Finding Bliss (Bliss #1)

by Cassie Strickland

  He continued to stare at me and then finally nodded. “Okay. Come on.” He held out his hand as he stood, offering me support, figurative and literally. He glanced at Jared, saying, “We’re done here.”

  “That’s not-”

  “We’re done here,” he repeated, his words sharp.

  “Okay,” Jared conceded and stood with us. He turned his attention to Charles. “We’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Wait,” Charles tried to stop us. “We aren’t finished.”

  “Yes, we are. My clients have changed their mind about a settlement. We’ll let the judge decide.”

  “You’re going to regret this,” Al warned, his eyes on me, full of hatred.

  I had no idea what I did to warrant this, other than to have money. I smirked at him and angled my head to the side. “Bring it on, Al. I’m not scared of you.”

  “We’ll see about that.”

  “That’s enough,” Grey cut in, scowling at Al. He wrapped his arm around my waist and directed me toward the door.

  I heard Gretchen’s shrill voice as we walked out. “What did you say to them, Hadley?!”

  “Shut up, Gretchen,” Hadley snapped. “I have nothing to do with this.”

  Grey, Jared, and I stayed quiet until we arrived next to Grey’s Tahoe. Jared was the one to break the silence. “Well, that went well.” He eyed me thoughtfully. “You changed your mind because of Clyde’s wife. Why not settle out of court and call the rest of it off?”

  “That’s what they wanted when they came back in. They know, after what happened with Teresa, they don’t have a case. They wanted to scheme any amount of money out of us. I don’t care if it’s Jon’s money or not – I’m not bending to their will. I’d rather put that money to a good use, than line their pockets with it.”

  Grey leaned in and kissed my hair. “I agree, darlin’.”

  “Even if that means you have to tell a courtroom full of people what happened with your brother?” Jared questioned, concerned.

  “I’d tell the entire world for Bella,” I explained, meaning every word.

  “Okay. Then we’re going to court.”

  Chapter 33

  Clara

  The courthouse looked like any other courthouse I’d seen. It was a big, imposing square structure that stood multiple stories high with large pillars in the front. The building in itself wasn’t so daunting, but what it represented for us was.

  I was a nervous wreck.

  I pushed Bella’s stroller through the parking lot with Grey at my side. He kept me tucked against him protectively, both of us tense. Emma and Brad walked next to Grey, while Sam and Mr. Birdie stayed close to behind us.

  Everyone had been quiet since arriving. Actually, it had been a quiet morning in general. Bella, sensing that something was going on, had stayed abnormally silent since she’d awoken.

  The parking lot was across the street from the courthouse, so we had to wait at the light before we could cross. I spotted Galen, Shelley, and Jared standing with Oliver and Teresa at the bottom of the steps leading to the entrance. Dr. Melbourne was waiting a few paces behind them with Adam and Chelsea. I didn’t see the rest of the Montgomery’s, though. They were probably already inside, waiting, or they hadn’t arrived yet.

  The little, white man appeared on the screen across the street, indicating that we could cross. “Is it too late to run?” I whispered to Grey. “I’ve got plenty of money. We can find an island somewhere and disappear.”

  Grey chuckled as we walked. “No, darlin’. I think we passed that moment a while ago.”

  “Damn,” I muttered.

  We approached Dr. Melbourne, Adam, and Chelsea first. I was happy to see that Chelsea was looking a bit healthier, but I didn’t comment.

  Dr. Melbourne saw me first and grinned. “There’s those beautiful girls.”

  “Hi, Dr. Melbourne. Thank you for coming,” I replied.

  “It’s my pleasure, Clara.”

  “Good to see you, Clara. It’s been a while,” Chelsea greeted me. She gave me a quick hug and whispered, “You’ve got this. There’s no way the judge will rule in their favor.”

  I squeezed her to show my thanks.

  Adam and Grey said a quick hello as the other group joined us. Galen kissed my cheek, whispering, “You holding up okay, girly?”

  “I’m good,” I promised. “Ready to get it over with.”

  “Does anyone else feel like we’re about to walk to the guillotine?” Sam questioned. Her face scrunched up as she stared at the courthouse.

