"You remember how you wanted to explain how innocent you are in all this?" he asks, making it sound as though I'm stupid, and not giving me a chance to respond before continuing. "Well, congratu-fucking-lations. You'll get you chance—in court."
I burst out laughing, barely containing myself. Does he really think I'm stupid enough to fall for that pathetic excuse of joke? Is this a sad attempt at a scare tactic? Unbelievable.
Chapter Two
This is so stupid. How the hell did I just end up in this sham of a hearing with a moron for a judge acting as though he has power?
And Raya—how could she? I've lived next door to her since school started, and I've been nothing but nice. Well, as nice as possible.
I've never once said anything rude, I always put her name on the lists—in case she decides to stop being a hermit and come to a party—and I've never bothered her at all, dammit. How does she repay me? She sits in the back, glaring at me like this is all my fault. My father is beaming—when he's not staring at his phone.
"Counselor, you realize the actions of Mr. Colton and his friends could have resulted in the death of a student, correct?" the judge asks, his distaste rolling off his tongue and drenching his eyes.
What's his problem? He acts as though I've wronged him personally.
"My client is perfectly aware of the severity of the situation. However, Your Honor, he wasn't one of the four boys who stole and wrecked the bulldozer into Ms. Capperton's home. He simply hosted the party that got out of hand. Surely you can't hold him responsible for the actions of four grown boys."
Exactly! On that note, I might smirk. It's a small, respectable one, though.
My whole body relaxes once I feel like there's someone on my side. Albeit I'm paying him to be on my side, but it's still comforting to have more than just me on team Kade.
"And the school is allowing him to stay there because of that, Counselor. The others were expelled and arrested. However, I'm not too thrilled with the fact he supplied that much alcohol to underage partiers who then destroyed the home."
This is really getting old, and fast. This overpaid ass in a suit had better get me the hell out of this and soon. I'm bored out of my damn mind, and I'm only getting more pissed by the second.
"He didn't supply that alcohol, and he checked the identification of every partier. No one under twenty-one was allowed."
I hired idiots to check their IDs. I'll pay more for professionals next time.
"Sure he did," the other lawyer interjects, choosing this second to pretend to be a part of this charade as he cuts his eyes toward me in challenge. Dick.
I'm surprised they're not accusing me of also giving them fake IDs at this point. Apparently I'm responsible for everyone and their decisions. Christ.
I can feel my father's presence nearing behind me, but I refuse to turn and face him. I won't give him the satisfaction. He's probably enjoying the judge telling me everything he's already said.
"I think I know a way we can solve this," Dad rattles out in his imperious tone, able to sound bored and haughty in one breath. That's a Paul Colton signature tone.
"Please, Mr. Colton, proceed," the judge mumbles, sounding sardonic and irritated, but as always, Dad has far more influence in any room than anyone else—no matter where he is.
I'm going to jail.
"My son fucked up," he says, making me wish I could punch him. Or the judge. Or my overpaid lawyer, who is proving to be useless now. "But he didn't force those boys to mount a bulldozer and go for a joyride. I do agree he should be punished in some form, but I think I know better than anyone else how to do that."
Motherfucker. I can't believe this.
My jaw clenches as I stare straight ahead, furious that he's about to treat me like a ten-year-old kid who just stuck firecrackers in a mailbox. I'd rather go to jail at this point than to be subjected to whatever form of punishment he feels I deserve.
"I think Ms. Capperton's situation has become... a problem now," Dad says, but I still refuse to even offer him a glance. I'd lose it if I saw the smirk I can feel him wearing.
"She needs a home," he continues. "My son's home is directly across from the school, he has amenities most would die for, and there is plenty of room there for another person."
This is a joke. He'd better not be saying what I think he is, because I'll-
"Are you suggesting Ms. Capperton go live with him?" the judge scoffs, rolling his eyes. Yep. That's what I was afraid of. Hell no. No one will go for this. It's preposterous. "That's your form of punishment? No wonder he's so irresponsible."
Irresponsible? I had designated drivers there, security on staff, and I only ordered one keg. How about all the idiots who brought in their liquor, paid off my security, and then got raging drunk? They're the irresponsible ones. Not me.
My father's throaty laugh does nothing but piss me off. But not even he has the power to make such a thing happen. No one—especially Raya—will agree with this asinine idea.