Page 77 of Scout

I pull into the courthouse parking lot and let out a slow breath. Juniper unbuckles herself and grabs my hand, her grip firm. It feels like we’re walking into a storm.

Inside, the courthouse smells of floor polish and sweat. We round the corner toward the courtroom—and I freeze.

Xavier and Kendrix are standing just outside the doors, talking quietly. Both in dark jackets, clean-shaven, composed. The second they see us, they straighten up.

My stomach flips.

Xavier offers a small nod. Kendrix gives a tight smile.

What the hell are they doing here?

I glance at Juniper, who glances back at me with the smuggest look known to man.

Oh my God.

She knew.

She let me walk in blind.

Kaelin nudges me forward gently. “Let’s go. We’re on the docket.”

We file into the courtroom together; me, Juniper, Kaelin, and behind us… Xavier and Kendrix. They sit in the back row while we head to the front.

The judge glances up, then down at some papers. “Let’s begin by stating names and roles for the record.”

I clear my throat. “Scout Hastings. Brother.”

Juniper shifts beside me. “Juniper Hastings. Orphan.”

Kaelin, smooth as always, says, “Kaelin DuPont, representing the Hastingses.”

The state’s attorney follows. “Debbie Wolter, for the state.”

Then from behind us:

“Xavier Watson. Good family friend.”

“Kendrix Lane. Also a good family friend.”

The judge raises a brow. “Are you comfortable with Mr. Watson and Mr. Lane remaining in the courtroom?”

Juniper answers before I can even open my mouth. “I am, Your Honor.”

The judge gives a quick nod. “Very well. Let’s begin.”

There’s a pause. The kind that stretches too long, makes the room feel smaller. I can feel Xavier’s and Kendrix’s eyes on me from behind. I don’t dare look back.

Juniper taps her pen against her notepad. Calm—or pretending to be. Kaelin adjusts the folder in his lap, glances at me.

Then the judge looks our way again.

Kaelin nudges me. “You’re up.”

I stand. Walk to the front. Swear in. My palms are clammy.

“What is your relation to Juniper Hastings?”

“I’m her older brother. Half brother, but I don’t like to split hairs. We share a dad but have different moms.”