Page 112 of In the Shadows
"You know what I mean." Sarah shouldered her briefcase. "Get some rest this weekend. Eat something. Don't rehearse your testimony so much that it sounds rehearsed." She nodded to Ronan. "Make sure she does those things."
"I'll try."
"Try harder." And then she was gone, heels clicking down the hallway toward whatever came next on her schedule.
Lila watched her go.
"She's terrifying," she said.
"She's good at her job."
"Same thing, probably."
Delia was waiting on the porch when they pulled into the driveway.
She stood as soon as the car stopped, a casserole dish balanced in her hands. Her dark hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, and she was wearing scrubs—she must have come straight from the hospital.
She thrust the casserole at Lila. "Grace made this. Chicken and rice. She said you wouldn't feel like cooking."
"She's always right."
"Don't tell her that." Delia pulled her into a hug, careful not to crush the dish between them. "The motion was denied. That's huge."
"It's not over yet."
"No. But it will be." Delia pulled back and looked at her. "Your dad would be proud of you. You know that, right?"
The words hit harder than Lila expected. Her eyes stung.
"I hope so."
"He would. I knew him, remember? Stubborn as hell, just like you." Delia glanced at Ronan, then back at Lila. "He's good for you, by the way."
"You’re right.”
"Good." Delia was already fishing for her car keys. "I have to get back. But call me if you need anything. And actually eat that casserole—Grace will ask."
She was gone before Lila could respond, her taillights disappearing down Lake Road.
Ronan took the casserole from Lila's hands.
"You have good friends."
"I know." She followed him up the porch steps. "Will you help me this weekend? Go through my testimony, ask the hard questions?"
"Yes."
"You didn't even hesitate."
"Was I supposed to?"
She didn't have an answer for that. She just unlocked the door and walked inside, into the quiet of the cottage. The space where the Christmas tree had stood was empty now—they'd finally taken it down two days ago, packed the ornaments back into boxes for next year.
Next year. She was already thinking in terms of next year.
Ronan set the casserole on the counter and started opening cabinets, looking for plates.
"Sit down," he said. "I'll heat this up."
