ADDISON AND CALEB sat in a conference room on the first floor of the Corban County Courthouse.
At the head, Mr. Howell sat with Caleb’s file in front of him on the polished wood table. He rested his hands on the surface. “This is a new one to me. The DA didn’t offer a deal.”
Tears pricked Addison’s tired eyes. She’d hoped maybe there’d be a chance of community service and no time in prison. That maybe the DA would have compassion on a man who’d never had a run-in with the court system before. That hope was getting crushed.
Mr. Howell rose. “We want to show the judge that we see the seriousness of this situation and that we respect the court, so let’s get in there.” He straightened his tie.
Addison brushed at the shoulder of Caleb’s best suit, removing the tiny specks of lint that remained after she’d gone over him with the fabric roller before leaving home.
Benches lined the hallway. Already a group of people huddled outside the door to courtroom number two. Three boys, teenagers, stood close together, their height working down by their apparent ages. These would be the Bosch boys.
Weakness filtered through Addison’s body. For the first time, she truly understood what Caleb had been saying. No one could possibly win in court. Those boys were without their mother, no matter what caused her death. Would seeing Caleb behind bars help them to work through the grief that must still be powerfully present? Or would this continue to bring up a loss that no one could change?
HARPER PACED THE conference room where she’d been placed with Ivy and their mothers, as well as a few other people she didn’t even know. This was boring. She’d thought a day off of school to come to court could be interesting, but her mother hadn’t even let them stop at Dutch Bros. on the way over. It wouldn’t be so bad if Ivy hadn’t become so basic.
“Mom.” Harper let her arms hang. “I need my coffee.”
Her mother pointed to the stand at the end of the room.
“I can’t drink that.” She flopped down on a rolling chair and started twisting back and forth.
Her phone vibrated, alerting her to a text from Ivy. I can’t stand this.
Harper typed back a quick reply. You probably won’t even testify. I think the lawyer thinks you cry too much.
Ivy cast a glare across the room, hitting Harper square between the eyes.
Wow. Chill, will you? Harper returned.
You’re seriously heartless.
Harper shook her head. Ivy was a wreck, so typical these days. Not heartless. Smart. And you better be too. Driver.
“Harper and Ivy.” A woman dressed in a suit with no personality at all stepped into the room. Her hair was a shade darker than the camel-colored fabric. “They’re almost ready for you downstairs.”
Harper’s mother stood, gave Ivy’s mom a side hug, and ushered Harper toward the hall.
Holding her phone high, Harper snapped a selfie and posted it to her Snapchat story.
“Seriously?” Her mother snagged the phone and dropped it into her purse. “Do you realize a man’s life is on the line here?”
The woman in the boring suit looked back at them, her face a series of lines that would definitely lead to premature wrinkles.
By the time they got to the courtroom, Harper was distracted by the buzzing in her mother’s purse. Being cut off from the world didn’t seem fair when Harper wasn’t even the one on trial.
“Ivy, you’ll need to have a seat out here. The DA will call you after Harper is done.” The assistant looked through the small window in the courtroom door, nodded, and then pushed it open, ushering Harper and her mother into the room.
ADDISON TOOK A deep breath.
Brianne patted her leg, a reassurance Addison not only needed but greatly appreciated. Brianne had been teaching her ways to calm herself under this kind of stress. She’d given her breathing techniques, positive thoughts to turn to, and a few verses from the Bible. Nothing she’d given could top the gift of her being there, though, right at Addison’s side in the bench behind Caleb and his attorney.
After a day of witnesses for the prosecution, it didn’t look good for Caleb’s future. There’d been testimony about the amounts of alcohol and oxy in his system. There was a specialist who spoke of the seriousness of mixing these two substances. And James Schneider, the local pharmacist, brought in the typical acetaminophen tablet, comparing it to the oval oxy pills. The difference was obvious.
