Chapter 31 #2
Since Alayah had basically locked herself in her room, I asked her aunt to come over during the day to check on her and make sure she was okay.
It would kill me if she sought to end her pain by taking her life.
I wanted to give her more credit than that as far as her strength, but her psyche was fragile right now. We couldn’t take any chances.
When I got home, the house was quiet, but I could smell food cooking in the kitchen. Thinking that Alayah was up, I headed in that direction. I was surprised to find my sister at the stove.
“Hey, Bridget,” I said, hugging her. “What are you doing here?”
“Ellie wanted to see Alayah. I figured she could use a visit from her bestie. They’re taking a nap.”
I nodded. “You didn’t have to cook, you know.”
“I know. But I also know things are hard right now. I just wanted to help where I could.”
“Thanks, sis.” I discarded my jacket and tie, then went to the fridge for a beer.
“How are you feeling, Killian?”
“Like she’s pulling away from me, Bridget.
I get it. It’s one thing to suspect her mother knew.
To have it confirmed that she had the tapes all along…
that shit broke her heart. I’m sure some part of her was holding on to hope that Kennedy had some shred of decency.
What kind of mother does what she did? I can’t imagine Mom ever being like that. ”
“Some women aren’t cut out to be mothers. I can’t even say it’s motherly instincts because I don’t know what the issue is with her. My heart goes out to Alayah. I can only imagine what she’s feeling.”
I sighed heavily. “I’m gonna go check on her.”
I placed my beer on the counter and headed down the hall to Alayah’s room.
The door was slightly ajar. I stepped in and smiled softly.
Alayah was sleeping soundly with her head resting on Ellie’s chest. My niece had her little arms wrapped tightly around her mass of curls like she was trying to protect her.
It was adorable.
Ellie loved her some Alayah, and I believed her little spirit offered Alayah some peace. I stood there for a moment watching them before I went over to the bed and sat down gently as not to wake them. Resting a hand on Alayah’s leg and closing my eyes, I said a silent prayer.
Father God, I come to you a humble servant, asking you to heal all the broken parts of the woman I love.
Her heart is heavy, and her mind is weary.
Grant her the strength she needs in moments of weakness.
Bestow upon her the courage in times of fear.
Give her peace amid pain and suffering. I pray that Your restorative power flow through every cell of her body, every corner of her mind, and every depth of her spirit.
These and all blessings I ask in Your name. Amen.”
Standing from the bed, I made my way out of the room and down the hall to my bedroom to shower and change out of my work clothes. By the time I made it back into the kitchen, Erica was sitting at the island talking to Bridget.
“Hey. What are you doing here?”
“I come bearing good news. Where is Alayah?”
“She’s in her room.”
“Can you go get her?”
“I’ll get her,” Bridget said. “I feel like this is a private moment anyway. The food is done, so Ellie and I are gonna head on home.” She came over to hug and kiss me. “Love you, little brother.”
“Love you, too.”
She disappeared down the hall, leaving me and Erica alone. I noted the smile on her face, realizing she really did have good news.
“We got them?” I asked quietly.
She nodded. “We got them. Warrants are being served as we speak. That discovery rule played a big part in this, Killian.”
She was referring to the statute of limitations. With the discovery rule, the limitations begin when the offense was discovered instead of when it occurred. I would pay money to see the looks on these people’s faces when the cops pulled up to their houses.
A few minutes passed before my sister was walking down the hall with Ellie and Alayah behind her.
Ellie smiled as she ran over and jumped into my arms to say good night.
She kissed my cheek before scrambling over to Alayah.
She gave her a big hug, then followed her mom out of the house.
Alayah made her way over and gave me a loose hug before pecking my lips.
She still looked tired, but she was alert.
“Hey, Erica,” she said faintly. “What are you doing here?”
“Why don’t you have a seat, baby?”
I stood and pulled out a chair for her. She sighed as she took a seat. I took one as well.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
Erica took her hands. “Killian and I have been working very hard on this case. There has been a ton of new evidence and discoveries that have taken place, Alayah. Several people involved in your case all had a personal connection to Rodney. The judge that presided over your trial, two jury members, and the officer that was first on the scene were all part of his extended family.”
“W–What? How do you know that?”
“Extensive research, honey. I had to cash in a lot of favors, but it was worth it. It turns out, you weren’t Rodney’s first victim.
There were six other girls—now adults—whose families were paid off by the judge to drop the charges.
That man got away with being a predator for years because somebody was covering up for him.
His mother and that whole family have been covering his ass since he was thirteen. It’s all coming to light now.
“Warrants are being served. Kennedy is being brought up on additional charges of possessing child pornography and obstruction of justice. The best part of all this: Your conviction is being overturned. You’re gonna be a free woman, Alayah.”
Alayah’s eyes widened. “O–Overturned?”
“Overturned. No retrials. No parole. You will have to go to court as part of the legal process, but you’re free.”
Alayah looked from Erica to me with tears streaming down her face. She began breathing heavily, clutching her chest.
“I’m free…I’m free. Oh God.”
She broke into a full-blown cry. I wrapped my arms around her to keep her from slipping out of the chair and to the floor.
“You won, baby,” I whispered, rocking her.
She’d won big. Erica and I had decided not to tell her about the request for restitution that we’d put in.
More than likely, it would be granted. The system had failed her thanks to members of their own, and they needed to pay her for every year of freedom she’d lost. It would never make up for it, but it would be a hell of a start to a new life.
Alayah gathered herself together and sat up straight.
“Thank you,” she said, reaching for Erica. “You never gave up on me, even when I told you to.”
“I promised your aunt and uncle I would get justice for you. I always keep my word. Congratulations, love.”
Alayah embraced her tightly before letting go and throwing herself into my arms. She cupped my face and kissed me passionately.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I love you so much, Killian. Thank you for seeing me.”
“Always, baby. I told you, I got you. That’s for life.” I pecked her lips. “We have to celebrate.”
“I have to call Aunt Penny and Uncle Clive and my sisters…and Londyn and—”
“Let’s just call them all over. We have every reason to celebrate you.”
“Please tell me you’ll stay,” Alayah said to Erica.
“I’ll just have to call my husband.”
“Invite him, too,” I said.
“I’ll just step outside and call him.”
She stepped out the back door, phone in her hand. Alayah turned to me with a smile.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, pulling her into my chest.
“Like I can finally breathe again.”
“Well take a long, deep breath. It’s only up from here.”