CHAPTER 179

The drive home after our unexpected ice cream stop was quieter, but not in an uncomfortable way. I felt lighter, the burden of the courtroom tension momentarily pushed aside.

Leon’s hand rested on the gear shift, close enough to mine that his presence was a reassuring warmth. Even though my thoughts still lingered on Justin and his potential for violence, Leon’s words had done their job. I trusted him. I had to.

We pulled into the driveway, the house looming in the dim light. As we stepped out of the car, the cool night air wrapped around us, bringing with it a sense of finality, as if the day’s battles were finally behind us.

"I think I just need to sleep," I muttered, more to myself than to Leon as we walked up to the front door. But before I could reach for the handle, Leon caught my wrist gently.

"Margarette." His voice was low, serious, and it stopped me in my tracks. I turned to face him, my heart suddenly thumping faster in my chest.

"What is it?" I asked, searching his face.