Addison had spent the day watching witness after witness as they shoveled the hole her husband and family were to be buried in. Fear buzzed through her veins, riding on a current of caffeine and no additional nutrients. Sipping coffee was as much as her stomach could manage today.
Harper Hampton took the stand, her face blank of any expression unless boredom qualified. She yawned three times while replaying the way Caleb’s truck had crossed the line, running into Georgianna Bosch’s car. It wasn’t new information. Everyone in the courtroom knew he’d done it. That was not the question. They were there for the judge to determine the extent of his responsibility in that death.
Harper left the bench and plopped down next to her mother, her palm up as if waiting for some kind of payment.
A moment later, the DA called the other witness, Ivy Smith. It was hard to imagine these two girls riding along in a car together as friends. Ivy was thin to the point of frail. Her dark hair was tied loosely at the base of her neck. If she wore any makeup at all, it was subtle enough to not be visible. Her steps were slow, as if she’d been battling some sort of disease and was weakened.
Brianne leaned in toward Addison. “I know that girl.”
“From where?”
She shook her head. “I can’t place her, but I’ve definitely seen her recently.”
The bailiff came forward to swear in the witness.
The DA brushed at her skirt, taking her time before circling the table and approaching the witness, who seemed to be disappearing into herself. “Ms. Smith, you were driving that night, is that correct?”
Ivy’s head shot up, her eyes wide. She nodded.
“Please answer the questions out loud.” The judge adjusted his robe and leaned in, as if anticipating a whispered response.
“Yes . . . I was.” She looked out at the people watching, her gaze stopping on Brianne. She held there, tears pooling in her eyes.
“Can you tell us what happened the night of June 12?”
Ivy’s face crinkled. She covered her face with her hands. Sobs echoed through the room.
In the bench across the aisle from Addison, Ivy’s mother leaned forward. Her ache to comfort her child was as evident as the pink designs woven into her white blouse.
“Your Honor”—the DA approached the bench—“I’d like to excuse this witness. Clearly recalling that night is too traumatic for her.”
Caleb’s attorney stood. “I object. The witness has been sworn in. The defense has the right to question the witness.”
“He’s right. Mr. Howell may still question your witness. I would have thought you could anticipate this problem and make your decision prior to bringing it into my courtroom.”
“I’m sorry, Your Honor.” The DA paced in front of the witness box. “Thank you, Ms. Smith. That is all.” She took a seat behind her desk.
Mr. Howell approached Ivy. He crossed his arms. “Ms. Smith, please tell us what happened that night.” He leaned in close to the teen.
A bench squeaked, calling Addison’s attention to Harper, her eyes like missiles targeted on Ivy.
Ivy shuddered as she looked back at Brianne. “We were driving home.”
“And where is home?”
“Darlington.”
“You were driving toward Darlington?”
“Yes.”
Mr. Howell rubbed a finger along his jawline. “According to the police report, you were driving toward West Crow.” He moved to his desk and pulled out a paper from a large file. “It says here you were going back for a sweater. So again, could you tell us wh
ich direction you were driving?”
She straightened a tiny bit. “East. Toward Darlington.”
Mr. Howell looked back at Caleb, his eyebrows wrinkled. “Okay. Please tell us why you told Deputy Cruz that you were driving west?”
Harper coughed three times, but Ivy’s eyes stayed focused on Brianne. “We were heading home. Harper wanted to take a selfie to post on her Snapchat story.” She shook her head. “It all happened so fast. I was looking at the phone, and I just kind of got into the other lane for a minute.”
Mr. Howell nodded and turned back to Ivy. “What happened when you swerved?”
“I didn’t see him because of the curve . . . and the phone. Harper kept saying to tip my chin up. I didn’t see him coming.”
Brianne’s hand tightened on Addison’s. She nodded toward the girl.
There was some kind of connection happening between Brianne and Ivy. Addison breathed as softly as she could, trying not to move and break the delicate threads that seemed to be pulling the story from the trembling teen.
