It was all set for the first day of trial. On a seemingly perfect, but cold November morning, reporters from every TV network and newspaper gathered in front of the courthouse in New York City to witness the beginning of what might easily become the best known trial of the decade.
"We are here today reporting live from the steps of the New York County Courthouse, in which the long awaited trial in the case of the terrorist attack of flight 197 will begin. The main suspect is Grayson Global's ex hedge fund executive manager David Clarke, who is accused of laundering money for the terrorist organization Americon Initiative, which claims responsibility for the downing of flight 197 causing the death of 247people. 32-year-old Mr Clarke is also charged with the abduction of Conrad Grayson's wife Victoria and his six-year-old son Daniel, whom he had held hostage for almost two months until their rescue at the beginning of September. Officials state that Mr Clarke's secretary Lydia Davis will give her testimony today, but it remains unclear whether Victoria Grayson will appear in court due to the traumatic experience and her current pregnancy." The CNN reporter paused for a second when others began to run down the stairs and cameramen quickly turned around.
"It appears that just this second the Grayson's Limousine has arrived." She hastily moved down the stairs trying to look into the camera without tripping over her own feet.
"Mr Grayson!" Reporters began to scream as Conrad left the car, a serious but self-confident expression on his face. Several security men were shielding the car from the press. Conrad stretched out his hand feeling Victoria's trembling hand grabbing it.
"As it seems, Mrs Grayson does indeed accompany her husband to the first day of trial." The news woman spilled out the words in excitement and tried desperately to get to the front of the crowd.
Cautiously Conrad assisted his wife to get out of the car and encircled his arm around her waist to steady her and face the press together. He knew that the frightened expression on her face was not just a façade. Victoria had been extremely reluctant and until yesterday she had refused to attend the opening of the trial. However, Conrad had practically begged her and when he had promised that maybe Frank didn't need to "protect" her anymore, she had finally given in. Still, Conrad was worried about his wife, because he saw her growing more exhausted with every passing day. Sometimes she didn't even find the strength to get out of bed for several days in a row suffering from heavy migraines. The only persons she would see on those days were Daniel and - much to Conrad's disapproval - Amanda Clarke. It concerned Conrad how close his wife apparently was with David Clarke's daughter and how protective she could get over her. Even Daniel seemed to like her, and with Edward and Eleanor gone the two of them often spent time together. When he came home from a long day at the office and he found his wife, his son and Amanda having dinner together or goofing around in the living room he felt like not only had David Clarke almost taken his family away from him, but now his daughter did the same thing. He wanted to have that girl out of his home as soon as possible. Given Victoria's physical condition however Conrad didn't want to push her too much and gave her the time she needed. But Victoria was also a crucial part of their strategy for the cover-up and he counted on her at least standing by his side in public. That was why today was really important to him. When he looked at his wife in that moment however, the paleness of her skin and her sweaty hands almost gave him a bad conscience.
"Smile, sweetheart." Conrad whispered into her ear pressing a long kiss onto her cheek. "The whole world waited only for you to step out of that car."
"Do you actually know how much I despise you for putting me through this?" Victoria answered through gritted teeth flashing her well-practiced fake smile. "I told you I didn't feel well this morning. It feels like the baby is moving more than usual." She knew exactly how much her husband hated it when she talked about her unborn child and immediately she saw the anger rising behind his eyes.
For appearance sake Conrad kept the sharp comment to himself and started to make his path through the mass of reporters while he let his arm rest on Victoria's hip.
The amount of screaming reporters was making Victoria feel dizzy and she did her best to keep a neutral expression on her face. She had not only been trying to annoy Conrad when she had mentioned that she felt very uncomfortable and would rather rest at home for her own and the baby's health. She was seven months pregnant, but as she ascended the stairs to the courthouse she felt like she was about to give birth any moment. Adding to the queasy feeling in her stomach was of course the fact that she had to face David in court today. She didn't think that she was ready to do that and was afraid of David's reaction to her appearance
"Conrad." Victoria whispered and stopped turning to her husband.
"Victoria, we're almost there." Conrad replied nervously noticing the security detail coming closer to them to keep the reporters at a distance. Even he hadn't expected the public interest in the trial to be that high, which meant that he couldn't afford the tiniest mistake.
