Page 107 of Broken Silence
“Right. What happens next?” I asked, sinking back to the floor.
“Linda said she’ll let us know when sentencing is.”
“Okay.”
Today was entirely too much. I needed about twelve hours of sleep.
I looked over at Cole, ready to admit that I was a little disappointed I wouldn’t get to look Frank in the eyes. I wanted to take him down, too, but Cole lookedsorelieved.
So, I bit my tongue and held it inside.
The people I loved didn’t need to hear that again. Not ever. Cole had heard what my dad had watched and allowed, but he hadn’t had to hear what it all had felt like, how painful and sickening it was. My family and he would be spared that at least. It would die in my head.
Chapter 21
Cole
Icouldn’t verbalise how relieved I was that Frank’s trial wouldn’t go ahead because I had no idea how I would sit and listen to that. Watching her speak on the stand was the most painful thing I had experienced.
Frank was going down and that was what mattered. Oakley would never have to see him again.
She sipped her caramel latte in the coffee shop, and rubbed the necklace I gave her through her fingers.
“You’re very quiet.”
She shrugged. “Not much to say.”
“You didn’t say much yesterday, either.”
“Well, it’s over now.”
“I thought you’d be… I don’t know, happier about that.”
She looked around the busy coffee shop, but no one was paying any attention to us.
Sighing, she put the mug down. “I was ready, Cole.”
“To face Frank?”
“Yeah. It’s stupid because I really didn’t want to do it…”
“You stood up in front of your father and won. Just because you didn’t do the same with Frank doesn’t mean–”
She shook her head. “I get that. They’ll be locked up and I won’t. I’m being an idiot.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I am glad I didn’t have to talk about it in front of all of you.”
She knew that I was struggling with what I’d heard the first time. We’d not discussed it, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t aware.
“If you ever wanted to talk about it…”
Panic flashed across her face “No. I’m good.”
“Oakley, I’m here. I can handle it.”
She gave me a small smile that didn’t reach anywhere near those pretty eyes.
