Page 152 of Finding Redemption

Walker. I can’t lie. It brings a smile to my face. His words are perfect for a weary soul.

I miss you.

My side of the bed isn’t the same.

I prayed today that she’d look like you.

I read his text over and over. His words mean so much. Soon, that’ll all change. Walker won’t be able to look at me and I won’t blame him. How will I ever live without him?

I have files scattered across the table, much like I did at Walker’s so many weeks ago. The door opens, and a cold chill runs over me. It’s time. I turn on wobbly legs, staring at the bailiff. “Would you like to speak to the prisoner?”

I take a deep breath. “No, we’re good.”

“He’s on his way if you’d like to go in.”

I grit my teeth and nod my head. I gather my files, shoving them in my briefcase. A wave of nausea hits me, and I grab the table, steadying myself. “You can do this, Reese. And then, you owe nothing to them.”

I yank my bag from the table, walking with determination toward the courtroom. As the door opens, my eyes immediately find him. My heart pounds like a bass drum in my ears. I scan the room, focusing on the front row. I wrap my arm around my stomach as it lurches, bile rising fast. His eyes find me, stunning me to the point where I stop mid-stride.

“Reese?” Walker’s brows pull low over his eyes.

“Walker.” I nod, continuing past him and his family as they sit in the front row. I feel him approach me, but my heart won’t allow me to look at him. I drop my things on the table, laying the file down.

“What are you doing here?” His words burn in my ears, shattering me.

I lick my lips, swallowing past the knot in my throat. I can’t look at him. “Go away, Walker.” My body vibrates as he steps closer.

“Tell me.” His words are a plea. I wipe away a stray tear. “You’re kidding me? Please tell me this is a sick joke.”

“I’m sorry.” My last words to him as my life spirals out of control are inadequate at best but my heart won’t allow more.

The bailiff enters the room, bringing our conversation to an end. “State of North Carolina, Johnston Correctional Institution Parole Board is now in session. Commissioner Mary Hillard presiding.”

“This is a parole hearing for Randall Corbin Easley. Mr. Easley is serving a sentence of ten to life for the conviction of first-degree murder of Sallie Christina Pennington.

“As many of you know, we ask each inmate seeking release to undergo evaluations. We take into consideration their conduct while serving and with such cases, we also hear from the victims and their families. My understanding, Miss Pennington’s brother, Walker will serve as family spokesman. And Mr. Easley’s sister, Reese Morgan, will be representing his interests.” She scans the room but all I can feel is Walker’s eyes, burning into me.

“Commissioner Hilliard, Mr. Easley is a stepbrother.” Because that makes a difference, Reese.

“Duly noted,” Commissioner Hillard says. “Have both sides read and reviewed parole content and material?”

“Yes,” Walker and I answer in unison.

“After careful deliberation, we find Mr. Easley is not a candidate for parole at this time and will remain in the Johnston Correctional Institute until March 2028. At such time, we will consider a petition for parole. Miss Morgan, we will send you a copy for future hearings. We are adjourned. Thank you.”

I jerk my bag from the table, hurrying to the nearest door. “Reese.” I punch the button again as Walker’s voice grows closer. “Reese.”

I can see him approach from the corner of my eye. I hit the elevator button a few hundred times, praying it opens. The doors part. I step inside, pushing them to close as quickly as I can. Just when I think I’m not going to have to face him, his hand stops the doors. He stands, holding it open. His eyes dark blue, teaming with anger.

“Reese, I want to talk to you.”

I avert my eyes. No way in hell am I talking to him right now. I shake my head. “No. I need to go.”

The doors start to close, but he pries them open. “Why wouldn’t you tell me?” I press my lips into a thin line, staring at the ceiling. “Didn’t I deserve to know?”

As tears pool in my eyes, my sight becomes blurry. The hurt etched on his face is evident with the deep V between his eyes. I release the breath I’ve been holding.

“Don’t. It’s done.” My words are sharp and final, jarring Walker back.