"I can't." Victoria's voice cracked while she laid her hand on her husband's shoulders to keep her body steady. "This is too much. I feel like I'm about to faint, Conrad, it's not a lie." She really felt like her legs were slowly giving in under her weight. Although she had gained more determination to help David during the last few weeks, her body was acting differently. Her migraines were sometimes putting her on hold for a couple of days and it was difficult for her to eat without throwing up only a few hours later.
"I'm sorry, Victoria, but we have to do this now. You can sit down when we're inside." Conrad continued their way to the entrance of the courthouse pushing his wife forward with his arm wrapped around her waist. He knew that he was being ignorant and that Victoria wouldn't just easily forgive him for not taking her seriously. But he couldn't afford making a scene in front of the press in that moment; he just wanted the day to pass smoothly.
"If anything will happen to this child, it will be entirely your fault. You're the one to blame and I'll make sure you'll pay for it." Victoria hissed maliciously while she was forced to reach the top of the stairs and enter the courthouse.
Ryan Huntley was pacing the room impatiently waiting for the defendant to make an entrance. He had only had a little over two weeks in order to build up a strong defense strategy for an accused terrorist and abductor. He knew it would be especially difficult, because he had to fight against the Grayson family and their money and influence. It would not be a fair trial, of that he was sure. But that didn't mean he couldn't win.
"There you are." He exclaimed when David Clarke followed by two prison guards and Nolan Ross finally entered the room.
"Sorry, but we were stuck at check out." Nolan remarked sarcastically and took his place next to David. When he had heard about Stevie Grayson's DUI charge in the first place, he had believed that she had truly fallen back into old habits of being an alcoholic He had panicked and had called Victoria immediately bracing himself for a big "I told you so"-speech. However, she had reacted suspiciously calm and already presented a new lawyer – Ryan Huntley. That was when Nolan had begun to understand that of course Victoria herself was behind Stevie's arrest. She had gotten her will after all and Nolan didn't have a choice but to accept that. The end of story was that now they were awaiting the first day of trial with Ryan Huntley as David's attorney. Nolan had to admit that he was impressed by how much he had gotten together in such a short amount of time.
"Well, David, don't be too nervous. Just say and do what we have practiced and everything will be fine today." Ryan Huntley tried to make the defendant more confident for the following process. "Today will be a first step into the right direction. Don't expect too much, but remember that we are aiming at small victories against the Graysons. First of all, we have to prove that you are not an abductor to make you a sympathetic person to the people, so that they like you and find it hard to believe those accusations the Graysons are making."
"Yes, I get that." David answered staring at his hands in handcuffs on the table.
"They don't even have Victoria Grayson's testimony stating that you did abduct her and her son, so they practically have nothing against you. We only have to reveal their net of lies." Ryan stated sincerely trying to lighten the mood.
"Is she here today?" David asked wound up in his thoughts. Nolan and Ryan exchanged an insecure look, not sure what they should tell David.
"Yes, Victoria Graysons will be in the courtroom, but she will not take the stand. It's only a publicity stunt in order to demonstrate the Grayson's unity a as family." The lawyer explained matter-of-factly understanding what David had to be going through due to his backstory with Victoria.
"Thank you." David swallowed his heart beginning to beat even faster than before. Not only would he step in front of a judge today accusing him of being a terrorist and a murderer, but he would also have to face the woman he loved, whom he had not seen once for almost three months. He wasn't sure which part would be harder. When he had last checked the Graysons couldn't have been farther from being a united family, but of course they would do everything for good publicity.
"I'll be there for you, David. Don't worry. Just like Ryan says, we're trying to achieve a small goal today." Nolan assured supportively when he noticed that his friend was more of a nervous wreck than he had expected.
"Thanks, Nolan." David turned his head to face the young man. "You don't know how much it means to me that you are a true friend." The honesty of his words touched Nolan deeply; not only was David one of his few and only friends, but he also felt like the caring father he never really had.
"Don't forget we're going to kick some asses today." Nolan boxed David's shoulder and sent him one of his quirky smiles, so that David had to chuckle.
"If you say so, I'm sure we will." David replied glad that Nolan always found a way to make him feel better.
"I really appreciate your will to fight, but let's keep it on a figurative level." Ryan Huntley straightened his black suit and adjusted his blue silk tie. "I think we have to get going now."
With an approving nod Nolan and David rose from their chairs and followed Ryan Huntley out of the room. Maybe this is the beginning of the end. David thought to himself closing his eyes as he walked towards the doors of the courtroom.
