“Mr. Strand,” Judge Lindgren said. “Were you aware that your client was under indictment for kidnapping the very child you described in your petition as the object of his loving afternoon outing?”
Bradley Strand stood up slowly. He opened his mouth. He closed it.
“Your Honor, my client did not fully disclose—”
“I’ll take that as a no.” The judge picked up her pen. “And were you aware that the defendant in this civil case is a witness for the State in your client’s criminal prosecution?”
“I—Your Honor, I’d like to request a brief recess to confer with my client.”
“Request denied.”
She wrote something on the paper in front of her. Then she looked up.
“The defendant’s motion to dismiss is granted. This case is dismissed with prejudice.”
She banged her gavel once. The sound bounced off the walls.
I didn’t know what “with prejudice” meant. I looked at Teresa.
She leaned over and whispered in my ear, and she was grinning so wide I could see her back teeth.
“It means he can never file it again. Ever. It’s dead, Loretta. It’s done.”
But Judge Lindgren wasn’t finished.
“Furthermore,” she said, “this court is referring this matter, including the proposed affidavit filed as an exhibit today, to the Bell County District Attorney for review.” She looked at Wayne Haller one more time. “Using a civil lawsuit to pressure a witness into recanting testimony in a criminal case is not a legal strategy, Mr. Haller. It’s a crime too.”
Wayne Haller finally looked up.
He looked at the judge. Then at Jasmine. Then he looked at me.
The snake look was gone. He just looked small now. Small and scared. The same flicker I’d seen at the ValuMart doors, back in March. Except this time it didn’t go away.
“We’re adjourned,” Judge Lindgren said.
And then a little voice rang out from the back of the courtroom.
“Sticker lady! Sticker lady, I’m here!”
The victim advocate let go of her hand. And Quinn Vela ran down the aisle of Room 214 in her pink rain boots, squeaking on the polished floor, and threw herself into my arms so hard I almost sat down in the pew.
I held her. I held her and I cried into her curls, and she patted my back with her little hand and said, “It’s okay. It’s okay, sticker lady. Don’t be sad.”
Jasmine came over. She didn’t say anything at first. She just put her arms around both of us.
We stood there in the middle of that courtroom, the three of us, while everybody else filed out around us.
“I wanted to find you,” Jasmine whispered. “After. The police wouldn’t give me your name. They said you were a witness and they had to protect you. I went to the store, and they said you didn’t work there anymore. I didn’t know how to find you.”
“I’m right here,” I said.
“I couldn’t go back to that store,” she said. “Every time I drove past it, I saw that parking lot. But I wanted you to know.” She pulled back and looked at me with her tired, beautiful eyes. “Every night, when I put her to bed, I say a prayer for the lady who wouldn’t move out of the way.”
I reached into my purse.
I always carry them. Even after I lost the job. I don’t know why. Habit, I guess. Or hope.
I pulled out a roll of yellow smiley-face stickers, and I put one on the back of Quinn’s little hand.
She looked at it like I’d given her a diamond ring.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.