?”
“Yes. For Hodge.” April offered a soft smile. “And Susannah.”
Colin echoed her words, his voice lingering on Susannah’s name.
∞∞∞
The evening turned out as flawless as the day had been. Hodge’s grandson, and Colin, led the man of the hour, blindfolded, onto the castle grounds just before sundown. He was positioned among the hushed crowd on the patio, so when he opened his eyes, he would be looking into the crowd and the breathtaking sunset.
His grandson whispered into his ear, “Are you ready?”
Hodge’s wrinkles deepened as his smile widened, eyes nearly disappearing. “Yes, I am.”
The blindfold was untied, and the entire crowd yelled, “Happy birthday, Hodge!”
He brought his hands to his cheeks, his mouth ajar and looked around at the faces of his family and friends with the castle and the English sunset as the backdrop. Tears glistened in his eyes as one by one, people greeted him with hugs, back slaps, and their best wishes. Colin clapped him on the shoulder and gave him a microphone.
“I realized somethin’ was goin’ on, but I never imagined it would be so grand, especially for the likes of me.” He beamed. “I so appreciate this wonderful surprise, and I want you all to have a good time. I will. I won’t go on any longer with my chin waggin’.”
He reached for his handkerchief and blotted his eyes. “I love you all. Now, I would like to give thanks before we dig in.” Bowing his head, he began, “Lord, thank you for these wonderful people, for the food, and the perfect weather. Thank you for givin’ me one hundred years on this earth, and for givin’ me eternity in Your home.” He passed the microphone back to Colin who stood by his side and observed the joy surrounding him.
Letice, Amanda, and Vita came forward to give him a hug and wish him a happy birthday. “What a great birthday gift. Hugs from the lovely ladies in Neville.”
“Why, Hodge, you scoundrel.” Vita lightly pushed his shoulder. “Is that all you wanted for your birthday?”
“What better to ask for at a hundred?” He grinned sheepishly. “I’m the most blessed man in all of England.”
The sun now gone—thousands of tiny white lights illuminated the trees, topiaries, fountains, and walls. The entire castle gardens appeared like a nocturnal fairyland. Light reflected in the water of the moat and the fountains throughout the grounds. The torches made a backdrop behind the refreshment tables, highlighting a massive feast of platters loaded with roasted meats and vegetables. Cheeses, breads, and crackers were artfully arranged with garnishes of fresh herbs. A gigantic punch bowl was filled with Hodge’s favorite drink, a pineapple and orange concoction.
Several guests had already loaded their plates and sat at tables near the entrance to the garden-patio. Colin watched April smile from across the crowd at Hodge and the other women as she wandered to the other side of the garden. She gazed at the large fountain, lights dancing across the water.
∞∞∞
April admired the fountain while sipping on a glass of Hodge’s punch. A nudge to her ribs from behind made her jerk and almost spill punch on her party dress.
“Oh!” April whirled to face her assailants. Tristan and Polly burst into laughter. “You two are a riot,” she said sarcastically. “So now I guess I have two pranksters to deal with.” She propped one hand on her hip in mock disapproval. “A real pair you are.”
Tristan draped an arm on Polly’s shoulder. The two, as a couple, was something April was going to have to get used to. She was thrilled at the prospect.
In fact, the whole evening seemed to brim with promise, like anything could happen. She caught a glimpse of Hodge surveying the sea of party guests, noticing his look of admiration. He stood near the entrance to the patio and garden grounds, his head turning toward the approach of two latecomers still in shadow on the dimly lit walkway to the castle. She saw his face shift to one of utter disbelief, and he held out his hands with a broad smile.
∞∞∞
Colin was closing in on Hodge at the exact moment he turned and opened his arms toward two stragglers entering from the castle’s front. With Hodge’s position on the rise of the courtyard, Colin couldn’t see who was walking toward him until he saw the man lingering back against the wall.
