Chapter 64: In danger
Steve’s voice was soft, almost a whisper, as they stepped out of the room, both wearing wide, triumphant smiles.
"Didn’t see that coming," he said, his tone laced with pride. "You did great today, baby sis." His words lingered in Mara’s ear, a quiet celebration of the small victory they’d just secured. But as they walked, Mara’s mind was already racing ahead.
"You should go ahead to the courthouse," she said, her voice steady but distant. "I’ll join you soon." Steve nodded, his excitement still bubbling, and turned to leave, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
Mara watched him go, her smile fading slightly as the weight of what lay ahead settled on her shoulders. She had someone to meet before the hearing—someone who might change everything.
Steve was caught up in the moment, hadn’t noticed the shadows creeping into the case, the way it was twisting into something darker, something far more dangerous than they’d anticipated. As she stood there, the air around her felt heavier, the silence louder. The real battle was just beginning.
Ethan’s voice wavered as he asked, "Is there any truth in that?" His eyes searched Mr. Lackman’s face, hoping for reassurance, for someone to tell him it was all a lie. But the older man only smirked, his confidence unshaken.
"You don’t have to worry," Mr. Lackman said, his tone dripping with certainty. "There’s no truth to it. As you heard, she loves to read drama books. She was just building a story. She’ll find no evidence." His words were firm, almost proud, as if he’d already won.
Ethan wasn’t convinced. The unease in his gut tightened. "If there’s something I need to know, I need to know now," he insisted, his voice low but urgent. "We have to prepare for it. No more surprises, or else this—"
Before he could finish, Mr. Lackman cut him off sharply. "I said there’s nothing," he snapped, his voice rising. "Now, just focus on the case we have at hand, and nothing else." The finality in his tone left no room for argument. Without waiting for a response, Mr. Lackman picked up his phone and began dialing, effectively shutting Ethan out of the conversation.