Mason (Carter Brothers #2) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,48

digging up the results of the rape kit at the hospital. She hadn’t gone straight there, so DNA might not be conclusive, but something might be able to pin him at the crime. We’ve also taken the clothes to forensics. I’ll be going over a few things from her statement and I’ll find out as much as I can with the leads I’ve got.’’

“What about the clothes she kept?’’ I ask wondering why she would do that. My mind wonders back to Kayla, and wondering how she is doing. I know the girl who has stepped forward isn’t her because her mother would never allow it, but half of me wants it to be her. I want her to get the justice she deserved all those years ago when it happened. The other half is being realistic, and doesn’t think her mother would ever let her stand up in court and testify.

I miss her, and I hope she’s okay.

“She bagged them as soon as she got changed into a sealed plastic bag. If there is any DNA, it will be on them, but it can take up to a week to find out.’’

“Which will still be in time for court?’’ Malik speaks up.

Mason starts running his hands up the side of my body and I relax my back against him. When he moved to stand behind me is anyone’s guess.

“That’s the other news I’ll be giving you. The witness is testifying the day you were meant to and you will be testifying the day after. If the court hearings go well, then the sentencing should be held not long after.’’

“Why can’t they just hurry the process up? It’s been months and months since it happened and the case is still on-going.’’

“I know that must be hard for you, Harlow, but we have to follow procedure. I’m sorry. If a closer date clears up then I’ll bring the date forward. Until then we sit and wait and hope with the new witness things start to speed up.’’

“Okay,’’ she whispers nodding her head. I know she’s worried something will happen between here and the court date. Especially with whoever is targeting witnesses. Harlow is the main witness in this case, so I understand her anxiety.

“I’ll leave you to it. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to call me. If anyone confronts you over the case other than me and your family then please call me immediately or the police. I’ll call with any updates,’’ he tells us standing up.

“I’ll see you out,’’ Gram’s tells him. I forgot she was there. She’s usually mouthing off and telling the lawyer where he can stick his degree. I guess the talk Mark promised Malik he would have with her worked.

“You okay?’’ I ask Harlow.

“I feel bad for feeling relieved that someone else will be standing up in court, but then I remember why they’re standing there and I feel sick. I’m sick of it all. I just want him to get sent down. How can the judges not see that he’s a criminal, that he shouldn’t be able to walk the streets for the rest of his miserable life? I just want this to be over,’’ she slumps back, using Malik for support.

“He will never hurt you again, baby. There’s no way they’ll find him innocent. As for feeling guilty, don’t. You have nothing to feel guilty for. We’ll get through this, Harlow, together.’’

I look at the two as Harlow turns in his arms and hugs him, her head thrown into the crease of his neck and shoulder. Her cries echo around the barely there kitchen and cause my own tears to fall.

“Fuck,’’ Max and Maverick say before clearing out the room, taking the damn chips with them.

“Don’t you dare,’’ I snap, shoving away from Mason and over to Max. “I’m hungry, if you want to starve your niece then I’ll happily remind her all the time when she’s older.’’

“Jesus, that’s blackmail.’’

“That’s life; now give me that,’’ I smile in triumph, grabbing the bag.

Everyone else reluctantly follows, grabbing plates out the boxes before sitting down to eat.

It’s getting late when Max walks downstairs into the front room where I’ve been lying down on the sofa catching up on some soaps. Coronation street just finished when he comes barrelling in looking sweaty in his ripped jeans and black tee.

“Having fun just sitting there, you look far too comfy?’’ he sarcastically asks to which I return with a twisted smile when he wipes the