Nichols nodded. “Correct.”
“And you think this is an open and shut case?”
“Once we go to court, I can prove within the day what these boys are guilty of and have them slapped in handcuffs.”
I sighed. “Look, we’re in the process of moving. And—”
The lawyer held up her hand. “My colleague gave me quite an interesting hypothetical over the phone.”
Her eyes met mine as Cecilia looked over at me.
“Okay. Great,” I murmured.
Nichols sat against her desk. “I’ll answer any questions you want. I’ll help in any way I can. But these kids can’t walk. They need to be taught a lesson. And as far as this house situation goes, I’m more than willing to help you navigate it.”
I snickered. “The house has been sold. It’s a non-issue at this point.”
“Then I can help the two of you get back on your feet. Get you estab
lished in the area. And if you don’t want to stay here, I can reach out to colleagues I have up and down the West Coast. Have them help you get settled where you need to be without that man’s influence ruining everything.”
Cecilia drew in a shuddering breath. “You can do that?”
Nichols nodded. “I’m more than willing to, yes. The position you two have been put in sounds almost impossible. You’re going to need someone on your side.”
I felt so overwhelmed. And yet, so relieved. Cecilia started firing off all sorts of questions. How this woman could help. What court might feel like. Whether or not we’d have to get up and testify. How long the process took. I sat there, thankful that I’d brought her along. Because had she not been there beside me, I wasn’t sure I would’ve come up with half the questions she had asked.
Cecilia took my hand. “How are you feeling about all this?”
I drew in a deep breath. “It’s a lot to process.”
Nichols stood up. “I want you to take your time and think about it. The police will push forward with charges, one way or another. But they can’t charge the boys with attempted murder without you filing those formal charges. Which I’m more than willing to do.”
I nodded slowly. “And, you’re willing to help with the rest of this stuff, too?”
Her eyes met mine. “Anything you need. Pro bono.”
I looked over at Cecilia before I stood up. I walked over to the lawyer and stared straight into her eyes. I search for any lie. Any manipulation. Any fault in the programming of what she was saying. And when I found none, I offered her my hand.
“You have a deal,” I said.
Nichols took my hand. “Wonderful. The first thing I’m going to do is file the formal charges on your behalf. I’ll need a written account of what happened that night for my own records. I know you’ve already written one for the police, but I’ll need one, too.”
Cecilia shot up beside me. “I’ll get him back sometime this week. And thank you for answering all my questions.”
She shook my stepmother’s hand, too. “Anytime. I’m going to give you my information so you can contact me any way you wish. Phone. Email. Stopping by. You’re welcome anytime.”
“I’m confident my stepson’s in good hands with you. Just make sure those reckless kids can’t ever get behind the wheel of a car again and hurt anyone else.”
Nichols nodded. “Don’t worry. My firm and I will take care of it. Cases like this are easy ones.”
After exchanging information, we left the law office. And I felt another massive weight roll of my back. It became easier to breathe. My legs didn’t feel as sore. It was as if some of the chains had fallen away, allowing me a few inches closer to the exit of this terrible dungeon I’d been stuck in for years.
Cecilia wrapping her arm around my waist pulled me from my trance. “So, I know this is terribly irresponsible of me to ask. But, how do you feel about me picking us up a six pack of cold beers for the night? There are some things I want to talk to you about. Things we have yet to discuss.”
I snickered. “Beer? I thought you were a wine person.”
She shrugged. “I have my surprises every now and again. Do you have a beer you prefer?”