(Sloane)
Friday morning. Nine AM.
I stood outside the courthouse with Rebecca. My parents were on one side of me. Mara on the other.
"You ready?" Rebecca asked.
"Yes."
"Remember what we practiced. Answer the questions directly. Don't let his lawyer rattle you."
"I won't."
Mom squeezed my hand. "We're proud of you, sweetheart."
Dad nodded. "This will be over soon."
We walked into the courthouse together. The hallway was quiet. Cold. Our footsteps sounded loud on the tile floor.
Rebecca led us to the courtroom. We walked inside and took our seats. I sat at the table with Rebecca. My parents and Mara sat in the row behind us.
I looked around. The courtroom was mostly empty. Just a few people scattered in the gallery.
Then the door opened.
Vaughn walked in with his lawyer. And a m
