Chapter 47 - He's Baaack - Part 1 of 3

Day 47 - Rolled 3 - Day Off - no pay

Kaitlin was working when her phone buzzed. She looked down and saw it was from Leroy.

The phone rang and Kaitlin stepped into an alcove, away from prying ears to take the call.

“Hey babe. I'm sorry you have to testify. But I want to be there for you. You are always there for me. Why are you pushing me away?”

“It's just that it's not pleasant. And there is no need to put yourself through it. I’ll worry about you.”

“Leroy, you can't stop me from coming. I will be fine.”

Leroy’s sigh was audible through the phone. “I am not winning this am I?”

“Nope. I'm taking off tomorrow to be with you and that's that.”

“Fine. I'm going to ask Shea to come too.”

“What? You really don't think I can handle it? I have been doing so much better.”

“You have. But, I just want a safety net there for you. Okay? Compromise with me. Please. It will make me feel better.”

Leroy sounded desperate so Kaitlin gave in. “That's ridiculous, but okay. Now, I gotta get back in and let Angie know I won't be in tomorrow.”

“Okay. See you tonight.”

* * * * * * * *

Leroy walked into the courthouse with his two favorite people, Kate, the woman he wanted to share the rest of his life with and Shea, his best friend. He held tight to Kate's hand and tried to make light of the situation. Truth be told, his testimony was going to be horrible enough for them to witness, but if Newt and his entourage were there, it would be even worse. He prayed they had gone back to Roaring Heights even though they had been there every day.


When he called Shea, she almost didn't agree to come, only coming to be there for Kate. She wanted him to tell her that Newt was in town and could very well be there; then let Kate make her own choice. Actually, he was surprised that Miranda hadn't told her twin that her daughter-in-law was here with all her grandchildren - and then some. He figured she was holding that little tidbit as leverage of some sort. Small favors.

When they got inside, the only people sitting behind the defendant’s table were Miranda and her husband. Leroy relaxed a little, but he was still unnerved that the prosecution was calling him as a witness. They were going to play the tape and have him authenticate it. He would be responsible for putting Reid behind bars. The thought that Kate and Shea would witness that made him miserable. At least Shea could handle it. He wasn't so sure about Kate.

As the trial got into full swing and there was still no sign of Newt. Leroy said a quiet prayer of thanks. Newt and company had probably gone back to Roaring Heights. He pulled Kate close. Now all he had to worry about was his testimony. He knew she was nervous by the way she clutched his arm.

The defense finished with their last witness. A character witness that worked for Reid. Then the prosecution set up for their first witness - which was him. Thankfully the judge called a short recess before calling him to the stand. He needed a minute to try one more time to get Kate to leave.

The trio stepped out into the hallway and Leroy was getting ready to make one last plea for Kaitlin to leave with Shea.

Leroy heard Kaitlin gasp. "It's Him!" she whispered. 

Kaitlin grabbed Leroy's arm and hid behind his back. 

Damn, please don't be Newt, prayed Leroy. But there was no other ‘him’ that he knew of that would frighten Kate so much she had to hide behind him. He finally looked around and sure enough, he was standing across the room whispering to his mother or his aunt. Leroy had no idea which one. He was pretty sure whichever woman it was had quickly glanced in their direction. But she shook her head when she saw him looking their way. 

It sent chills down his spine because he knew since Newt was here he was going to figure out after today, that Kaitlin was also here from his own testimony. He just prayed that her asshole husband and his bimbo girlfriend hadn't seen her because he wouldn't be responsible for his actions if he approached her. 


Finally the group turned and headed into the courtroom.

“They’re gone,” said Leroy flatly.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Shea saw Newt at the same moment that Kaitlin ducked behind Leroy. Kaitlin was now shaking and panting no doubt in the midst of a full blown panic attack. Leroy looked miserable and defensive. Serves him right! thought Shea angrily. It’s a good thing they went into the courtroom.

“Shea, I….” said Leroy looking like he was about to have a panic attack as well.

Shea glared at Leroy and grabbed Kaitlin’s arm. “I am taking her to my house,” she growled out, “She will feel safer there. Get inside and get this over with. Come and get her when you are done,” then she looked him in the eye and whispered, “You should have told her.”

Leroy looked awful. She knew he didn't want to leave Kaitlin, but thankfully he did as Shea directed. She knew he would be held in contempt of court if he left with her. He had no choice but to go inside. It’s his own damn fault, she thought as she held on to Kaitlin's arm.

Shea tugged on Kaitlin to get her walking. She needed to get her out of the courthouse before her husband came looking for her. Shea knew Kaitlin wasn't with her anymore.

As soon as they got outside in the cold air, Shea sat Kaitlin down on a park bench and put her arm around her. She then began trying to ease her back. Surprisingly, it didn't take long. The change of scenery and the cold air likely helped.

“Where are we?” asked Kaitlin as she stood up a bit unsteady. Shea grabbed her to make sure she didn't fall.

Kaitlin looked around her then she shivered as the memories apparently began to come back. “Oh, damn. It was Newt wasn't it?" she said as if she had no fight left in her and was simply resigned to whatever fate awaited her. Then she suddenly got anxious. "Where's Leroy?"

Instead of answering her questions, Shea said, “Sweetie, you are cold, maybe even in a bit of shock. Let's get in my car and get you warm. I will take you to my house and then we can talk okay?”

Kaitlin nodded her head. Shea put her arm around her once again and led Kaitlin to her car.

Go to Chapter 47 - Part 2

Go Back to Chapter 46