“He . . .” Ivy pointed toward Caleb. “He swerved to miss me. I thought just for a tiny second that we’d been saved . . . then everything exploded.” Tears washed down her face. Ivy’s cheeks flushed, and her eyes crinkled. “It was me. I did this.” She buried her face in her hands.
The judge tapped his gavel. “I’d like to see both attorneys in my chambers. We’ll have a fifteen-minute recess.”
Addison’s heart pounded. She turned to Brianne, who was still watching the teen as she stepped away from the witness chair. “What’s happening?”
“That girl, Ivy—I met her at the counseling office. She made a horrible mistake, but she’s making it right the best way she can.” Brianne wrapped her arm around Addison’s shoulder.
THE JUDGE PRONOUNCED the case dismissed and gave his gavel a final bang.
Turning to Addison, Brianne watched the happy tears pour over her friend’s cheeks. Months of agony, fear, and questioning, all gone in a moment of truth.
Addison leaned into Brianne. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything. This was God. Go see your husband.”
The grin on Addison’s face could have lit the room. She squeezed Brianne’s hand and went to the defendant’s desk, hugging Caleb, who still stood like a man in shock.
All around the courtroom, people buzzed, unfolding the new information and starting the gossip chain all over again. Still in the same seats, Ivy huddled next to her mother, her face buried in the white blouse.
Brianne’s heart was torn in two. She rejoiced with her friends but grieved with the young woman who’d held onto this painful secret all summer. There would be harsh consequences to follow: the loss of friends, the loss of respect, and the possible loss of freedom. And Ivy would need people to stand beside her.
With a prayer flowing over her heart, Brianne made her way to the bench on the other side of the room. She scooted in next to Ivy and gently brushed the hair back from her face. “I remember you.”
Red blotches colored the face of Ivy’s mother. Another woman in fear for her child.
“I’m a counselor. Ivy and I met when I was visiting my old office. I’d like to help, if I can.”
Ivy covered her face with her hands. “I don’t think you can. I’ve ruined everything.”
“No, you haven’t. You came forward when it counted.”
“But now my life is over.” Her words weren’t laced with teen drama. It was a natural assumption for a girl Ivy’s age.
“It may feel that way, but there are still amazingly beautiful days in your future. One step at a time, okay?”
Mrs. Smith touched Brianne’s arm and mouthed a thank-you.
This was where the healing could begin. Not in the secrets and regrets, but in the moving forward, trusting, and truth.
46
Addison and Caleb stepped out into the sunlight in front of the Corban County Courthouse. Colorful blooms lined the edge of the lush green lawn, while a breeze hinted at autumn’s approach. Along the street, a group of people held signs protesting the city’s plan to change West Crow’s traffic flow. Brianne waved out her window as she drove by on her way to pick up the Kilbourn children from school.
It seemed like a fully different day from the one it had been when Addison and Caleb walked up these steps that morning. Even the seasons seemed to have changed in the hours they’d spent in the courtroom. They stopped under a maple tree.
Caleb picked up a stray scarlet leaf and twirled it between his fingers. “I don’t know what to do now.”
“Well, there’s Hannah’s first soccer game. I’d like to be there for that, since we’re done early.”
“No. I mean now that this is over.” His gaze drew back to the white courthouse. “The judge dismissing the case was outside of anything I could even think to pray for.”
Addison scooped her hand around his upper arm. “How are you feeling?”
“I don’t know. I wish I could remember the accident clearly.” He turned to face her, tears in his eyes. “The thing is, it was still my truck that hit her car. What if I hadn’t had that drink? What if I hadn’t taken that pill? Maybe I would have been able to avoid her car too.”
Addison’s face tingled as the blood rushed from her cheeks. The Bosch boys were leaving the courthouse, their eyes red and swollen. Caleb’s innocence did nothing to help those boys. Instead, they were now saddled with the knowledge that their mother had been killed because of two careless girls from their hometown.