Exhaustedly, Victoria steadied her body with her two hands pressing onto the sink in the ladies room. Slowly she breathed in and out while she closed her eyes. The leather of her black pumps was cutting in her swollen feet the longer she had to hold her full weight. This day was pure torture for her, on an emotional and physical level.
"Well at least I know you're alive." She mumbled when she felt the baby kick her again. It was almost like she was trying to tell her mother not to go inside that courtroom today. She shouldn't stand by Conrad's side silently accepting all the lies that would be told about David. It was a horrible thing to do and Victoria knew it. She would hurt him with her presence and her lack of fighting and she would also hurt herself. Even the thought of him, the gentle and caring man he was, standing there in handcuffs staring at her with his blue eyes, drove Victoria mad.
"Why?" She angrily slammed her hand onto the white porcelain and felt tears of desperation flooding her eyes.
"Victoria, it's getting late." Conrad knocked on the door impatiently.
She raised her head and stared at her reflection in the mirror wiping the tears from her eyes. Her ebony hair was styled in perfect waves framing her pale face. The emerald colored dress with a high neckline clung to her curves and a matching dark red lipstick accentuated her full red lips. If she didn't know better, Victoria looked like her usual self, a flawless Hampton's socialite ready to look picture perfect while standing next to her wealthy husband. On the inside however, she couldn't be any further from that. She would have loved to storm into that courtroom, tell the truth and be united with David again. But she was well aware that that was not an option. It was too risky and people would probably think she had gone mad. Unfortunately, she had to stick to the plan and hope that Ryan Huntley was doing the best job he had ever done.
"I'll be right there." Victoria answered her husband and sighed heavy-heartedly.
There was loud chatter inside of the courtroom while everyone was waiting for the trial to be opened. Next to David, Ryan Huntley flipped through his prepared documents one last time while he silently complained about those rich people's lack of punctuality. Nolan was seated in the first row of the courtroom right behind him and every time David turned around to check on him he saw him playing with his Rubik's Cube. That left him wondering how he could still find pleasure in solving a puzzle he had probably already solved a thousand times before.
And then it happened. From one second to the other, the door to the courtroom swung open and behind two security men the Grayson couple entered the room. Everyone turned around expectantly and stared at them with big eyes, except for David. He remained sitting there staring in the opposite direction while he heard cameras flashing and the clicking of stiletto heels on the floor. He had sworn to himself to stay tough today, he could make it through the process without having to look at her, it was for the best he had decided. Suddenly the sound of the heels stopped, apparently much to everyone's confusion because people began to whisper. David kept repeating the promise of staying strong in his mind, but in that moment his feelings overruled his brain and he turned around to see what was going on.
There she was. Victoria Grayson. She had dropped her purse and now stood there thanking a man who had grabbed it for her from the floor. David felt his heart pounding in his chest, it was about to burst while his whole body began to fill with a warmth he hadn't felt in the last three months. She looked so beautiful in that emerald green dress, which was David's favorite color on her, although he also recognized the paleness of her skin with worry. Naturally, his gaze rested on her baby belly and he was astonished by how far she already was. A wave of sadness rushed through his body at the thought of what he was missing, of not being close to his unborn child. Her skin seemed to be so thin that he could almost see through it and David didn't fail to notice her trembling legs. She was not well, he immediately concluded and he felt the urge to run to her and take her far, far away from all of this. He would make sure that she was healthy and take good care of her.
Just in that moment Victoria caught David's attentive gaze resting on her body. She had wanted him to look over to her, that was why she had pretended to accidentally drop her purse. The man she saw sitting there was definitely her David, the man with whom she had fallen in love, but at the same time he was not himself anymore. To see him in the prisoner's uniform and in handcuffs was one thing, but the slimness of his body and his hanging head and shoulders were even worse. His face was already marked by wrinkles that hadn't been there before creating a stark contrast to the light smile he usually carried on his lips and his positive charisma.
When their eyes finally locked, it was like it was only the two of them in the room. They both had tried to hold back their feelings for each other during the time they had spent apart, but right then and there every emotion came back to them. It felt like no time had passed between them and they were still in love like on the first day they had met.
Driven by the strong emotions overwhelming her body Victoria took a step forward not taking her brown eyes off of David for one second. "David." She whispered longingly.
