Kali's pov

I was wearing clean prison clothes and fixing my hair, I just got the news that I had to go to court today to see if the murder was self-defense or on purpose. I looked around at the stock of snacks all over the floor. This can't go to waste, the business has to keep going even if I leave.

"Bethany!" I called for my cellmate, she was sitting outside my cell on a table with Tia on her lap who was smiling at the neck kisses Bethany was giving her from time to time.

These two are inseparable, Beth felt like she needed to protect the shorter woman at all costs. She's such a softie, and when you see her height you'd be intimidated but of course it's just a scary demeanor.

They stood up and walked my way, Tia smiled and sat on Big Beth's bed. I sighed and sat up so I can talk to her about something important.

"Look, I have to stand in front of a judge today. I might be lucky enough to leave but I'm gonna need you to carry on with this business until the both of you are out" I said to them, they nodded with a sad smile. I knew they didn't want me to go, I honestly like it here if I'm being honest but there's a whole life waiting for me outside. And I kinda wanna see Avah again...

"Martin!" I heard the guard call, I stood up and patted Bethany's shoulder in a way to say goodbye. But before I could move she wrapped her big arms around me and pulled me into a hug.

"See ya later Boss" she said with a sad face, I chuckled with a small nod. I waved at Tia who was too shy to come give me a hug, she smiled and waved at me.

"Oh and beat whoever doesn't pay on time. See you later Bethany!" I yelled as the guards cuffed my wrists and pulled me away, everyone in the prison was waving and asking me to not take forever outside. I just smiled and sent them flying kisses and waves.

Just outside the cop car was waiting for me, I was pushed inside and they drove away towards what I assume is the court house. I walked through the back door of the court where I found Katrina waiting for me with a brand new suit.

"My favorite person in the whole world!" I said with a smile, she rolled her eyes and wrapped her arms around me in a hug. I wore the suit with her help and I fixed my hair out of my face.

I walked inside the court and looked around the place looking for a special person but I didn't see her, I saw my parents and Carolina, they all looked anxious. They weren't acting like themselves, and I knew something was wrong.

"Where's Avah?" I asked Katrina while we sat on the table in front of the judge. My hands were cuffed and I was playing with my fingers waiting for Katrina to answer.

"Kris has pressed the emergency button..." She said,

"What!" I yelled and everyone was looking at me, Katrina shushed me and I cleared my throat. Why would he press it, it must be bad. Did something happen to Avah and her kid?

All types of thoughts were running through my head and I didn't even hear the judge walk inside the court until Katrina nudged me.

"Good morning everyone" the justice lady said mentioning for everyone to sit on their seat. The whole time, Katrina was looking behind her towards the door.

We were listening to the other attorney who was signed for Avah's dad, and what he has to say. He explained to the judge that the murder was intentional, it was for revenge.

"Miss Martin had an affair with Miss Rogers, but her father, Mr Rogers, was completely against it. Miss Martin you killed Mr Rogers so you can live your happily ever after with Miss Rogers? You wanted her to yourself, so you killed the only person stopping you from being with her" The attorney said looking at me with a smirk, I was never in contact with Avah until the trip, and I have never met her dead or knew of his beliefs until recently.

"Objection your honor!" Katrina stood up cutting him off,

"Objection sustained" the judge replied, it was Katrina's time to respond with her evidence. I just sat there with my head down, I was worried about Avah. Was she okay? What has happened while I was in jail? Did he hurt her?

"My client was never in contact with Miss Rogers untill 3 months ago when they went on a trip, where Miss Rogers has brought her boyfriend. Mr Brandon Wester, who has a record of being abusive" Katrina approached the judge and handed her files, the judge went through them and asked Katrina to continue.

"A week after that trip, Miss Rogers was sent to the hospital with major injuries. According to the witnesses, she has been tied, locked and beaten by Mr Wester." Katrina explained,

"Objection relevancy" the other lawyer said but his objection wasn't accepted and Katrina was allowed to continue with her arguments.

"Your honor, my client has defended Miss Rogers and welcomed her into her house along with her daughter to protect her from her abusive boyfriend. In fact, Miss Martin saved Miss Rogers' daughter from Mr Rogers who has been sexually and physically abusing his four year old grandchild, Nadine Wester." Katrina handed the judge medical files and pictures of Nadine's bruises.

"Unfortunately, the witness isn't here. Miss Rogers and Mr Martin, my client's brother, along with some members of the police department have been looking for Nadine Wester this whole morning. She has been kidnapped from her school territory" that last sentence had caught my attention, I could feel my heartbeats loud and clear in my ears. Nadine was kidnapped, and all of a sudden I didn't care if I was set free or not anymore. I just wanted the kid to be alright.

I was shaking in my seat, I was about to stand up and ask Katrina to get me out of here when the door busted open. Everyone turned to look behind them to see a woman holding a little girl in her arms.

Avah had blood stains all over her clothes and shoes and so did Nadine. She was breathing heavily, she was quickly stopped by the security. She only pointed to the scared four year old in her arms, the judge told them to let her go and for her to approach. She was in the middle of the court shaking and trying to hold on into her kid. She was asked to state her name and what she had to do with this case.

"She's mute your honor" Katrina said, so they gave her a paper and a pen to write on and asked Katrina to read whatever she wrote on it. The kid was hiding her face in her mom's chest and holding on tightly into her shirt, I can't even think of all the scenarios they have went through.

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Please don't be mad at the court scene, I'm not a law student. ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ

Still a cliffhanger hehe...muah

Love ya!

-S