Page 119 of Range
My eyes wandered to her backside. It’s where they remained as she stepped forward.
The prosecution team fumbled through pages until they reached the desired section of their file. With one sheet of paper in hand, the bald man stepped forward as well.
“Prosecution–” the judge called out.
“Your honor, the prosecution requests more time to sort through the findings in the case. We’re securing vital information that supports the charges for the defense. Information that will prove the intent and guilt behind the disappearance of Anth–”
“Your honor, the prosecution team has had months to sort through and acquire vital evidence to support the charges filed against my client, prominent figure and community leader, Dr. Josiah Blackwood. Every day he’s between those walls, his pharmaceutical practice, partners, projects, and license are at stake.
“We are not talking about the average Joe, here, your honor. I am here to defend a man who is responsible for drugs that save lives. Taking a life is not only out of character but completely contradicts everything Dr. Blackwood stands for. There is no evidence. There are no witnesses. There is no motive. Nobody. No proof a crime has been committed.
“Aside from my client being the last person to see the victim alive, there are no connections to this case. The defense moves to propose the immediate release of Dr. Blackwood. Not only is my client innocent of the murder, he has lives to save whileconsoling his sister and niece as their family continues the search for our victim.
“Mr. Blackwood is not a threat. Not to you, to me, or to society. To no one. He is an asset. A valuable one. One who heals, not harm. So, today, your honor, I’m asking that this baseless case is dismissed so that Dr. Blackwood can maintain his commitment to the medical profession he loves dearly and the family that needs him during this time.”
“Due to the nature of this case, Attorney Childers, I will give the prosecution time to submit compelling evidence. I am setting a new hearing date. Attorney White, you have ninety days to convince me that this man should not go home to be with his family. I believe in your ability to provide.”
“Thank you, your honor.”
“Hmph,” my baby breathed out, returning by my side.
The defeat of Range’s face left me weary. Not for my freedom, but for her. I wanted to caress her. To hug her. To let her know that it would all work out. To assure her I was coming home to her. To bend her over the table in front of us and dig her out until she felt better.
I tappedthe screen of the cell, contemplating my next move. I was suffering from her absence.
10:52p
It was late. As much as I hoped she was resting, I wondered if she was awake. Thinking of me. Touching herself. Studying my case. Or, relaxing in the oversized garden tub with the light dimmed and the candles surrounding her.
I wondered if she loved our new home. If she felt lonely there. If decor and furniture shopping was keeping her mind occupied. If the off set we experienced in court was still bothering her. If her closet was coming along. If she needed anything. If our bedwas comfortable. If she wanted a pet to hold space for her until my release. If she cried against our pillow. If she’d been second guessing us. If she was overwhelmed. If she was okay.
Restraint felt impossible. I gnawed on my bottom lip.
Just to tell her goodnight.I reasoned.That’s all.
Before I could get a hold on myself, the phone was on my ear and the line was ringing. Half a second passed before the sweetest melody laced the other end, grounding me. Surrounding me. Liberating me.
“Hello?”
The grogginess had me fighting demons. I’d disturbed her. It was never my intention.
“I apologize,” I admitted, clearing my throat. “I didn’t mean to wake you. Goodnight, Range.”
“No. No.”
There was movement. I imagined her sitting up in the bed that I’d spent six weeks locating. It was perfect. Even better in person than in the catalog.
“It’s fine. I’m awake now.”
I closed my eyes. She was my lullaby. A sigh pushed through my lips. My chest deflated.
I’m going to marry this woman. My mind was made up. My future was finalized.
“How are you settling in?”
“It’s an adjustment,” Range yawned. “I haven’t been here much. Tonight, though, I couldn’t rest until I was under these covers.”
Smiling, I rubbed a hand over my head. I felt like a kid with his biggest crush on the line.