"Victoria." David said loud enough for everyone to hear and got up determinedly. He had almost forgotten how strong the attraction between them was. Keeping his focus only on her and her body moving in his direction, David didn't notice his guards standing up beside him and when he tried to move from his place they immediately held him back.
"No." He was pulled out of his intimate moment with Victoria and angrily protested trying to free himself from their grip. "Let go of me." He defended himself driven by his feelings for Victoria, who drew her hand to her mouth as she observed the scene. Maybe she had made things worse for him.
"David!" Ryan Huntley interfered and laid a hand on his client's shoulder. "Stop it, David. This does not make you look innocent." He tried to calm him down sending Victoria a judging glare.
"I can't do this." Victoria tumbled backwards knowing she couldn't stand being in one room with David, but not being able to help him.
"What are you doing?" Conrad approached his wife being more than just angry at the scene she was making. She could ruin everything with her emotion-driven behavior.
"I have to get out of here." Victoria's hand flew to her forehead grabbing it in panic when she saw how David was forced to sit down again.
"Don't do this." Conrad pulled his wife into a hug because everyone in the room was already staring at them wondering what was suddenly going on.
"I've told you before, this was not a good idea. Now let me go." Victoria wrestled herself free from her husband's embrace and paced towards the exit directly in the arms of Frank Stevens who accompanied her outside after receiving an approving nod from Conrad. She didn't look back even once on her way out, because she couldn't bear looking into David's devastated face once more. How foolish had she been to let that personal exchange between them happen? It could ruin the whole strategy. Outside, she broke down on the nearest bank in the corridor laying her head on her arms and letting the tears flow. Her guilt for putting David in that position and not standing by his side was catching up with her. She had been the one being able to flee from the whole situation, but David still had the worst to endure.
"Take me home." Were the only words she could mumble to Frank in a pause between her heart wrenching sobs.
Inside of the courtroom, David slowly began to regain his composure.
"Stay calm, buddy." Nolan whispered from behind shocked at the emotional outburst triggered by his encounter with Victoria.
"It does not shed a good light on you when you seem all uncontrolled and aggressive." Ryan Huntley remarked and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He had definitely counted on a better start. Now, people were already gossiping before the official part had even begun. It didn't make it easier that Tom Kingsley was the representative of the prosecution in the trial. Ryan knew that he was not only an excellent lawyer but also someone who would throw his principles over board if someone like Conrad Grayson offered him a way to the top.
"I know, I'm sorry." David clenched his fists trying to erase the fresh pictures of Victoria from his mind. She had wanted them to look at each other, he was sure of it. She missed him as much as he missed her that became abundantly clear to him in that moment. But to witness her letting Conrad get so close to her was giving him contradictory feelings. With Victoria in the room, he hadn't been able to think about anything else but her, making it impossible for him to concentrate on the trial. That was why it was a good thing that she had left, although it still had him worried that she seemed to be disturbed and physically ill.
"David." Ryan Huntley reminded him to stand up as Judge Robert Barnes entered the room and took his seat. Lost in thought David obeyed drawing in a deep breath to gain some strength to brace himself for what would be coming at him.
"Mr Grayson, any comment on the medical condition of your wife? Is she suffering from her traumatic experience?" One penetrant reporter held his microphone right in Conrad's face when he left the courthouse. He pushed it away rudely, the frustration from the day being the cause for his foul mood.
"Are you satisfied with the result of today's trial?" Another journalist came close enough to address him directly, but Conrad kept on walking to his car without looking up.
No, he was definitely not satisfied with the first day of the trial. He answered the question in his mind when he finally sat down in the black limousine. Things had gotten out of hand from the moment Victoria had begged of him not to accompany him to the courthouse. The scene she had made inside the courtroom had made people speculate about the true nature of her relationship to David Clarke, they had both seemed quite drawn to one another. The Graysons' Public Relations team was now spreading the information that Victoria had left the court today because the trauma from her abduction had caught up with her again and she had suffered from a mental breakdown. Conrad could only hope that that story would work and his wife hadn't completely ruined the cover-up with her emotional outburst. In addition, the rest of the trial hadn't gone exactly well for Conrad either. He had been prepared for the question about how he as the CEO of Grayson Global couldn't have noticed David Clarke's dubious investments and that his secretary Lydia Davis obviously knew more and could testify against David. Lydia's testimony had been perfect like it had been planned, but the judge had questioned the lack of written evidence for the investment in Americon Initiative. That was because Conrad's team hadn't been able to forge the documents properly, so that they decided to hold that evidence back and not risk them being revealed as a bad forgery. But now they definitely had to find a solution for that.
