Chapter 43
Summer
Zander and I are up at our normal time Monday morning. I’m feeling a lot of emotions today. Anxious, sad, angry, happy, determined. It’s all a confusing mess in my mind.
Mr. MacLeod will visit this afternoon once the jury selection is complete.
I decide to work in the vegetable garden this morning, and Zander offers to help.
Good harvests are coming in, so we gather broccoli, turnips, beets, carrots, green beans, and greens for the week.
Zander insists on taking pics of me holding a basket of fresh veggies before going inside.
He helps me wash and prep everything for quick meals during the week.
We whip up a few dozen muffins, too. Zander is pretty comfortable with the mixer these days but still gets unsure about new recipes.
I’ve been slowly planting medicinal plants throughout the flower beds this summer, so I venture back out to check on those after the muffins are done and cooling.
Rose has given me many clippings from the plantation this summer to expand my collection.
I water a few of the newer plants, but everything else is looking healthy, so I go back inside to get some coursework done.
I spread out in the living room while Zander gets some work done in his office. Concentrating is hard, though.
As I’m making a salad for lunch, there’s a knock on the door. Zander comes into the kitchen, followed by Mr. MacLeod. “Hello Summer,” he greets.
“Hi. Would you like some lunch?” I offer.
“That would be lovely, thank you,” he smiles.
I dish up the Cobb salad as Zander grabs iced tea and glasses.
We eat at the table as he and Zander discuss random things.
After we eat, he brings out his briefcase to get down to business.
“Jury selection went well this morning. The plaintiff’s lawyer had very slim pickings, and I believe we have a great cross selection of individuals. There are 7 women and 5 men.
“Now, tomorrow will start with the plaintiff. They will present their evidence, and I’ll get to cross-examine any witnesses.
As we discussed, you will be the last witness on the stand for me.
We’ve already gone over my questioning for you, but Mr. Bancroft’s lawyer will try to portray you as entitled and not needing the money.
Answer their questions with short, concise responses and don’t be afraid to correct or interrupt them.
They believe the jury will be swayed by poor, lonely Mr. Bancroft, who has had such a hard life and just needs a break to get on his feet,” Mr. MacLeod says, rolling his eyes.
“I will prove he’s a gambler and addict who has been given many chances by his family and bosses over the years but does nothing with them, which means he’ll just run through and waste this money, too. ”
“Okay.” I take a calming breath, trying to settle my nerves. I hate public speaking, and now I have to do it to save my settlement money.
“Zander, bring a lunch for you and Summer, in case we don’t get a long break tomorrow.
As you remember, there are no decent places to eat nearby.
Summer wear business casual. Do nothing fancy with your hair or makeup.
Just be yourself. It gets cold in the courtroom with the air conditioning, so bring a jacket or sweater with you. Do either of you have any questions?”
“What if I break down in there?” I ask.
“That’s okay if you do. I can request a recess if needed.
Some of this will be hard to relive, and I wish there was a way to avoid it for you, but we can’t.
You are a very strong young woman, and your family and friends will be with you for support, as will I.
We just need to get through two days and then it will be over. ”
“Thank you, Mr. MacLeod,” Zander says. “Which witnesses will be there in person versus video conference?”
“I’m expecting about half and half for both of us.
We have Mr. Miller, your previous lawyer, your neighbor, and Sarah here in person.
Unfortunately, I have to ask you to refrain from any reunions when they enter the courtroom.
It will be all business in there. All four of them are flying in and out on the same day, so I don’t expect you’ll get to visit with the trial still going on. ”
“That’s all right. I understand.”
“Well, I’m off then. Thank you for lunch. Call if you have questions about anything. If not, I’ll see you both in the morning at 8:30am.”
We thank him, and Zander escorts him out. Coming back to the table, he sits beside me. “Doing okay, darling?”
“I guess. I’m all over the place emotionally today,” I reply.
“I wish I could do this for you. I’ll be lending you my strength tomorrow, as will your mom and sister. What advice would Vanessa give you about the trial?”
“That’s easy. Everything happens for a reason. You may not see why yet, but it will become clear to you when you need it to.” I smile. “Oh, or it’ll all work out. She loved that one too.”
Zander smiles at me. “Both are good. So what’s the plan for the rest of the day?”
“I’m going to finish up the Finn schedule now that we’re fully booked until Labor Day weekend.”
“Sounds good. I'm going to grab a muffin and get back to work.”