Page 109 of Help Wanted

Brady shrugged it off. “She was shook up, but didn’t seem injured. Except for the marks on her arm and temple.”

“Ladies and gentleman, a skilled marine doing what he was trained to do.”

Brady looked more and more uncomfortable as his testimony wore on. He seemed to be struggling to keep his language in check when the defense attorney painted him as a menace to society.

Eventually he was done and he took his seat next to Kenley again. Brady put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her over so he could kiss her head and whisper something in her ear.

She nodded and relaxed slightly. Until her name was called.

Kenley made no move to get up. His earlier anger had faded. He realized she hadn’t done anything different than what he would have done in her place. He couldn’t fault her for her determination and loyalty. They were two of the many traits he loved about her.

“You can do this,” Zane whispered. “You are the strongest person I know. Go up there and keep your eyes on me. Don’t look at anyone else but me, okay?” She nodded and stood.

While she was being sworn in, Zane leaned over to Brady.

“What did you say to her?”

“I told her Mr. Grubb was too busted up to hurt her, and if he tried, I’d be more than happy to break a few more of his bones.”

Zane watched as she sat in the same seat Brady had just vacated. She looked so small. Her gaze was on him the whole time she told her story. He’d heard it already, but it affected him the same way. He felt utterly helpless.

He worked to make sure he didn’t show his anger, since she was watching him. He needed to be strong on the outside, even if he was falling to pieces on the inside.