The next date of trial was shortly before Christmas and they needed to provide the documents showing that David Clarke had been the one to invest in Americon Initiative and not Conrad Grayson. What had him even more worried was that Victoria had to give her testimony at the next date. Ryan Huntley had focused on showing that David Clarke did not abduct Victoria and Daniel, but that they ran away together out of free will. He had even managed to present the wife of a hotel manager in California as a witness to prove that Victoria had been there voluntarily. At that point Conrad had wanted to slap himself. He had made sure that everyone whom his wife and David had met during their escape had been paid off in exchange for their silence. Obviously he had missed one person, which the defense attorney could now use in his favor. The judge had requested a personal testimony from Victoria before they could make a decision concerning David Clarke's guilt of being an abductor. There was no other way now than for Victoria to take the stand in less than a month and Conrad was anything but sure if she was ready to do that – especially after today.
Maybe he had been too positive about the outcome of the trial all along and now he had to face the consequences. It was likely for the whole story they had spun in the last months to blow up and leave the whole Grayson family as a bunch of liars. Conrad didn't know how but he had to convince his wife of finally committing to framing David Clarke to the full lengths. She couldn't hide behind her pregnancy anymore and come up with excuses why she wasn't able to testify. Much to Conrad's frustration, it had only taken one day of trial to already corner him and not leave him with the upper hand in the legal situation. For the next date in court he needed more witnesses and most of all he needed Victoria, Conrad thought as he poured himself a Scotch from his car's private storage. The rest of the car ride Conrad spent brooding and analyzing every little detail that had gone wrong today. When he finally arrived at Grayson Manor nothing could stop him from letting out his anger and frustration.
"Victoria?" He screamed after he had slammed the door shut. To talk to her and explain to her the severity of the whole situation was his first and foremost concern. When he didn't hear a response he immediately angled for the staircase determined to find her in the master bedroom. Before he could even set foot on the first stair, he almost ran over Amanda Clarke. That girl was the last person he wanted to see in that moment. She cautiously carried a tea pot and jumped at the sight of the angry-looking Conrad.
"What the hell are you doing with that?" Conrad glared at her. "If you want to eat or drink something you have to stay in the kitchen.
After the first moment of fear, Amanda found the courage to open her mouth. "It's not for me. It's for Victoria. She is sick and we want to help her."
Conrad rolled his eyes and replied. "So she is making you her little slave now? We have got enough personnel in this house to fulfill her every wish. She is just using you." Conrad was surprised by his wife's decision to ask favors of that Clarke girl, but he didn't disapprove of it. He was afraid Amanda could get the impression she was part of the family and an equal member, which she definitely was not.
"But Daddy, we really like to help Mommy. We asked her what would make her happy." Suddenly Daniel appeared behind Amanda with an empty tea mug in his hand.
"Daniel, if your mother needs something she can ask Maria. You know that." Conrad grabbed the mug from his son's hand and lifted him into his arms since he didn't like the picture of him and Amanda being so close.
"But Mommy is sad." Daniel complained fighting against his father's grip on him. "Let me down! I want to go with Amanda!" He kicked his father in the stomach which made Conrad drop the tea mug so that it shattered into little pieces on the wooden floor.
"Daniel Edward Grayson!" Conrad lost his temper raising his voice while he put his son on the floor again but grabbed him by the wrists tightly. "Look what you've caused with your stupid behavior." He noticed the frightened expression on Daniel's face and the tears welling in his eyes. "I'm your father and you listen to what I'm telling you. Next time your mother needs something she will get it herself or ask one of the maids. And you will not contradict me anymore. Do you understand?" He shook the boy by his wrists.
"But…" Daniel sobbed not understanding why his father was being so violent towards him.
"Do you understand me, Daniel?" Conrad repeated not tolerating his son's rebellious behavior.
"Yes." He finally gave in tears flooding his face.
"Good." Conrad let go of his son turning to Amanda. "And as for you."
The girl took a step backwards gasping at Conrad's harsh tone.
"You will stay away from my son. You're nothing but a bad influence just like your father. I'll make sure you won't be with our family for long. Go to your room." When she didn't move, Conrad began to shout. "Now! I don't want to see you down here again!"