He stood motionless, his mind whirling with possibilities, long-held dreams that had no hope to come true. Was this one now—an impossible, heart-wrenching dream? He found he was holding his breath, his hands clenched at his sides. He listened, and watched the scene unfold before him as Hodge embraced the last person he expected to see. “Susannah,” he whispered as his vision blurred. He shook his head and looked again as he strode toward them, barely making out what was being said.
“Oh, my dear.” Hodge croaked through tears. “It’s so good to see you. I knew you’d be back.”
“Oh, my friend,” Susannah said, tears shimmering on her cheeks. “It’s so good to see you too.”
“Please come.” Hodge turned and waved for Ryan to join them. “Everyone is here now.”
Ryan shook Hodge’s hand. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“You too, my boy.” His aged eyes shone with happiness and perhaps a touch of mischief. “April is around here somewhere.”
Susannah turned, and her eyes met his. He didn’t hesitate as long purposeful strides carried him toward her, his pounding heart masking all the sounds around them. He stopped in front of her, studying her face. She was really here—alive.
Her eyes filled with fresh tears, and Colin hesitated no longer. Tenderly, he folded her in his arms and kissed her. Everyone exploded into applause. He pulled back but didn’t release her. He gazed into her eyes and said, “I should’ve done that a long time ago.”
She nodded and smiled through the crying. “It doesn’t matter now, Colin. We’re here together at last.” She drew him closer and whispered, “Right where we belong.”
∞∞∞
Polly gasped, leaned toward April and pointed to the edge of the castle grounds. “Look who’s here.”
April followed Polly’s gaze and brought her fingers to her lips as she saw Ryan shake Hodge’s hand. Ryan surveyed the gardens until he met her gaze and smiled. He waved and strode toward her while Tristan led a protesting Polly away.
April sipped her punch, trying to think of something to say. She smiled as he stopped a few feet in front of her.
“It’s so nice to see you again.”
“You too.” She stammered. “Would you like some punch?”
“I would love some. But, first, I’d like for you to finally meet my mother.”
April’s mouth dropped. “Your mother?”
“Yes. It’s a long story. One I’d like to tell you over dinner if that’s
all right.”
April studied him, noting a new lightness about him from his eyes to his posture. She remembered what he’d said about reading other people. And if she were to read him at that very moment, she would say he had found peace.
He stepped closer and took her hand. She looked into his eyes as he placed a small cool object in her palm and pressed her fingers around it.
She glanced at her hand, slowly opening it to reveal a silver pocket cross, and his transformation made sense. She smiled at him. “Dinner at Talbot’s tomorrow night?”
He gave a nod and took her other hand in his as the night sky lit up with a boom, sprays of sparks and brilliant color cascading over Horden Castle. The display reflected more than fireworks in the fountain’s gleaming surface but an image of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
THE END
Acknowledgments
Having such a widespread support base has made my writing journey a pleasure. God has graciously placed so many wonderful people in my life to encourage and give me direction.
My first writing partner entered my life in 2007. Morgan Tarpley Smith is a great friend, encourager, and fellow writer. She also graciously formatted this book. Thank you, Morgan.
In 2016 I met Tammy Kirby at an ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) meeting. Our friendship has grown around our writing projects and research trips to the U.K. Thank you, Tammy, you have become a wonderful friend.
There are so many to thank that I don’t have room to list everyone. Just a few I’d like to acknowledge are my husband Max, my son Daniel, my mother, two unique aunts, beta readers—Donna, Eileen, Jo, Morgan, Pam, Tammy and Wanda.
I’d also like to thank Jessica, the owner of Blue Cottage in Wiltshire, England. In 2013 I had the pleasure of staying in her 16th century cottage. She kindly gave me permission to use the photograph I took of her charming cottage for the cover of my first novel. Although the interior layout differs from Permelia Cottage, Blue Cottage was an inspiration for me. If you’d like to vacation there, contact Jessica at: http://thebluecottage.co.uk/
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