Page 23 of The Heir
“Hired…” The judge repeated, looking between the attorney and Blaze.
“Yes, his mother just paid my retainer. I’d like to enter a plea of not guilty at this time.”
“Is that correct, Mr. Aviston?” The judge asked. “Do you accept this representation and plea on your behalf?”
Blaze looked back at Oak who nodded so hard it looked painful.
“Yeah– Yes, your honor.” Blaze amended.
“Excellent. So entered.”
“I’d like to file for a reduction in bond, and a two-week continuance.”
“Indeed. Where will Mr. Aviston be staying during that time?”
“Mr. Aviston will be staying–” the lawyer began.
“With my uncle, Eric Aviston.” Blaze cut her off, causing Oak to shoot off the bench and head outside in the stiffest trot I’d ever witnessed.
Chapter Nine
Blaze
I rubbed my wrists as I exited the county jail. A short hallway carried me back toward the courtroom. I could see Easy sitting inside, waiting for Mayhem’s case to be called, no doubt. I didn’t think I could handle another moment on a bench, pew, or bunk. I nodded to the guard near the door and blocked the sunlight from my eyes with a planked hand when I made it to the parking lot.
I half expected my mother to magically appear with one of her epic meltdowns, but I didn’t readily see her.
“You lookin’ for Crystal and Oak?” That angel’s voice brought an instant smile, despite my exhaustion.
I raised my chin when I spotted Marchella, saluting her even as I gravitated toward the car she was sitting inside. The driver’s door was propped open, but I ignored picking up where we’d left off and opted to let myself in the passenger side instead. I shut the door, grabbed the seat belt and paused with it halfway across my chest.
“Why aren’t we moving yet?” I looked at her like she was slacking.
Marchella snorted and shut her door. She put the key in the engine and turned it without effect. I stared at the steering column; I probably concealed my amused expression as well as she did the disbelief in her voice.
“What the fuck?”
She brought the key back and tried again with the same results.
“You leave something on?” I looked up at the dome light, only realizing nothing had been lit up when her door was opened.
The clock was analog, so it wasn’t any help in determining whether it was a battery or alternator issue. The wood applique on her dash was in amazing shape. I reached out to run my fingers over it, but decided I didn’t have time to admire it if I was going to get out of there before my mother brought the circus back to town.
“Pop the hood.”
“You should probably go check on your mom, Oak was following her wit–”
“With the vehicle?” I guessed.
“Yeah, your sister looked miserable,” she whispered.
“Sounds like all is normal.” I motioned toward the hood. “You want me to look at that battery or…”
Her lips shifted like she was about to say something, but instead, she cleared her throat, tucked one side of her hair behind her ear, and tugged the lever for the hood. I slid out of her bucket seat and rounded the car, sliding my fingers around until I found the catch.
“Mother fucker, get away from there before you break something. For Christ’s sake,” Mackie scoffed, causing me to whirl.
He gave a menacing laugh and shook his head, staring at his sister, “You really will let anyone under that hood, huh?” He winked.