Chapter 36
Melody sat at the defense table with her hands folded in her lap while Judge Wallace reviewed the paperwork in front of him. Although she had been through enough court appearances to know how things usually went, her stomach was still tied in knots.
"The court has reviewed the supplemental reports, witness statements, and the State's motion regarding evidentiary issues," Judge Wallace paused.
"Based on the lack of sufficient evidence to proceed, along with concerns regarding witness credibility and conflicting statements provided during the investigation, the charges against the defendant are hereby dismissed."
For a moment, Melody wasn't sure she heard him correctly. It wasn’t until her lawyer nudged her and stood to his feet that she knew it was real.
"You're free to go, Ms. Young."
"Thank you."
A few minutes later, she was walking out into the hallway where her family was waiting.
"I’m so happy it's over." Cady wrapped her arms around her.
"So am I."
The family stood around talking for a few more minutes before eventually making their way downstairs.
Once outside, everyone slowly went their separate ways.
Cady headed home, Harmony left to run errands, and Melody found herself standing beside her car with the biggest smile she'd worn in months, and she owed it all to one person.
Unable to keep the smile off her face, Melody climbed into her car and headed across the city.
The drive to Cameron's house felt shorter than usual.
When she finally pulled up, she practically ran inside.
Using the key he had given her months ago, Melody let herself in and immediately started calling his name.
"Cameron?"
"In here."
Following the sound of his voice, she found him sitting at the kitchen table with his laptop open. Before he could even stand up, Melody rushed over and wrapped her arms around him.
"I love you."
"I take it court went well." Cameron kissed her.
"You know it did… And I don't know what you said or did, but thank you."
"I ain't do shit."
"Boy, stop lying." Melody pulled back.
"I'm serious. I just told my pops the truth."
"The truth?"
"Yeah. That you're the best thing that ever came into my life and that you made a few mistakes like everybody else and…”
Melody cut him off with another kiss. When she finally pulled away, Cameron smiled.
"Speaking of good news, I got some too."
"What?"
"You remember Smart Flow?" He turned his laptop around so she could see the screen.
“Of course!”
"Well, I just got off a call."
"What happened?"
"They want it."
"What you mean they want it?"
"The technology. The company. Everything."
"Oh my God! Baby, are you serious?" Melody jumped up.
"I'm dead ass serious." Cameron paused before explaining.
“A national property management company tested it in several buildings over the last three months. The results came back better than expected. It reduced maintenance costs and saved them a lot of money."
"Okay. Now what?” Melody nodded.
"Now they want exclusive ownership of the technology and the software platform."
"The whole thing?" Her eyes widened.
"The whole thing."
"And guess how much they offering me.”
“How much?”
"Six-point-five million dollars."
"What! That’s amazing, I’m so happy for you!” She threw her arms around his neck.
“Happy for US! Now we can really start building."
The smile remained on Melody's face, but her expression softened. She loved everything he was saying, and although she was ready to start a new life, there was still unfinished business.
"Baby, I hear you, and I’m ready, but if I’m being honest, Major not gon’….”
“Man, fuck that nigga. He’s no longer a threat, trust me…. He’s being handled.”
“Okay, I trust you, but there’s still one thing I have to do before I change my life.”
“What, Melody?”
“Just trust me. I’ll be back.”
Before Cameron could ask another question, she kissed him, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door.
The entire drive, Melody couldn't stop smiling. Her case was gone. Nursing school was right around the corner, and Cameron loved her despite everything she had confessed. She should have felt free, but instead, there was still one loose end she couldn't stop thinking about.
After checking the address in her phone, Melody pulled over and parked.
She cut the engine, reclined her seat slightly, and settled in to wait.
Several minutes passed before a Lyft finally pulled up across the street.
The second the passenger stepped out, Melody recognized the cut running across her face.
Without wasting any time, she pushed her door open and climbed out. Immediately, the girl looked up. Their eyes locked, and judging by the expression on her face, she recognized Melody too.
"Aw, hell naw," she said aloud before she took off running.
Melody immediately went after her, chasing her across the street as the Lyft pulled away from the curb.
She ran hard for the first several seconds, but it didn't take long to realize the girl was way faster than her. The distance between them kept growing, no matter how much she pushed herself.
"Man, fuck this.”
Melody slowed down before eventually coming to a complete stop in the middle of the vacant lot. Reaching for her waist, she pulled out her gun and aimed it, shooting her right in the leg.
“Three down, no more to go,” she said to herself before turning around and jogging back to the car.