"Conrad!" Victoria appeared at the top of the stairs, alarmed by the loud noises. She had exchanged her uncomfortable outfit for a grey cashmere pullover and black yoga pants. Her hair was up in a bun and the make-up in her face began to smear. "What have you done?" Slowly she began descending the stairs her heart tightening at the sight of her crying son.
"Mommy." Daniel wined clinging to his mother's side when she arrived downstairs and comforted him. Amanda didn't know what to do and set down the hot pot of tea in panic. Victoria stopped her from running up the stairs.
"Stay, Amanda. You've done nothing wrong." Irritated the girl hid behind Victoria who faced her husband boiling with anger.
"You still think you have the right to decide anything in this house?" Conrad put his hands on his hips. "After you have ruined almost everything today? Thanks to you, things will get even more stressful than before. I hope you're prepared for that."
"This gives you no right to speak to our son like that." Victoria replied trying to stay calm and not lower herself to her husband's level. "And neither to Amanda. They have nothing to do with the whole thing, so leave them alone. I don't allow any violent behavior towards my children."
"Your children?" Conrad let out a haughty laugh. "I see you've completely lost your mind now. Just make sure you appear to be perfectly sane on the day you have to give your testimony."
"We've discussed this Conrad. I won't do it until it is absolutely necessary." Victoria held Daniel's hand and kept the other one wrapped around Amanda's shoulder to assure her that she didn't have to fear Conrad.
"It is absolutely necessary after your disastrous act of today. You don't leave us a choice but to go all in now. I hope you're proud of that." Conrad noticed Victoria losing her confidence and had to smile at that. "Well, then enjoy tea with your children, my dear. I'll talk to you later to discuss the details." With that he turned around regretting that things had escalated so easily between him and Victoria again. He had sensed that the tension between them had almost vanished during the last few weeks and that they were getting closer again, but the approaching trial had ruined that progress completely.
"Maria." He shouted before shutting the doors to the study. "There's a mess for you to clean up." He pointed towards the broken tea cup and locked the doors behind him.
The maid nodded and went over to the stairs to pick up the remains of the expensive porcelain.
"It's okay Maria." Victoria gave the older Hispanic woman a smile. "We can do it later with a broom. There's no need to hurry and cut your fingers now."
Victoria despised how her husband often spoke to their employees. Even after seven years of being Mrs Conrad Grayson, Victoria sometimes felt strange having all that staff in their house. Although of course she enjoyed the perks of always having someone to do the everyday chores. But especially Maria reminded her of a long ignored part of herself. Victoria had once asked her where her Spanish accent came from and had learnt that her parents had migrated to the US from Puerto Rico. In that moment after years of not spending one thought on her, the image Victoria's grandmother had popped up in her head. She herself had also fled poverty and came to New York City around the time when Victoria's mother had been a teenager. Her mother had always neglected her wish to talk about their Puerto Rican ancestors and had erased all influences from their life – including the Spanish language. Only during some summers when Victoria had been still a child her mother had left her in the care of her grandmother in order to search for potential future husbands. Maria now brought back many memories from that time and Victoria sometimes regretted not digging in her family history to find out more about her roots.
"Thank you, Mrs Grayson." The maid smiled back and left the room because she sensed the need for privacy.
"I'm so sorry you two." Victoria let herself sink onto the stairs and let her hands roam through her hair. "None of this is your fault. You were just being kind to me." Daniel put his arms around his mother's neck confused by what was happening between his parents. While she caressed his back Victoria gave Amanda a smile. She had never seen the girl so frightened in the month she had already spent in Grayson Manor. "Amanda, I'm really sorry. Of course, we want you to stay here. Am I right, Daniel?"
"Yeah." He sniffed turning to face Amanda in his mother's embrace.
Victoria stretched out her hand to offer David's daughter some comfort. She remained frozen to her spot trying to figure out why Victoria and Conrad had almost been at each other's throats.
"You saw my Dad today, right?" She finally concluded staring at Victoria sincerely.
"Amanda." Victoria sighed not knowing what to tell her. For a 9-year-old she was connecting the dots very quickly.
"Did you or didn't you see him?" She stayed persistent.
"Yes, I saw your father in court today, Amanda." Victoria decided to tell the truth being tired of lying.
At her confession Amanda found it difficult to hold back her tears. She missed her Dad with every passing day and sometimes began to doubt if Victoria would stay true to her word of helping him.
"Why didn't you help him?" The girl blurted out.
