Ch. 12 The Weight of Secrets
The chair is hard and cold against my back. My fingers tremble before I steady them.
The Defence Counsel dug up everything he could about my past. He tried to use the Serena Chan case against me, but thankfully the judge shut it down.
I glance at the jury. Still, he can't make the jury forget what they heard.
I grit my teeth as I wait for another insulting question.
But he seems to have run out.
"No more questions, your Honor." The Judge nods before turning to me.
"You may leave the stand now, Witness."
I get up on shaky legs and walk back to my seat.
At least my part of the testimony is done.
They may call me back as a witness again at a later stage, but Christopher says it won't be for at least a few more months, if at all.
I heave a sigh of release as the Judge adjourns the matter for the day.
Fifteen days since the trial began.
Fifteen days of this nightmare and who knows how many more to go.
I am already so exhausted I can barely think.
This whole case is a media circus that has again brought Ingram Tech into the news.
Keith is holding a press conference later today.
There is so much to do. My fingers tremble again, and I fist them to hide it from Kyle, who is sitting beside me.
All three brothers have made it a point to attend the trial.
Kyle's eyes are sad, though his mouth is fixed in a tight line.
We all get up as the Judge leaves, before Keith and Kenneth join us along with Christopher.
He turns to me. "You did good. The most important thing is that the Judge agreed to admit the evidence you brought us. The Defence Counsel will try to create reasonable doubt, but the ADA is really good at dispelling such notions."
He addresses Keith who looks just as drained as I feel. "Things are going well Mr. Ingram. Don't worry."
Keith nods his thanks.
We step out of the court and head straight to the press conference.
The taps from our shoes echo across the floor as we walk to the room where the reporters are waiting.
"Let's do this." Keith rolls his shoulders before we enter, then swings the doors open and walks to the lectern set up on the stage.
"Welcome, everyone. I know there has been a lot of shock and confusion as to the events that caused the arrest and ouster of Richard Ingram and the subsequent arrest of Mrs Haley Ingram as well.
"I am unable to give you details about the ongoing trial as of this moment, but rest assured, we are determined to see it through. Justice must be meted out to the perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
"It may have been Richard Ingram who founded Ingram Tech, but it was my father Daniel Ingram, whose vision brought us to such great heights. I am delighted to announce that his protege, Mr. Marcus Holden now has the reins of his Legacy.
"Ingram Tech is now in the best hands and all of us are waiting in anticipation to watch it rise to greater heights.
"We thank you for your patience and consideration at this delicate juncture.
"We won't be taking any questions at this time.
"Thank you."
Keith descends the podium and we power walk out before the reporters swarm us.
"Was that really necessary?" My voice is tinged with fatigue as I round on Keith.
"Have you seen our stocks today?" I wince at the reminder.
"The public may have confidence in me, but the Ingram name is tarnished. Dad has the best reputation among us all, and you were his protégé. I have full confidence in you, and so does the public."
He shows me his cellphone. Our stocks, which had completely tanked in the morning, were now rising and stabilising.
"Clips from your Capture The Flag tournament wins since high school are doing the rounds. You're being hailed as a genius trained by Daniel Ingram himself to take over."
He shows me another article. "Apparently, we were holding you back, now you're finally getting your dues."
We both snort at that.
"Also..." He glances at me, and hesitates before continuing, "I'm sorry about that. About the trial. About saddling you with Ingram Tech when it's two steps away from falling apart.
"You know we're here for you, right? I'll do everything I can to help and make it right."
I nod in acknowledgement. He looks pale, like he hasn't been sleeping—again.
"Keith, are you sleeping?"
"Ella forces me to nap in the afternoons, and holds me in bed. But rest is fleeting. Ella worries."
"How is Ella?"
A soft smile lifts his lips. I smile too. This man is an absolute goner.
"Managing as best she can." Keith's voice is more mellow now. Less guilt ridden.
"The trial is hard on her as well. All of this dredges up tough memories for her as well."
My heart goes out to Ella.
"Let me know if I can help."
Keith slaps my back before squeezing my shoulder. "Thanks. I don't know how I would have survived without you all these years."
"Knowing you, you would've managed to find someone else to make miserable. Although, I'll take the thanks."
I roll my eyes at him, and he grins back. Now that my part in the trial is done—for now— I can finally concentrate on getting our sales back to where they were.
I won't see the company I'm chairing—my mentor's legacy—dwindle and languish in the red for long.
—---------------------
"Boss, you okay?" Marcus looks like hell since the cross examination ended.
Three months after that and he looks half dead.
He has been working himself into the ground since his father died. Dark bags shadow his eyes.
And he's just—colder—less forgiving than he used to be.
"Fine. Are the protestors still camped outside the building? Make sure security creates a safer barricade for the staff. I don't want anyone's safety jeopardised."
"You got it, Boss." I wait to see if I get any response, but he turns his chair around and faces the window, like I don't exist.
Ever since the defence revealed to the public that a lot of the crucial evidence was obtained through—well, hacking—we've had a stream of protestors camped outside the building fighting for privacy.
They're somehow convinced Marcus is a criminal and must end up in prison.
They've been vandalising the building, our cars. It's a huge safety concern and it's clearly weighing on him.
He doesn't really smile anymore. He doesn't complain, doesn't eat, drinks five cups of coffee daily, and I am sure he's not sleeping either.
Marcus has now started insisting on hiring bodyguards for me—after trying to move me to another department for the time being bombed spectacularly.
Sometimes, I find him staring out the window, at the road, forehead creased and eyes glazed.
All of us are worried.
I think he's forgotten I'm still standing there. He pulls out his cellphone and opens a picture.
He caresses the screen like he can't help himself. It's written all over his face. He misses... I sneak a glance from behind his chair—this woman.
A pretty woman. A cross-eyed woman.
It's not just a photograph—it's a feeling—captured in its most honest expression.
"Who's that?"
My question hangs in the air between us. I wonder if he even heard me.
His response comes slow, voice gravelly—as if he's being pulled out from deep undersea.
I don't think he even realizes that he's answered me.
"Fighter girl—someone from another lifetime."
Hi guys!
Ever struggled with secrets that you wanted to share but couldn't? What did you do?
Comment below!??
Xoxo.