Chapter 44: Very Bad News

"What happens now?"

"Well, I highly doubt you will be charged with anything. It was accidental."

"But I could be charged, right?"

"Well, it is always a possibility but it's unlikely I think. A good lawyer won't let it hold up passed the preliminary hearing. It would be an aberration."


But Gary, whether or not I am charged, I still have to live with the guilt knowing I am the one who pulled the trigger."

"Graham, maybe technically you pulled the trigger, but it was by accident. It was never your intention to hurt anyone."

"If you really want to know, what scares me is beyond my worries of charges, trial or anything else. It's what you just stated. That my intent wasn't to hurt anyone. I wouldn't have mind if Victoria had been hurt."

"Please don't repeat this to anyone; I don't like the sound of it. Did you get a chance to speak with Alice?"

"Well, she's all wrapped up into thinking this is her fault. And now I'm finding out, it's mine. I should go see Keshia, hopefully Detective Crane hasn't been able to reach her yet."


Graham felt like a monster. He had no idea what to tell Keshia, he just knew he should tell her he was responsible for Nathan's condition before the detective did. Hopefully she'd forgive him.

As he arrived to the hospital, he saw Keshia looking at Alice with disbelief.

"Are you that naive? You still couldn't figure out what kind of woman Victoria is? You risked your life...all of our lives... But I can't be mad at you, Alice; you didn't know better."


Alice had told Keshia she had spoken to Victoria right before the incident. Although Keshia was so understanding of Alice's mistake, Graham still doubted she'd be so comprehensive when she would learn he pulled the trigger. Whether the information came from the detective or him.

Chapter 43: All Better?

"My dear, Keshia, my flight kept on being delayed. I rented a car and my phone battery was dead. I wanted to arrive as soon as possible so I didn't want to stop. Any news? How's my son?"

Nathan's mom was always grounded and calm. The typical example of someone who followed their head rather than their heart. Deep down she was probably as shaken up as Keshia but on the outside; it'd be hard to tell. She could almost appear cold.

"I have great news, Alexandra, I left you tons of messages. He's awake! We can't see him for the moment. They want to run some more tests tomorrow. You don't need to stay here. You can go rest at the house; I'll give you the keys. I'll call you as soon as I hear more."

"Keshia, honey, I can tell you're exhausted. Nathan is my son. I'll be more than happy to stay at the hospital and watch over him. You go home and get some sleep. Nathan needs you strong and rested."

"Yes, but..."

"No buts, Keshia. Go home. Wait for my call or come back in a few hours. I can assure you, I'll let you know if anything comes up."

"Thanks, Alexandra."


There was no arguing with Alexandra. This was both good and bad. Keshia used to feel very little in her presence. Now it wasn't so bad. They hugged and Keshia left the hospital. On her way out, she bumped into Graham.


"Keshia, are you okay? Have you slept at all in the last 48 hours?"

"No, not really. I haven't been home yet."

"Let me drive you. You could definitely use a time out. I haven't heard from you all night. How's Nathan?"

"Well apparently he's awake. I was not allowed to see him yet. They need to run some tests this morning."

"That's good news. He's made it through the worst."

"I doubt it. What about brain damage? Imagine if he's in a vegetative state? Or if he regresses and ends up like a child? I don't think I could deal with it."

"Please, Keshia....Take it one day at a time. You love Nathan, he loves you. You will overcome anything.

There's your stop. I'll go back to the hospital in case there's anything."

"My mother in law is already there....I don't want to be alone. Will you stay a moment please?"

Graham hesitated. Keshia was in a fragile mental state and he didn't want something similar to what happened the other night to repeat itself. But he also understood her need of not being alone.

"Sure. I'll make you a herbal tea and make sure you go to bed."

"Thanks, Graham."

Chapter 42: Insanity

"Well, if we can enter a plea of insanity, you would be much better off. Right now you might be accused of attempted murder and charges could be added"

"The question is: I am the one who pulled the trigger? Don't they have a forensic team working to figure out what happened?"

"Ms. Lane, please, you have to listen to me. You could be facing one count of attempted murder on the person of Alice McCarth. You could be facing more charges for Nathan Long. If the preliminary hearing doesn't go well for us; and I doubt it will, I believe you should enter a plea of insanity.."

"Obviously, you are the one not listening to me. Alice doesn't deserve to live I don't need your services anymore. I know a far better lawyer."



"You must be joking, right?"

"Victoria, please forget my number. Forget I ever existed. I never ever wish to hear from you. Oh, no, sorry, that's not what I meant. I'm actually hoping the last I ever hear from you is when I find out you've been locked up and they've thrown away the key."

"Gary, gary! I need a lawyer."

"Yes, and a good one, I'll add."


Gary hung up. The nerves of that woman. He had just been interviewed by the detective and was heading to the hospital.



"How's Nathan?"

"He was badly injured. The doctors don't know if he'll make it. Keshia is in the room with him now. Mandy is with Alice. She's feeling guilty because she thinks Victoria came because she provoked her. I don't know how to convince her otherwise."

"What a mess. How is Keshia holding on?"

"She's a little out of it. Trying to be strong but it's getting harder to keep up the act. Also I have to keep Alice from telling Keshia she talked to Victoria. Timing isn't quite perfect."

"Speaking of which, Victoria called me asking if I could be her lawyer."

"Is she out of her mind?"

"Frankly, I think she is. Any good lawyer will tell her to plead insanity; although she just fired her lawyer for telling her to plead insanity."

"She's not getting out for a while then, is she?"

"She'd need much more than a lawyer to get out of this one. A miracle worker probably couldn't help her. Graham, I know this is not the time or the place, but you should look for counsel just in case..."

"I don't understand, why?"

"I can't assure your defense because I am a potential witness. If the police investigation proves you fired the gun that injured Nathan; they could prosecute you."

"Would they?"

"I highly doubt it but it's very much a possibility."


Graham was about to ask Gary another question when he heard a code blue call to the ICU. Keshia stepped back in the waiting room.


"They told me to step out. Please God, he has to be alright."