Hide No More by Rita Potter

Author:Rita Potter [Potter, Rita]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Up a Tree Media
Published: 2024-06-04T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 30

Rachel stared at the broken man across from her. Sampson Brown tried hard to hold it together, but tears welled in his eyes. It was difficult watching such a large, powerful man reduced to tears. Rachel wasn’t sure if they were tears of relief or pain. They’d talked for two hours in the tiny room, where attorneys spoke with their clients.

Rachel hadn’t been in a room like this for a long time since the white-collar criminals she defended rarely got jail time, and none ended up in a place like this.

“Ms. Hawke, I appreciate all you’re doing to help me.”

Rachel had never wanted to hug one of her clients more. The feeling was foreign. There was no doubt that Mud Bluff was changing her. “I promise we’ll do everything we can.”

“How long do you think it’s gonna take?”

“Bobby hopes to file the appeal by next week. Then it’s a waiting game. Best-case scenario, it could take a month, but it might be much longer.”

He nodded. His eyes filled with sadness. “I’m missing so many milestones in my little girl’s life.” He smiled. “Adeline sends me letters. Said Mindy’s running her own lemonade stand.” Pride filled his voice.

“The sweetest lemonade I’ve ever tasted.”

“She’s a beautiful girl, just like her mama.”

Rachel nodded, afraid that her voice would betray her.

“Have ya been able to talk to the young lady that…uh…um…accused me of hurting her?” A deep trench split his forehead as he asked.

“Not yet. She’s not responding to any of my attempts to contact her, but I’m not giving up.” Rachel patted the thick file sitting in front of her. “Even without her, we’ve got a strong case now that her former best friend has stepped forward. The photos and videos she provided to us are compelling. They show the history of abuse she’s suffered at the hands of her boyfriend.”

He ran his hand through his thick, dark hair. “It would all be over if she told the truth, wouldn’t it?”

“I believe so.” Rachel wanted to leave it at that, but her conscience wouldn’t let her. “But don’t get your hopes up that she’ll come through. Unfortunately, with her still living with her abuser, the chances are slim.”

“I understand.” He shook his head. “The poor thing. I hope one day somebody can get her out of that situation.”

Rachel’s heart melted. He showed only sympathy, not anger, toward the woman who’d put him behind bars. Not that she needed another reason to want him out of jail, but he’d just given her one.

“I pray for her every night,” Sampson said. “We both do.” He must have seen the questioning look on Rachel’s face. “Adeline does, too.”

“Sometimes that’s all you can do.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled. “And you’ll be here when the appeal happens?”

Rachel’s stomach churned. “I’m just a paralegal. Bobby will act as your attorney during the appeal.”

He nodded, and his gaze met hers. “But you’ll still be here, won’t you?”

His words cut into her. There was no denying the connection she’d felt in the short time they’d talked, and by his reaction, the feeling was mutual.

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