Page 34 of Under Rusted Stars

“Your ex-wife will be filing a restraining order today,” Jett grunts. “If you wish to speak to her, I am her lawyer and all communication will go through me.”

“Olivia, please. Baby, talk…”

“Come on,” Bodhi says, pulling me toward the courthouse. I am sniffing and hiccuping as we walk, and he keeps his arm around me. Kate is on my other side, and the others practically surround me to keep Jason at a distance.

When we get inside, we go into a conference room where the prosecutor is waiting.

“Hello,” she says. “I am Amy Jessup. I am the assistant district attorney on this case.”

“Uh… Hi,” I say.

“I have spoken with Tim and Marcy about evidence you disclosed to them,” she says. “First, I want to say that you are so brave for advocating for yourself. Not many have the strength.”

“It’s that, or I go to jail,” I deadpan.

“You will not be going to jail,” she says with a kind smile. “Are you willing to testify against everyone listed?”

“Uh…” I say. “Miguel… He put a bullet in the floor next to my head to prove he will kill me,” I say. “I’m not saying no, but I don’t see myself even getting that far.”

“We will do everything in our power to keep you safe,” Tim says.

“How big is this?” Kate asks. “Like how deep does this go?”

“She has politicians named,” Rhett says. “Olivia will single-handedly take down a sex trafficking ring.”

“I just want to be free,” I say. “I want to breathe without fear. I want to live knowing that I am safe. That my friends and family… are safe. That’s all I want.”

“And I can give you that,” Amy says. “No charges will be brought against you for any related reason as you have exonerated yourself. We were able to get your medical records, too, and the doctor noted that the scars on your back were not self-inflicted and showed obvious signs of long-term abuse.”

“What about Jeramy?” I ask.

“I’ve talked to his boss,” Tim says. “We have officially taken over the investigation, and he will be placed on administrative leave.”

“Today is just focused on Jason,” Amy tells me. “Only speak on things you witnessed. If they confuse you, do not answer. They will try to trick you or get things out of you that aren’t what you are trying to say. Ask for clarification if you need it.”

“Okay,” I sigh.

“Ready?” she asks me.

“They can’t be with me, can they?” I ask.

“Just your lawyer,” she says softly. “He will be sitting with me.”

“No offense, but you are not capable of keeping Jason from hurting me if you are far away,” I say.

“It will be fine. There are officers in the court,” she says.

“Alright,” I sigh.

We walk down to the courtroom, and Jason is already at his table. We sit in the front row while Amy goes up to her table. I’m so nervous that I’m shaking.

All I can think of is Jason’s hands wrapped around my throat, and it’s hard for me to breathe. When everyone stands up as the judge enters, Bodhi pulls me up. I want to run and not look back, but he holds me in place.

“You’ve got this, baby,” Bodhi whispers to me. I look at him with tear-filled eyes, and he smiles sweetly. “I’m so proud of you. Even if you can’t get up there. Even if he walks free. I’m so damn proud of you.”

“I hear that we finally have Ms. Monroe in court with us today?” Judge Victor Henderson says.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Amy says, turning to look at me.