Lies Inside (30 page)

Lane was a tad bit upset when he learned Lucy and Finn had gone behind his back and spoke to NYU about taking their classes online. He understood their need to stay close to home but hoped they could blend into the New York City background by the spring.

“This way if we decide to move to the city next fall, we won’t be behind, Dad.”

Lane furrowed his brow, wondering why she didn’t think she could be anything but brilliant. “NYU is lucky to have you as a student no matter where you study from.”

Lucy rolled her eyes at her father. Finn kissed her nose before he felt little arms wrap around his legs.

“There’s my Olivia girl. Where’d you come from?” Finn picked her up and put her on the kitchen counter.

“Car.”

“You went for a car ride?”

“Yep!” Her eyes twinkled. Finn could tell she had the same speed demon inside of her that he did.

“What sound does a car make?”

“Voom, voom!” She pouted her lips and tilted her head up as she made the sound. Both Finn and Lucy laughed while Murphy, Claire, and Chloe entered the kitchen.

“For such short legs, that girl can sure run fast.” Claire pecked Finn’s cheek as Murphy carried Chloe, setting her down next to Olivia.

“I hear you guys have decided to sign up for some online courses,” Murphy said while trying to tame Chloe’s hair.

“Yep. We were telling Lane we didn’t want to get behind if we decide to go to the city next fall.”

“It’s good that you’re looking to the future. I know you want to get on with your lives, but you don’t have to do everything in the next few weeks.” Claire pulled out some juice from the fridge.

“I want to get it over with. I don’t think I’ll be able to concentrate much longer.” Lucy snuggled up to Finn as he picked up Olivia.

“Fine, but please promise me after the wedding, you two will settle into a regular schedule with Dr. Styles and take some time to heal.”

“Of course, Mom.”

Claire poured the girls their juice as Murphy and Lane settled them down at the table. Finn and Lucy took a seat across from the girls as Murphy went behind Claire, kissing her cheek. “What have you two been up to today?”

“Who? Us?” Murphy tried unconvincingly to look innocent. “Well, we had a meeting with Family Services. Just kind of a formality about us being guardians. We wanted to make sure they knew, when it comes time that we want to adopt the girls.”

“Daddy Murphy got you a surprise!”

Finn raised his eyebrow at Chloe. “A surprise? Now, what on Earth would that be?”

Murphy looked to Claire. “Think of it as a wedding present.” Murphy fished through his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. Finn barely caught them as his father threw them to him.

“No way.” Lucy’s jaw dropped as she saw the emblem on the key ring.

“It’s right out front. Go look.” The words weren’t even out of Murphy’s mouth before Lucy grabbed Finn’s hand and pulled him out the door.

Finn gasped as he saw the car parked in front of the house. Lucy jumped up and down at his side while he stood completely stunned.

“How did you guys know?”

Murphy came and put his arm around his son. “A little birdie told me.”

“Rylan,” both Finn and Lucy said at once.

“It’s still sporty, but it’s got enough room for everybody you might want to drag around.”

“Dad...It’s too much.” Finn shook his head in amazement.

“Nothing is too much for the two of you. You deserve so much more than just a car after all you two have been through.”

Finn turned and gave him a hug. “Thanks.”

“Go on. Stop hugging me and take your fiancée for a ride.”

Finn walked over with Lucy to the driver’s side. He dragged his fingertips lightly across the hood as he studied its curves.

“Okay, car master O’Malley. Give me the details of our new ride—other than it’s black.”

Finn brought her to stand with him as he opened the driver’s door. “This is a top of the line piece of engineering, supercharged 2.3 liter engine, and all wheel drive SUV with navigation system, satellite radio, and a dual entertainment system.”

“Oh, God. I can’t believe they did this.” Lucy wrapped her arms around Finn and kissed his neck.

“You want to take it for a ride?”

She pulled back from him as he dangled the keys in front of her.

“Don’t wait up,” she yelled as she hopped in the driver’s seat. “Get your butt in that seat unless you want to eat my dust.”

“I got to see this.” Finn ran around to the passenger’s side and hopped in as she revved the engine. “This is totally hot, you know that, right?”

She bit down on her lip as she hit the accelerator.

Max and the defense attorneys were at the bench, talking over the perspective plea agreement with the judge. Lucy and Finn had agreed to let them go ahead with the terms. They never imagined the Karpovs would actually accept.

