Page 87 of Shatter

Matty stands, with a folder, and approaches the bench.

"In fact, your honor, I have bank records going back to twenty thirteen. It looks like they embezzled a total of sixteen million into various accounts," Matty shows a highlighted bank statement to the judge, before leveling Athena was a glare. "On top of being just terrible people."

A slow smile starts to spread. Oh. He didn't need to feed us intel because he was going to be the one to expose them anyway.

Judge Mercer puts on glasses to go over the statements.

"That's not... we're not... we haven't..." Athena stutters, but the judge holds up her hand.

"I would advise counsel to keep their client in order. Miss Snow, I do not need to hear from you. Your counsel speaks for you."

There's no getting out of this. Judge Mercer spends several long minutes reviewing every document carefully, typing into a calculator as she goes.

"Sixteen point four million, to be exact," she says after she's done. "Is that all?"

Matty defers to Abby, who nods. We could try to get them on child negligence regarding her abortion, but I'm sure Abby doesn't want to share that part of her story with the public.

"In the state of Virginia, embezzlement charges bring a fine of five-hundred thousand dollars or twice the value taken, whichever is greater. In addition to the embezzlement charge, I'm adding fraud, since the lack of a final account when the prosecution turned eighteen feels intentional to me, I'm adding the maximum time in prison of five years. Once you've served your time, you can begin paying back the money Miss Miller is owed."

"But... but..." Athena sputters. Chris, as usual, is completely unhelpful. Judge Mercer raises an eyebrow, allowing the woman to speak. "The maximum?!" Athena squeaks. I'm probably enjoying her dismay too much.

"Yes. And if I could punish you more, I would. You brought a child into this world and instead of protecting them, you profited off of her labor. You're disgusting and I hope I never have the misfortune to see you in my court room again."

She nods to the large man in uniform standing sentry next to a back door.

"Bailiff," she says, nodding toward Athena and Chris. The gentleman pulls handcuffs from his belt and begins reciting the Maranda rights, cuffing Athena while another guard cuffs Chris.

I should feel bad for my brother, but I don't. He willingly watched his wife manipulate, take advantage of, and abuse a child. Men who see evil and don't stop it are just as guilty as those committing the crime.

My parents will have a field day with this.

Judge Mercer hits her gavel, dismissing us.

Abby's on her feet immediately, rushing into my arms as I spin her in the tiny space between rows. I'm still holding her off the ground as I walk through the crowd to the hallway.

Overwhelmed with relief and joy, I hold her face in my hands and kiss her, deepening the kiss immediately. I'm desperate for her - to see her, feel her, smell her, taste her.

I need to get her home.

But before I can move, Abby's yanked from my arm and embraced by Cass.

"I'm so happy for you," she gushes, holding Abby in a tight embrace. "Don't even think about coming in tonight. I know you two have a lot to talk about."

I toss a few 'goodbyes' over my shoulder as I practically drag Abby to the nearest taxi.

Chapter forty-seven

Abby

Is this what freedom feels like?

I feel like I can breathe maybe for the first time in my entire life. My shoulders feel lighter, my chest fuller, and my stomach bubbly with possibilities.

I laugh loudly as Harrison man-handles me into the back of a Taxi, barking out his address, before his hands are on me again. Large, warm hands caress every inch of my body - my arms, my back, my stomach, my legs.

He buries his face in the crook of my neck. "Need to be inside you..." he growls and my entire body instantly heats. Because I need him inside me, too.

It's only been a week, but it feels like a lifetime. And it feels different. It's as if the cloud of my parents has been lifted and I'm free to do exactly what I want, whenever I want - including be with the man next to me.