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

“Tell me about Reid,” said Kaitlin.

In that same instant, doorbell rang and Dr. Shea looked relieved. She held her hands up to stop the conversation. “That’s probably Leroy. Excuse me,” she said as she hurriedly left the kitchen to answer the door.

Crap! thought Kaitliln, What am I going to do? I am NOT going anywhere with him. Reese! Of course. As soon as Dr. Shea left the room to answer the door, Kaitlin texted Reese.

While she was sending the text to Reese, Kaitlin could hear Leroy and Dr. Shea talking in whispers.

She recognized Leroy's voice even though it was low, but she couldn't understand what they were saying.

Waves of jealousy washed over her as she listened to their intimate conversation. She knew it was ridiculous and as she was attempting to push those thoughts out of her heart and her head, his deep voice startled her.

“Kate? Are you okay?” asked Leroy hesitantly and when she jumped he said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you."

Kaitlin turned around looked up at him. He looked miserable. She didn't care. “No, I am not okay. No thanks to you or her, wherever she is,” snapped Kaitlin motioning towards the other room.

“Shea wanted to give us some privacy, so she went to her study to return some phone calls,” he said sounding tired.

Kaitlin just looked at him and said nothing.

Leroy finally broke the silence. “Listen, I'm sorry. I should have tried harder to keep you away from the courthouse.”

That set Kaitlin off. “NO! Wrong answer! You should have TOLD me!!!” she yelled, “You don't get to keep secrets from me!!! Especially about Newt! I trusted you - and her! You both colluded to violate that trust!! How dare you.”

Leroy looked shocked at her outburst and took a minute before responding while Kaitlin continued to glare at him. “In all fairness, it wasn't Shea, she begged me to tell you. I asked her not to," he said sheepishly.

Are you kidding me? she thought. “Why are you protecting her? What about me, what about us?” and then the tears came - again.

As if he realized how pointless his comment was, he screwed up his face and started to beg. “Oh baby, please. I'm truly sorry. If Newt had been there for the morning session, I would have told you, but when he wasn't there I thought he was gone and there was nothing to worry about, well, except my testimony.”

Kaitlin swiped at her tears. Then Leroy started towards her to try and comfort her. Kaitlin put her hand out to stop him. She couldn't let him touch her. That would only make it harder than it already was to do what she was going to do. “No, keep away from me! You were going to continue to keep it secret! Why? What other secrets are you keeping from me?”

Leroy backed up and didn't try to reach out to her again. “None. I swear it Kate," he said sounding defeated.

The doorbell rang again and Kaitlin relaxed a little as soon as she heard Reese’s voice. Dr. Shea brought him into the kitchen. “Your ride’s here Kaitlin,” she said somberly.

Reese looked between all of them and then back to his very distraught mother, “Mom? Is everything okay?” he asked.

Leroy answered, “No Reese, she’s had a rough…”

“I can speak for myself,” interrupted Kaitlin and Leroy swallowed his words, “I'm fine Reese, now that you are here. Let's go home.”

“Kate, no, don't leave, not like this,” begged Leroy.

Shea grabbed Leroy shaking her head and said quietly, "It's okay. Let them go Leroy."

Reese looked confused at Leroy and Shea. “Come on Mom,” he said and put his arm protectively around her.

Kaitlin turned her back on the traitors, barely holding herself together. A lone tear slipped down her cheek as she allowed Reese to guide her out.

Go to Chapter 48 - Part 1

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Chapter 47 - He's Baaack - Part 2 of 3

Kaitlin sat numbly on the bar stool watching Shea make coffee in her beautiful state of the art kitchen and worried about Leroy having to testify without her there. She couldn't even think about Newt or the walls would close in again. She needed to stay present. He would be here to get her when it was over.

Shea brought them both a cup and sat down next to her at the bar. “How are you feeling?” asked Shea as they both sipped the hot coffee.

“Terrified that Newt saw me and horrible that I left Leroy by himself,” said Kaitlin as that old familiar feeling of guilt washed over her again.

“Leroy’s a big boy Kaitlin, he will be fine,” said Shea gently.

Yes. He was much stronger than her. She was surprised he didn't charge Newt when he saw him, but then she didn’t really remember what happened after she hid behind Leroy.  Dr. Shea seemed super calm too so nothing must have happened. But she was a doctor right, she should be calm - but Leroy wasn't. Kaitlin couldn’t make sense of it.