Max gave them a nod as he returned to the prosecutions table.

“Mr. and Mrs. Karpov, please rise.” They followed the judge’s instructions, both shackled in orange jumpsuits. A sense of irony filled Finn at seeing Viktor and Camille in chains.

“I assume both of you have consulted with your attorneys and are in agreement with the plea arrangement?”

“Yes, sir,” they both stated.

“Let’s get on with the formalities then, shall we? Viktor Karpov, you are charged with the following offences: kidnapping, aggravated assault, criminal sexual abuse, and possession of child pornography. Under the terms of your plea agreement, how do you plead?”

“Guilty.” He looked the judge straight in the eye, but as soon as the judge dropped his head, Viktor turned to look directly at Finn, giving him a slow smile. Finn’s insides began to churn, and his body flushed with anger. All he could do was glare back as he held Lucy’s hand between both of his. He felt sick.

“Camille Karpov, you are charged with the following: kidnapping, aggravated assault, criminal sexual abuse, and possession of child pornography. Under the terms of your plea agreement, how do you plead?”

“Guilty, your honor.”

As the judge continued to question the defendants, Finn grinned, imagining Viktor getting into a fight with the guards. He secretly hoped he would get tasered within an inch of his life.

“What’s so funny?” Lucy whispered as she brought her lips to Finn’s ear.

“I’ll explain later.” He refocused on the judge again.

“Mr. and Mrs. Karpov will be held without bail until sentencing, when they will be transferred to a federal detention facility. Sentencing is scheduled for September fourteenth. Court is adjourned.”

With one swift rap of the gavel, it was over. Finn held Lucy in his arms as she squeezed him around his waist. Finn watched Viktor as he shuffled toward the courtroom exit, and he could have sworn Viktor winked at him before the bailiff shoved him through the door.

As Lucy, Finn, and their families left the courtroom, they were ushered into a conference room.

“The press is out front. We can get you out, but if you want to make a statement, now would be the time.” Max looked directly to Lane.

“I’ll do it,” Finn said, ignoring the shocked expressions around him. Lucy wasn’t surprise; she knew it was time for him—time to finally speak out. They had discussed that very scenario with Dr. Styles in several of their recent sessions. Finn knew he was ready. No matter how scared or embarrassed he felt, Finn couldn’t let what Viktor and Camille did to him stop him from letting the world know how he felt. “I’m ready.”

Lucy took his hand and smiled as she stuck tight to his side.

“Okay then. I’ll go and make a short statement. I would advise all of you not to answer any questions at this time.”

“I’ll make a statement on behalf of the family.” Finn nodded to himself, his internal monologue accidentally voiced.

“You sure about this, son? Lane or I could—”

Finn cut him off. “No, Dad. I have to do this.”

They stood behind Max as he addressed the press on the front steps of the courthouse. “The family would like to make a short statement. Please, no questions at this time. Mr. Finn O’Malley, ladies and gentlemen.”

Max stepped aside as Finn stepped forward, Lucy steadfast at his side. As he reached the microphone, he ran his fingers through his hair. He squeezed Lucy’s hand at his side.

One deep breath.

“Thank you, Mr. Shepard. First of all, we’d like to thank all of those who have worked so diligently on this case—from Mr. Shepard and everyone at the U.S. Attorney’s office to the FBI and local law enforcement. As I understand, the terms of the plea agreement will not be released until sentencing, therefore I cannot comment on the specifics at this time. I will say that both Lucy and I feel that justice has been served. These two...” He felt himself choking up. He closed his eyes and drew in a breath before he could continue. “These two monsters will never hurt or take advantage of a child again. I have lived too many years in silence. I’ve spent too many hours worrying that there was nothing that I could do to stop them. Today, I’m starting a new life with this woman by my side. We are looking forward to an amazing future. I refuse to let the pain they have caused us and our families stop us from having the lives we’ve always dreamed of. Thank you all for your wonderful support and thoughtfulness at this trying time in our lives. This is just one chapter to our life story and hopefully soon, we’ll be able to end it and go on to the next.”

Finn stepped back from the microphone as Lucy’s arms surrounded him. Reporters started firing questions as Max tried to calm them all down. All Finn could hear was Lucy’s breath in his ear as she held him close.

Finn felt his father’s hand on his back as he and Lucy broke apart. He ushered them down the stairs and into an awaiting SUV.