Chapter 146

Almara’s Pov

We’re settled back in our seats waiting for the hearing to resume. Maybe it’s just the potion taking affect, but my sense of confidence is returning. I sit higher in my seat knowing that with the biggest charge against us weakened, there’s little else to persecute us with.

Besides it’s our turn for witness questioning. On the stand is Timmothy, looking nervous as if the entire verdict rests on his answers and I suppose in some way it does. Timmothy will be eager to help the Councilmen, but we’ve prepared our case.

Arthur rises and straightens his jacket before approaching the witness stand. He gives Timmothy a broad welcoming smile that I know really means he’s about to destroy his opponent. Timmothy must pick up on this as his Adam’s apple bobs up and down the nearer Arthur gets.

“For the record, is it true you work as a doorman at the Council of Bloody Hollow?” Arthur asks, his voice carrying throughout the courtroom.

“Yes.” Timmothy answers this very simple question with great hesitation. Quickly after the answer escapes his lips, he darts his eyes over to Edward as if to get confirmation that he answered correctly.

“And is it true you let people in and out of the building all day?” Arthur asks, pressing for detail.

“Um,” Timmothy begins, but before he answers Edward stands.

“Objection, relevance?”

“I just want the tasks of Timmothy’s job be made clear to the jury, Your Honor.” Arthur explains simply.

“I think the title ‘doorman’ is evident of his tasks enough. Get to the point.” Delfino remarks.

Arthur give another smile and moves on. “Is it possible you don’t always remember who you let in and out of the building.”

“I don’t know.” Timmothy responds, sweat breaking out above his brow.

“You don’t know who you let in and out of the door, or you don’t know that you don’t know?” Arthur pushes.

“I guess the second option.” Timmothy’s eyes yet again go to meet Edward who doesn’t look please which causes Timmothy’s forehead to glisten with sweat.

“Well, then I’m not sure how your testimony is even any good if you don’t know anything other than how to open and close a door.” Arthur says.

“Objection!” Edward shouts.

“Withdrawn.” Arthur says with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“He’s good.” Cathy whispers and all I can do is nod. It’s so sexy the way he commands control and keeps his cool all while doing it.

“Do you recognize that man sitting over there?” Arthur steps aside and points at Robert.

“Yes.” Timmothy nervously confirms.

“Did you let him inside the Council of Bloody Hollow?” Arthur asks.

“No.” Timmothy says this time with more confidence.

“Have you seen this lovely woman?” Arthur asks pointing at me. Timmothy opens his mouth to speak and then ever so subtly, something in his expression changes. It’s just a slight change, perhaps in the fascial muscles in his forehead relax, or something behind his eyes goes slack.

“Yes.” Timmothy answers just as confidently as his previous answer, this time his gaze doesn’t go to meet Edwards who has leaned considerably forward in his seat as though trying to get Timmothy’s attention. Yet, Timmothy keeps his gaze on me.

I shift in my seat a bit uncomfortable by his prolonged stare, but there’s nothing in his eyes that would insinuate infatuation or malice. I start to think of the potion that Roman gave me.

“Where did you see her?” Arthur asks, tipping his chin in the air.

“I let her inside the Council of Bloody Hollow.” Timmothy says plainly, his tone flat as if simply reciting a rehearsed line- though by the shocked whispers and Edward jumping to his feat it’s evident this is not the line he is supposed to have spoken.

“Objection!” Edward calls out, though this time it’s Arthur who fires back.

“On what grounds? My witness admits to letting Almara into the Council of Bloody Hollow and in no way is that breaking or entering.” Arthur gives me a wink and then turns back to Timothy. “No more further questions.”

I turn around to look at Roman who keeps a straight face, but is unable to diminish the light in his eyes at his sneaky job well done. I lean back in my seat and let out a sigh of relief.

The rest of the hearing starts to crumble. Cathy denies every knowing what we we’re up to as does Robert.

The charges went from securing me with attempted murder and breaking and entering with the other two minor charges as bonus add-ons, to hoping that the two petty charges stick since the major ones crashed and crumbled.

It eventually comes to the time that Delfino must ask what the Jury decides to which they reply, “Not guilty on all accounts.” Delfino scowls as he bands his gavel for the third and final time. While I’m flooded with relief, I know that means we’re only safe for some time.

Roman just got identified as the accomplice to murder and there’s a slew of other charges they could file against us; endangering citizens, theft, once they find out the spell book was taken- still they would have to prove that- and as luck would have it, we’re very good at leaving no trail.

The guard comes over to remove the chains around our waists and instantly Arthur scoops me in a hug and a twirl. “You were amazing out there.” I tell him, and sincerely mean it.

“Eh, he was easy to break.” Arthur winks.

Roman comes up and gives his son a pat on the back. “You did good.” Roman says and even Arthur’s eyes widen in a bit of shock at his fathers’ appraisal. Siezing the moment of silence, Robert interjects.

“Roman, what was my potion for?” Robert ask sin a hushed voice. Still, Roman shoots him a glance that causes Robert to fall back into silence.

“We’ll discuss this at home.” Roman practically growls. Then he moves back and switches moods in a flash. He spreads his arms wide and puts on a jovial smile. “Now then, reporters await for us.”

Once outside, reporters and cameras hurry our way. In an instant microphones, lights, and word-vomit circulate around Roman, Arthur and myself. Only a few stand close by to Robert which indicates the media hasn’t let up on the gossip that he may or may not be Roman’s illegitimate son.

Questions shout out at once and I can only pick up on bits and pieces. Eventually one question breaks through, but it’s directed towards Roman.

“Is it true you attempted to kill the rower while on your way to secure medicine for your son?” Roman gives a chuckle and then looks directly into the camera.

“Absolutely no vampire will stand in my way when it comes to protecting not just my own pack, but all wolves.”

The crowd breaks out in applause and I realize exactly how this story is being spun. Roman is a hero simply for harming a vampire in the name of defending his family. The people back home don’t care if what we did was illegal, they hate the vampires and anything bad done to them is a win for us.

“Speaking of family, who is this young man standing here now?” Another reporter jumps in to ask Roman before the applause dies down, he’s referring to Robert.

Roman lifts his arm and points proudly at Robert. “He is my moral son.”

Though a cacophony of gasps and questions fill the surrounding space, my ears drown out the noise until all I hear is a ringing silence. Did Roman just public acknowledge Robert as his son? Mortal?

I’ve never seen Robert look so stunned as he does now, almost vulnerable. Clearly Roman’s words stunned him just as the rest of us, probably even more so. He doesn’t move or speak, he’s locked into place despite the buckling of his knees.

I guess Robert is now part of the family.