“I heard they’re about to lose their home. Their mother didn’t have life insurance, and with the oldest just turning eighteen, they’ve chosen to stay together as long as they can. The social security payments aren’t enough to pay the bills and the mortgage. I can’t imagine having to give up college at that age to care for my little brothers.”
“That’s horrible. I wish we could do something.”
His silence drew her attention to his face. “I think we can.”
Her shoulders slumped. Their dream home across the field was still slipping away. They’d given a chunk of savings to the attorney, and that had felt wrong, but what Caleb was suggesting was different. It rang with a tone of freedom and honor. And they’d continue to save. “Let’s help them out. We can keep saving, and we can build on to your mother’s house if it’s okay with her. My dream house is anywhere my family lives.”
Caleb grinned and pulled her into his chest. “I love you so much.”
EMILIA RETURNED FROM the car, the bowl of sliced oranges on her hip, just in time to see the girls run back onto the field after halftime.
Her heart stalled at the collision of worlds happening directly between where she stood and the soccer field.
Roger lifted himself out of a camp chair. Although still moving tentatively, he’d made great strides forward. There was a smile on his face as he reached his hand out to Caleb Kilbourn. They shook, Caleb pointing to Tally as she advanced the ball down the field toward the goal.
Emilia kept going forward, though her pace was substantially slowed.
At ten feet behind the men, she could just make out their conversation over the crowd of cheering and encouraging parents.
“She’s a great kid,” Caleb said. “You must be proud.”
“More than you know. And she loves your family. I’ve heard many great things about you all.” Roger’s speech still lagged and slurred, but his mouth formed a lopsided grin that took any cares out of Emilia’s reach. He looked back and caught sight of her. “Emilia, come meet this man.”
She stepped up next to Roger, not doubting for a second that her husband knew exactly what he was doing.
“This is Caleb Kilbourn. He’s Hannah’s father. I was just thinking we should get to know each other, seeing as how the girls have become such great friends. And then Caleb came on over and introduced himself.”
Emilia set her spine in a rigid stance, ready to take what Caleb was about to throw at her.
He held out his hand. “It’s so great to meet you, Emilia.”
She took his hand. “It’s an honor. And I want to say I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “No need. We’re just two parents on the soccer field, potential friends.”
Their gazes connected for a moment, saying more than words could.
“Let me get my wife over here.” He motioned for Addison to join them.
Addison’s face was pale, but she smiled as she came toward them, Seth and his girlfriend tagging along.
“This is Addison. We’ve really enjoyed getting to know your daughter. How about we all get some dinner after the game?” Caleb looked back at Seth. “What do you think?”
“Every one of my favorite people in one place? I’m in.” He put his arm around his girlfriend. “What do you think, Brianne?”
“Absolutely.”
“Brianne?” Emilia took a deep breath. “I’ve heard a lot about the new practice you hope to set up. There’s a girl I’d like to refer to you. Can we talk sometime?” Cami deserved to have someone in her corner too. Emilia might not have the reserves to help the girl, but she could help her find people who could.
“Of course.” Brianne pulled a card from her back pocket. “Give me a call any time.”
Tally kicked the ball into the goal, sending the crowd into thrilled hysteria.
And Addison placed her hand on Emilia’s arm. “It’s so good to meet another mom.”
Author’s Note
Much like life, a book is the combination of many people and their experiences. Thank you to everyone who supported me as I spent hours trying to uncover and unravel this story.
Thank you to God, who blessed me with this wonderful career, my amazing family, and a whole lot of beautiful friends.
My family puts up with so much as I try out ideas and pound away in my office instead of making dinner. They are patient and supportive, loving and encouraging. The older kids take the time to care for the younger ones when I’m working. My husband picks up extra household chores so we have clean dishes and can walk through the house without getting lost. Without all of them, I wouldn’t have the motivation and material to write books.
More Than We Remember Page 29