  “Sam,” Grey chided, rolling his eyes.

  “What?” she asked, shrugging her shoulders. “This feels…wrong.”

  “It is wrong,” Teresa added as she bent down in front of Bella. “Hey, sweetie.” She leaned in to kiss her cheek and then stood, staring at me. “I’m sorry it’s come to this, Clara.”

  “I’ve already told you it’s not your fault, Teresa. Stop apologizing.”

  “Can’t help it.”

  “Have you heard from Al?” I questioned, concerned about her.

  The decision to leave her husband hadn’t been an easy one, but that was expected. Adding everything else on top of that only made it worse for her. My heart went out to her.

  “Yes, he’s called several times. So have Clyde and Gretchen. Hadley said they’ve all been in an uproar since you walked out of the restaurant. They’re nervous.”

  “Okay,” Jared interjected, clapping his hands once to gain everyone’s attention. “Grey, Clara, and I will be the only ones allowed in the courtroom. The rest of you will wait in the hall until someone comes to get you.”

  “We know, we know,” Brad grouched, annoyed. “You’ve told us more than once. Let’s get inside, can we? I’m freezing my balls off out here.”

  Laughing, Grey scolded, “Dad…”

  “What? It’s cold,” Brad argued.

  I tried not to snicker as a phrase came to mind – like father, like daughter.

  Jared gawked at Brad, scandalized. “Right… Let’s go then. We don’t want to worry about anyone’s, um, appendages.” That gained a bunch of subdued chuckles as we made our way to the front door. Jared held the door for me and murmured, “You’re going to have some interesting in-laws, Clara.”

  I beamed and walked past him. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “That’s what I thought,” Grey whispered in my ear from behind me.

  I laughed and pushed Bella through the foyer. We had to wait to pass through metal detectors and have our bags scanned, but I was fine with that. Al was already off on one, so I didn’t want to worry about him shooting up a courtroom while in the midst of his madness.

  It took two separate elevators to get everyone to the second floor, where we’d be meeting Judge Howard Graham for the first time. Once in front of the doors of the courtroom, I walked around Bella’s stroller and knelt down in front of her.

  “Be good for your grandma, precious girl.” I cupped her cheek and smiled sadly. “Whatever happens, know I love you.” She cooed and opened her mouth, wanting some kisses. I leaned in and let her give me as many as she wanted, my heart breaking. This couldn’t be the last time I saw her while she was mine. I refused to hand her to that man. I swallowed hard, forcing back my emotions, and stood again.

  “Come here, darlin’.” Grey held out his hand for me, knowing I needed him.

  I placed mine in his and gave him a watery smile. “I’m okay,” I told him, but I was speaking to myself.

  He tugged me close and kissed my hair. “I know you are. We’ve got this.”

  The doors to the courtroom were thrown open, and then Al came charging out of them. He scanned the large crowd and found Teresa. He marched to her, demanding, “I need a word.”

  Brad stood in front of Teresa and the stroller, blocking Al’s path. “You need to turn around and leave Teresa alone. You may speak with her once this is over, but I’m thinkin’ she’s got nothin’ to say to you.”

&nb
sp; “That is my wife, and she’ll do as I say,” Al persisted.

  Brad laughed, glancing at Emma. “If I said that about you, you’d slit my throat in my sleep. Good thing Teresa’s stayin’ with us. You can teach her a few things.”

  Al’s face turned purple with outrage. “I cannot believe you just said that.”

  Brad turned back to Al, saying, “Do I need to repeat myself?”

  “Move,” he ordered.

  “No,” Brad fired back.

  “All right, gentleman,” Jared intervened. “We have other matters to attend to first. Mr. Montgomery, I suggest you head back into the courtroom.”

  “I-” Al started, but Clyde stopped him.

  “Dad, leave Mom alone for now. Go inside.” Clyde studied his mother curiously. I could tell he wanted to go to her, but he didn’t want to get between his parents, either.

  Strange.

  Maybe what Hadley said about him was true.

  I noticed Gretchen and Dane behind Clyde, sneering at Teresa. Hadley stood behind them, sneering at Al. God, I was blessed not to be a part of that family.