As she sat there sipping her coffee letting it warm her, suddenly it occurred to her why. She looked up at Dr. Shea and dared her to lie. “Leroy knew didn't he? He knew Newt was here! Wait...you both knew. He said you had been there a few times! This obviously wasn't the first time he had been at Reid's trial! That's why he didn't want me there. He knew!” She only knew she was crying when her cheeks felt wet and quickly swiped at them.

Shea visibly winced at Kaitlin's accusations before replying. “It wasn't my place to tell you.”

So it was true!  thought Kaitlin. She couldn't sit there any longer and got up. “I need to go home. Now,” said Kaitlin barely holding herself together and trying to breathe deeply. She couldn't lose it in the home of the traitor.


“Are you sure you want to be alone?” asked Shea with real concern in her voice.

“No," she sniffed, "But I certainly don't want to be here with you,” said Kaitlin venom lacing her words, “I  trusted you,” she added as her voice cracked with emotion and she pointed her finger at her for emphasis. Then she could no longer hold back and the dam burst.

Shea reached out to comfort Kaitlin, but Kaitlin shrugged her off. "Don't touch me!" she snapped. She didn't want her pity.

While Dr. Shea stood there in silence, Kaitlin struggled to get control of her emotions using the very breathing exercises that the traitor had taught her.

“Kaitlin, it was wrong. I’m sorry," said Dr. Shea in her therapist voice, "Leroy didn't want to upset you. Please don't be angry with him.”

Angry? thought Kaitlin, I'm not angry, I'm furious! She hadn't been this mad in a very long time. You bet she was angry. With Leroy and Dr. Shea too. She had every right to be. Yes, she had issues, but she was working through them. If they wouldn't have lied to her and she had been prepared to see Newt, maybe she wouldn't have panicked or maybe she wouldn't even have gone. But they took that decision out of her hands by not telling her.

What else are they keeping from me? With that last thought, the darkness started to close in again. No, not now! thought Kaitlin, I can't lose it, not again. Not here in front of Dr. Shea. She had to stay strong. She had to fight it.

Kaitlin began to breathe deeply. Stay here, she told herself. Stay present. Finally, the darkness faded. When she had her control back, Dr. Shea was smiling. What the hell? 

Kaitlin was madder than before. “Is this all fun and games for you - Dr. Shea? Laugh at the crazy lady?” she spat out.

“No Kaitlin,” she said still smiling, “I am so proud of you. You are mad as hell and you are still present with me letting yourself feel your anger and process it. I have been watching you take control over and over each time you felt yourself panicking. You aren't apologizing for your actions and you want to lay into Leroy - and me - so bad you can taste it. Yes, you left for awhile when you saw your husband, but it was a huge shock and you needed to run away. Totally understandable. But now that you have acknowledged what happened, you are here. And stronger. Am I wrong?”

“So this was some kind of perverted test to see if I could handle it? You are sick. Well I didn't handle it did I? I failed and the darkness took me. This is supposed to be good? It doesn't feel good,” growled out Kaitlin.

“No. Of course it wasn't a test. And I'm sure it feels horrible,” said Shea sympathetically, “You were hurt by someone you love and trust. But you aren't trying to make it your fault. You are appropriately placing blame. That is progress Kaitlin. A lot of progress, you should be proud of yourself. These things are going to happen from time to time and you are learning to stay present and deal with it. Tell me, when you told Leroy you wanted to come with him to the trial, what did he say?”

“What does that have to do with anything?” she asked skeptical of  Dr. Shea's motives.


“Please, just humor me for a minute. What did he say Kaitlin?”

Kaitlin was so done with Dr. Shea, but she was stuck here with no car so she decided to answer. She looked at Dr. Shea with a bored expression before answering. “He said 'No', but you already knew that didn't you?”

“Right,” replied Shea, “And you did't back down. You went anyway. Now think back a year ago, or even 6 months ago. What would you have said if you wanted to go and he was just as adamant that you stay home. Would you have argued or backed down? Be honest with yourself Kaitlin.”

Kaitlin was taken by surprise at her question. What was happening 6 months ago? Hailey was already born, Leroy was a part of her life but she was afraid still. Hell, she was afraid now. But she was ready to fight back. Then she wanted to make everything okay.


Dr. Shea let her work out the answer for a few minutes before speaking again. “It looks like you have your answer Kaitlin. I can see it on your face. See how far you have come?”

“I'm still pissed at both of you!” said Kaitlin defiantly crossing her arms. Then she inwardly cringed. She sounded like a petulant child.

