Calculated Risk (Triumph Over Adversity #1) - Lynn Shannon Page 0,40
He’s protecting Wendall. I think he knows exactly where his father is.”
She sighed. “So do I.”
Twenty-Two
The family courthouse entrance was a bustle of activity as people moved in and out of the main doors. Addison checked her watch for what seemed like the zillionth time. Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she paced in front of the long windows overlooking the sidewalk. There was no sign of Chloe.
“I don’t understand.” Addison’s fingers tightened on her briefcase. “Where is she?”
Jason placed his hands on her shoulders. “The trial doesn’t start for another forty-five minutes. Even people who aren’t normally late hit a glitch every once in a while. Is this genuine worry or is this stress talking?”
He was right to ask. A constant fear plagued her every move. What would Wendall do next? The conversation with Steven hadn’t helped. He’d betrayed her, lied to her. It was painful to realize her friendship with him was false.
She’d shoved all of her problems to the back of her mind and focused on preparing for the upcoming trial, but it hadn’t been easy. Now, standing around waiting for Chloe to arrive brought all of her emotions to the forefront.
Addison sucked in a breath and then let it out slowly. Her heart rate dropped and some of the tension in her muscles left. “You’re right. It’s been a rough day.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. “Addy, it’s been a hard five days. I’ve seen soldiers break under this kind of pressure. It’s a wonder you’re still standing, let alone walking into a courtroom to fight for your client.”
“I won’t be much good to Chloe if I’m a neurotic mess.”
She took another deep breath and sent up a silent prayer for strength. She had to get through this trial. After that, Addison could lock herself in her house until the police got enough evidence to arrest Wendall. Or Steven. Or both.
A long strand of people waited to get through security. Addison scanned the lines but didn’t see Chloe. She moved back to the window. “I offered to send Kyle to pick Chloe up, but she refused. She didn’t want to be in a car with a strange man. Maybe I should’ve sent Rachel instead.”
“Are you worried Chloe will get cold feet?”
“A bit. She called me on Friday night, stressed about seeing Michael in court. It’s difficult to face your attacker, especially when it’s your husband or someone you love. Rachel spoke with Chloe this morning and is certain she’ll show, but…” Addison rubbed her forehead. Another headache was brewing. They’d been constant today, a side effect of stress. “Things can change. I’m going to call her myself. It’ll make me feel better.”
Addison pulled out her cell phone and dialed Chloe’s number. It rang and then went to voice mail. Maybe she was driving and couldn’t answer the phone. Addison sent her a text and then called Rachel.
Her paralegal answered on the first ring, slightly out of breath. “I’m two blocks away from the courthouse.”
“Chloe isn’t here yet. I’ve tried calling her, but she’s not answering. How was she when you spoke to her this morning?”
“Ready to get the trial over with. I don’t understand…Chloe is never late to anything, and I specifically told her to meet you at the courthouse entrance at noon sharp.” Rachel’s worried tone matched Addison’s own instincts. “I’ll call Chloe’s mom. Maybe there was an issue with the baby.”
Rachel hung up. Addison called Chloe’s number again. The phone rang and, again, went to voice mail. “Jason, I can’t explain it, but something is wrong.”
He didn’t tell her she was overreacting. Instead, he pulled out his own phone. “I’ll call Kyle. Maybe he’s close by and can check on her.”
Addison sent another text to Chloe, half listening to Jason’s side of the conversation with Kyle. His buddy wasn’t close from what she could gather. Jason hung up and called another number, probably Nathan.
Frustration fueled Addison’s steps as she strolled to the windows again. Her gaze swept over the outside stairs, as well as up and down the block. Still no sign of Chloe.
The inexplicable sensation of being watched prickled the back of Addison’s neck. She turned.
Michael McCormick, flanked by his attorneys, had entered the courthouse. He was standing in the security line, wearing a designer business suit and shoes that cost more than Addison’s yearly food bill. His attorney was saying something, but Michael appeared to be ignoring him. His focus was solely on Addison.
Their gazes met. Michael smirked, a triumphant