  The courtroom doors opened again and Charles emerged. “Al, it’s time. We need you in here.”

  Al swore under his breath and stormed away. Clyde and Gretchen followed him, though Clyde kept his eyes on his mother and Gretchen glared at the rest of our party. As soon as Clyde was gone, Hadley rushed to Teresa and gave her a hug. They started murmuring to one another, their words too quiet for me to catch.

  “We better get in there,” Jared stated, readying himself.

  Grey and I nodded, telling him we were ready. We gave everyone our goodbyes, receiving wishes of good luck, before we walked into the courtroom. Al was sitting on one side with Gretchen and Clyde. They were talking to Charles quietly as we approached. We took our seat at the table opposite of them and waited. I found Grey’s hand and squeezed like my life depended on our connection.

  It was time.

  Today was going to dictate what happened in our lives for a long time. I closed my eyes and silently prayed, asking God not to take Bella from me.

  “Please rise,” the bailiff called out, surprising me. Grey kept a hold of my hand as we stood and awaited the judge. The bailiff continued, “Court Room Four, Honorable Judge Howard Graham presiding, case number…”

  I stopped listening when I saw the judge walk through the side door. He was an older, handsome gentleman with silver hair and kind eyes. His presence radiated sincerity and authority.

  Once Judge Graham settled behind the bench, the bailiff said, “Please be seated.”

  Everyone sat as the judge started, “Good morning, ladies and gentleman.” He stared at us, studying everyone seated. “We’re here this morning to-”

  The sound of the doors opening behind us stopped the judge midsentence. Judge Graham frowned as he looked past our tables, toward them. Everyone turned, wondering what was happening.

  “May I ask what this is about?” Judge Howard questioned as I looked. I was stunned to find Wes standing there with two uniformed officers.

  “Sorry for the interruption, Judge Graham. I’m Detective Wesley Wilde-”

  Judge Graham was not happy. “I know who you are, Detective. What are you doing in my courtroom?”

  “I’m sorry, Your Honor, but arrest warrants were issued for individuals in your courtroom this morning. We’ve come to take them in.”

  My whole body froze.

  What in the world did this mean?

  Who are they going to arrest?

  Grey and I shared a bewildered glance.

  “Is that right?” Judge Graham questioned, his brows shooting up.

  Wes met my eyes briefly, and I swear, they were dancing. “Yes, Your Honor.”

  “Then get on with it, Detective. I’ve got a schedule to keep.”

  Wes started walking forward with the two other officers, saying, “Sorry, Your Honor, this will probably clear up your schedule for the day.” He stopped next to our tables and turned to the Montgomery’s. “Albert Montgomery and Gretchen Wiesel, you are under arrest for extortion.” Wes started reading them their rights as Gretchen and Al shouted in outrage, but the officers cuffed them, not listening.

  “You can’t do this,” Al raged.

  “This is ridiculous. Let us go!” Gretchen cried, panicked.

  “Dad?” Clyde asked with fear laced through his voice.

  “Charles, why are you standing there?!” Al shouted at his attorney, his arms behind him in cuffs. “Stop this!”

  Wes handed some papers to Charles, smirking. Charles scanned them, his eyes angered, before looking back at Al. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. You’re going to have to go with the officers.”

  Al’s gaze found me. “Is this your new scheme? First, you steal my grandchild and wife, and now you’re resorting to filing false charges.”

  “This has nothing to do with Miss Vincent, and you know it,” Wes interjected, his gaze narrowed. He lifted his chin, signaling the other officers. “Get them out of here.”

  Stunned, I watched as Al and Gretchen were escorted out of the courtroom. When the doors opened, cheers and shouts rang out, no doubt from all of our friends and family.

  “May I approach, Your Honor?” Wes questioned Judge Graham, bolting me out of my shock.

  Judge Graham gave his consent as I leaned in and whispered to Jared. “What does this mean?” I saw Clyde doing the same with Charles, but where I was filled with optimism, he was rattled.

  “Your prayers have been answered,” Jared whispered back. “Give me a few minutes.”