Dr. Shea didn't laugh at her or belittle her. Instead she said, “And you should be. I want apologize for my part in this. I should have told you. I guess, at this point being a friend and your therapist are at odds with each other more than even I thought they might be. I am trying to be professional, but I messed up and I apologize for that. If you want the name of a new therapist, I am happy to recommend someone.”

That gave Kaitlin pause. She didn't want another therapist, and she wasn't 'friends' with Dr. Shea. Leroy was. But now she didn't know if she could feel as open with Dr. Shea as she had been. Then she remembered what Leroy told her about Reid and Dr. Shea. Instead of answering her she lifted her chin and said, “Tell me about Reid.”

Go to Chapter 47 Part 3

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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

Chapter 46 - The Trial

Day 46 - Rolled 2 - Dakota has measles. $50.00. 

Kaitlin felt Dakota's forehead. She was burning up. She didn't need to take her temperature to know she was sick. So much for going with Leroy to the trial, she thought. She took the little girl's temperature anyway and sure enough it was 103. “Looks like no school for you today. You and I are staying home and you, young lady, are going to the doctor.”

“I want Daddy Roy,” cried Dakota.

“Oh baby, he’s at his office. He has clients this morning,” lied Kaitlin. She hated lying to Dakota but she didn't need to know about the trial. She wouldn't understand anyway.

The more they had discussed what Reid told him that day in the bar and the more they learned about Miranda, the more they both tended to believe Leroy's ex-friend and her ex-lover's story; that they had both been lied to by his twisted mother. Leroy had paid dearly and now her own son might suffer a worse fate.

Dakota only cried harder when she told her Leroy couldn't come be with her. Kaitlin hugged her until she calmed down. “Come on, you can lay on the couch while I call and make your appointment.”

The little girl nodded and dragged herself out of bed and over to the sofa. Kaitlin turned on cartoons for her and dialed the doctor’s office to make the appointment. Once the appointment was made, she texted Leroy to let him know Dakota was still sick and they were headed to the doctor. She felt bad she couldn't be there with Leroy, but the kids came first.

* * * * * * *

Leroy walked into the courtroom and took a seat in the gallery holding the empty seat next to him for Kate. The courtroom began to fill with local reporters and curious town’s people who wanted to have a front row seat to watch as the juicy details of the misdeeds of the Chief of Police’s stepson unfolded.


Reid's family, which consisted solely of the Chief Conner and his wife Miranda, sat directly behind the defendant's table. Miranda was a mess, barely holding it together. Serves her right, thought Leroy. Her husband sat with his arm around her. Leroy almost felt sorry for Reid. Hell, he did feel sorry for him. Reid hadn't been an asshole all of his life. Sadly, both men had the misfortune of having shitty parents. Leroy's dumped him and Reid's continued to make his life a living hell.

Leroy’s phone vibrated. It was Kaitlin.

Leroy put his phone up and watched in shock when Cruella’s twin sister walked in accompanied by an older distinguished looking man. I'll be damned, he thought. He knew they were twins but seeing them together was a shock. He figured the other man must be Reid's real father. Now all we need is for fucking Newt to walk in.

No sooner than the thought crossed his mind, Leroy saw Cruella #2 stand up and wave at someone. Holy shit...he thought again when he looked in the direction of her wave. This just gets better and better. Leroy could barely force himself to stay seated when the man whom he had no doubt was Kaitlin's husband walked in holding hands with a woman that was obviously more than just a friend. The two lovebirds sat right in front of him. It was a good thing Newt had no idea who he was.

Leroy jumped when someone touched him on the shoulder and said, “If looks could kill someone would be dead. Mind if I sit here?”

Leroy looked around and relaxed seeing Shea waiting for an answer. “Of course not. Here for the show?”

“I’m here for Reid,” she said with something in her voice he couldn't quite understand. “He didn't really do this did he?” she asked.

“Honestly," replied Leroy with a sigh, "I think everything we ever thought about the town’s playboy is wrong - well mostly wrong.”

“What do you…” she stopped short and gasped as Reid walked in and saw her, recognition crossed his face. He locked sad eyes with her for a moment before looking away completely ignoring his parents and pulled the chair out to sit down.

Thank God Kaitlin isn't here to see this, thought Leroy. Then it occurred to him that she would be there when Dakota got well. Shit, how am I going to keep her away from the trial with him here? 

The jury began to file in followed shortly by the judge. He walked to the bench, called the room to order and the proceedings began.

Leroy put his arm protectively around Shea, drawing strength from her as much as giving her comfort and tried to mentally prepare himself for what was to come.

“First witness, Fire Chief Neville, please take the stand.”

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