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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