  “Here’s a copy of the indictment,” Wes told the judge. “It explains that Albert Montgomery and his daughter, Gretchen, knew where Abby, aka Stacy Vincent, was for the last three years. They’d been blackmailing Jonathan Vincent to keep certain things about his life from his wife and congregation. They received a total amount of four hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars since then.”

  I sucked in a harsh breath, even more bewildered.

  That son of a bitch!

  Clyde’s guttural cry sounded from the next table as Judge Graham glanced at Charles, asking, “Do you have anything to say about this?”

  “There has to be some type of miscommunication,” Charles began, but Wes wasn’t having it.

  “I found recorded phone conversations between Jonathan and Albert, as well as Gretchen. Jonathan kept every correspondence between them, too. There’s pages and pages worth of emails. There is no doubt in my mind that they will be prosecuted for this and will receive jail time.”

  Charles swallowed hard. “I, uh…”

  Jared stood, saying, “Your Honor, with the events in the last-”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Judge Graham cut him off, waving a hand. “This was a big sham – I’m not an idiot, Mr. Talbert. The Vincent’s will still stand as is.” His eyes found mine, his twinkling. “Congratulations, Miss Vincent. I’m sorry greed was the cause of all of this.” He paused and smiled. “Oh, and tell Uncle Melbourne I said hi, would you? Case dismissed.”

  The gavel sailed through the air and smacked the bench, the sound ricocheting through the courtroom. The bailiff stood and said, “Please rise.”

  I rose in a daze and watched Judge Graham walk out. Grey picked me up before I knew what was happening and spun me around, laughing. “It’s over, darlin’! We won!” I was on my feet just as suddenly, and then Grey’s mouth was on mine. All I could do was hold onto him as he kissed the hell out of me. It was hot and fiery, but oh so inappropriate in these settings.

  I tore my mouth from his, breathing heavily, and stared up at him, still trying to catch up. “It’s over,” I whispered. “Did that just happen?”

  Grey’s smile was brilliant, his dimples on display. “Yeah, darlin’. That just happened.”

  “Dr. Melbourne is the judge’s uncle?”

  “Apparently. I think the good doctor had a few words in our defense.”

  I threw my arms around his neck and br
eathed easily for the first time in the last month. “Oh, thank God,” I whispered, squeezing my eyes closed. It was too good to be true.

  Wes!

  I let go of Grey and scanned the room for Wes. I found him by the doors, waiting for me. I grabbed Grey’s hand and drug him with me as I ran to Wes. “What…how…? I cannot believe this,” I gushed, flinging my arms around Wes. “Thank you so much!”

  Wes chuckled and gave me a brief hug. “It was my pleasure, Clara. Sorry I couldn’t fill you in yesterday.”

  Grey snaked an arm around my belly, tugging me backward, asking, “What was yesterday, exactly? Clara told me how strange you were actin’.”

  “Caught that, did ya?” Wes winked at me before he looked at Grey. “I’d closed Jonathan’s case over the weekend, but something kept niggling at the back of my mind. I went to drop off his files at the church when it hit me. If he had a room hidden at his house, why wouldn’t he have one at the church?”

  Jared came up behind us, listening. He was just as curious as we were.

  “Anyway, I checked every wall and floor, every nook and cranny, and low and behold, there was a hidden compartment in the floor next to the pulpit. There was a box filled with paperwork and voice recordings. Jonathan planned on using it against the Montgomery’s if they ever approached anyone.”

  He glanced at me again. “Sorry I didn’t come clean with you. I wanted to see if the Montgomery’s were doing the same thing with you. After listening to those tapes, I realized you would be their next target. I just didn’t realize they’d use what they had in a whole different way.”

  “I’m sorry?” I questioned, not understanding the last part.

  “I’m with Clara on this one,” Jared added. “What does that mean?”

  “They were blackmailing your brother by using you, Clara.” My mouth dropped. “They had all your information, pictures, and medical files. Albert hired a private investigator to track down his daughter. When the investigator found her, she was already married to Jonathan. Albert ordered him to dig into Jonathan’s past, find out everything there was to know. That led back to his money and then you. You get where I’m going with this?”