"Amanda, shhh." Victoria hushed her beginning to panic. It was likely that Conrad could still hear them from his study.
"If you just told everyone you love him and that he is a good person, none of this would be happening. I could be at my own home with Dad and not trapped in this cage." Disappointed and angry, the girl spat out the words at Victoria and then took off to disappear onto the first floor.
"Amanda, wait." Victoria shouted after her, but she didn't listen.
"What's going on, Mommy?" Daniel whispered in utter confusion.
"She misses her Daddy, baby." Victoria kissed her son's forehead lovingly. "We can check on her later, but I think she wants to be left alone now. "
"Okay. But what about your tea? I'm sorry I broke the mug." Daniel apologized his hazelnut brown eyes warming Victoria's heart.
"Don't worry. It's not your fault. Let's be careful so we don't hurt ourselves at the broken pieces. I'll get a new mug in the kitchen."
Far away from the drama in the Hamptons, David lay awake in his cell as the night began to dawn. Ryan had assured him that except for the chaotic beginning it couldn't have gone better for them in court. As soon as Nolan had heard that the Graysons would now probably try to manipulate the documents of Conrad's investment in the Americon Initiative, that crazy flicker had appeared in his eyes which meant he would make use of his hacker skills and David couldn't even begin to understand what was going on. But he was sure Nolan would take care of the problem judging by the way how he had paced out of the courthouse probably brooding over the idea. Still, Conrad's allies testifying against David were the biggest threat. And of course Victoria. Judge Barnes had made it clear that he needed her statement on the case of the possible abduction. After what had happened between them in the courtroom, no one was sure what to think about Victoria Grayson's and David Clarke's real relationship. Even David wasn't quite sure what she had been trying to say with that short interaction and her abrupt departure. He just hoped that she would do the right thing and tell the truth. He didn't have much reason to believe that after she had decided to be Mrs Grayson again, but he sensed that she didn't fully commit to that part.
When he had seen her with her baby belly today, it brought painful memories back. He remembered how excited they both had been and how they had told themselves that they could be a family living a normal life. He wanted to be there for her keeping his promise of always taking care of her during the pregnancy. David knew that Victoria didn't like to talk about it, but her very first pregnancy still left her with the fear of having to deal with everything all alone. She had once told him in great detail how lost she had been and how afraid and in that moment David had sworn that he would never allow that to happen again. Right now, however he had no control over what was happening to Victoria. It was not his fault of course, it was rather hers, but still he felt responsible if Victoria didn't feel protected. He regretted missing out on so many things, like accompanying Victoria to an ultrasound, preparing the baby's room or picking out a name – he didn't even know the sex of the baby.
In moments like that David realized how much distance time had already created between himself and Victoria and also Amanda. Sometimes he liked to imagine how his daughter and Victoria lived together getting along and enjoying each other's company. His mind was the only place David could still be close to them pretending that he was not a convicted terrorist, but a proud father and husband whose biggest problem it was to pick out what kind of pizza they would order for movie night. Life could be so simple, but that was not a luxury David Clarke possessed. Restless from the day, he turned to the side facing yet another familiar grey cement wall. It was almost one month until the next day in court. One month of fearing what might happen next, of working on a defense strategy and missing his loved ones so incredibly much. Slowly breathing in and out David tried to finally fall asleep. Maybe all he needed to survive was just enough patience and faith.
Now the hardest part for me to write about has begun: the trial. I've never written anything like this before, so please excuse all kinds of errors.
In the next chapter things will get really messy for the main characters and the plot will be like nothing you know from the flashbacks in Revenge. I'm excited but also nervous to share that with you all and I'm still working on the next chapter.
I also have to mention my reference to Victoria's family background here: The show never told us anything about what happened before Victoria was a teenager and neglected her Hispanic family background. But that is something I really like to inlcude in my version of Victoria's character and I plan to make more out of that some time later in the story.
That goes hand in hand with the chapter title "Paciencia y Fe" which I stole from Lin-Manuel Miranda and his great song from his first musical "In the Heights". Seriously, it's so good and I'm currently obsessed with it. The Latin American music just gets you dancing and the lyrics are always on point! So thank you Lin-Manuel for being the musical genius that you are and inspiring me for this chapter. Okay, sorry for my fangirl attack, but that just needed to be said. :D
As always, please let me know what you think. All of your reviews and PMs make me extremely happy.