Chapter 45
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Dylan
Martin points at the bailiff as he enters the courtroom.
I remain standing, yanking my arm away when Trudy latches onto it as leverage to get herself out of the chair.
Tapping my shoe impatiently on the floor, I listen to the bailiff call court in session.
The Judge takes her seat, sips her water, runs a hand over her hair, and finally looks up.
Her brow pinches as she catches sight of Troy and his attorney.
“What’s going on here?” Her finger points in their direction. “I wasn’t informed of the change in counsel.”
“I’m a last-second replacement, your honor,” Martin says. “I haven’t had time to get up to pace with the case. I’m requesting a short continuance.”
“Is he serious?” Trudy grabs hold of my forearm. “I need this to be over, Dylan. Make it happen.”
Turning to face Martin again, I repeat my question. “Where the hell is Eden?”
“Mr. Colt,” Judge Mycella calls out. “Watch the language.”
I glance at her briefly before I level my gaze on Martin. “Where is Eden?”
“This is my courtroom, Mr. Colt.” Judge Mycella reminds me with a sharp note in her tone. “I’ll ask the questions.”
I open my mouth to repeat my question, but she continues, “Mr. Durtow, are you replacing Ms. Conrad as counsel for Mr. Alcester?”
A sudden burst of applause escapes from the gallery.
I feel like I’m in the middle of a goddamn circus.
The judge bangs her gavel once. “Order in the court.”
I take a step closer to Martin. “I need to know where Eden Conrad is.”
“Mr. Colt.” The Judge shoots me a look that is meant to shut me the hell up. “One more outburst and you’ll be found in contempt.”
“Ms. Conrad is unavailable,” Martin says in an even tone.
Judge Mycella nods. “Very well.”
No. Not very well. No fucking way.
“I need a sidebar, your honor.” I start walking toward her. “Now.”
Her brow twists in confusion. “Alright. Fine. Counsel will approach.”
Martin takes his sweet time walking to the bench. “What’s the issue here, Dylan?”
“My question as well,” Peggy says, glaring at me.
I fist my hands at my sides. “I need you to tell me where Eden Conrad is.”
“I don’t see how that’s your business.” Martin tucks his hands in the pockets of his pants.
I shoot Peggy a look. “It’s my business.”
“Mr. Colt and Ms. Conrad are old friends,” Peggy explains. “I think it’s safe to say that Mr. Colt is surprised by the change in counsel and his question is related to concern for his friend.”
“Exactly.” I tap a hand on the bench to avoid wrapping it around Martin’s neck.
I want a fucking answer to my question.
Martin scrubs his forehead with his hand. “In that case, I suppose it’s fine to tell you.”
I wait while he gazes down at the floor before he finally looks at me.
“Eden was on her way back from Buffalo early this morning.” He leans closer, lowering his voice. “She was driving. There was an accident.”
I reach for the bench to steady myself.
Christ. No. Please no.
Peggy gasps. “Oh, my goodness. What is her condition?”
“Where is she?” I blurt out. “Tell me where she is?”
“I don’t know her condition.” He lowers his voice. “All I know is that she was in a car wreck.”
“A continuance.” I thump my fisted hand on the bench. “I need a continuance.”
“Granted.” Peggy doesn’t miss a beat as she brings the gavel down. “We’re adjourned until a week from now.”
Before we hit the elevator, Gunner is on the phone with Lennox Hill Hospital. I’m waiting for Betsy Burton to pick up.
I cut her off before she can finish her greeting. “Betsy, this is Dylan Colt. I need to know everything you know about Eden Conrad.”
Gunner and I stand steady when the elevator doors fly open. Cell service is shit in there. I have someone on the line that can tell me about Eden, so I’m not moving a muscle.
“I’m not at liberty to share personal information about our employees,” Betsy says with a tremor in her voice.
“Bullshit,” I spit back. “I need you to tell me now where I can find Eden.”
Jesus, please let her be all right. Don’t let this be the end.
“Mr. Sufford has made it very clear that we cannot give…”
I end the call, cursing under my breath at the woman’s commitment to following the rules.
I open my contact list and scroll down to Kurt’s name.
I look over at Gunner while I wait for Kurt to pick up.
He’s spelling Eden’s name out to someone at New York Presbyterian.
My call to Kurt rings through to voicemail. I spit out a few words. “It’s Dylan Colt. I need to know where Eden is. Call me back as soon as you can.”
Ending the call, I turn to Gunner. “Get me Noelle Sufford’s number.”
We board the elevator headed to the ground floor. I have no idea which direction I’m supposed to go when I get off this thing, but I’ll find her.
If she’s taken her last breath, I would feel it inside.
Eden is alive, and I’m going to get to her.