Page 87

CHAPTER 86

AN HOUR AFTER the lawyers make their closing statements, Judge Bevins strides back into the courtroom. Her expression is impossible to read. She sits down and carefully spreads her black robe around her. It’s like she’s trying to take as much time as possible while the whole room holds its breath. Except for Holo, who sniffs at the air like he might be able to smell what she’s thinking.

I’m gripping Wendy’s hand with my left hand and Holo’s with my right; Holo’s also squeezing Lacey’s fingers so tight that his knuckles are bloodless.

Judge Bevins leans forward and speaks into the microphone. “This is one of the more difficult decisions I’ve had to make,” she says slowly. “One must weigh the integrity of the family unit against the integrity of its actions. The matter of love versus the matter of the law.” The microphone squawks, and Judge Bevins jumps a little. Frowns. “Children belong with their parents, whenever this is possible. But what if there are no parents to be found? No relatives?” She pauses. Folds her hands together in front of her chest. “Then they must become the wards of the state until a permanent home can be found for them.”

“No!” I scream before anyone can shush me. “You can’t do this!”

“Kai,” Adkins says. “Be quiet.”

“In some circumstances,” the judge goes on, “the court could see fit to let minors reside with the woman who has been caring for them. But considering how habitually and unrepentantly Wendy Marsden broke the law—and seems to have encouraged the minors in her care to do the same—we cannot in good conscience allow her to raise two more offenders.”

Beside me, Wendy and Lacey are sobbing. The chief’s face is red and furious. But the judge isn’t done.

“And considering Kai and Holo’s record of misdemeanors and altercations, we believe it is best for them to take up residence at the Brookside Juvenile Facility.”

Shock and fury keep my tears at bay. I stand up and shout, “Who are you to say what’s best for us? You don’t know anything about us!”

Everyone in the courtroom audience is suddenly talking at the same time. Are they glad we’re going? Do they think that justice has been served? I don’t know and I don’t care.

“You can’t make us go!” I scream.

Judge Bevins slams the gavel. “Quiet!” she yells. “I have rendered my decision.”

I turn to my brother. Terror twists his face. “ Run ,” I say.

He does what I tell him. Just like he always has, because I’m the alpha. We jump up from our chairs and race toward the exit. Wendy cries out. The chief’s calling my name. I think Lacey already fainted.

I’m sorry—but we have to save ourselves.