Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty - Mr. Gussippie

Surprised I stood up immediately as the man who was on the television screen with David Sullivan, followed Mrs. Harris, into the living room, a smile adorning his pale face, which disappears when his eyes fell on me.

Subconsciously, I pulled the jersey I was wearing lower, trying to cover my exposed legs, backing up into Adian, who also stood up to greet the man.

"Mr. Gussippie, it's good to see you, please have a seat," Adian Invited the man, I now know as Mr. Gussippie to sit on the single seat sofa opposite where we sat.

Tugging at Adian's hand to get his attention.

"I think I will leave you all to discuss whatever," I whispered nervously when Adian leaned closed to me, I was already moving to leave the room, that was suddenly closing up on me.

"I'm sorry, I didn't expect you until midday," Adian apologizes casually to Mr. Gussippie who was still standing, his deep green eyes focused intensely on me, intimidating me on the spot.

So he didn't drop in uninvited. Had I known I would have been properly dressed and emotionally ready to hear what news Mr. Gussippie brings concerning David Sullivan.

"Oh please let me introduce you," Adian breaks the intense atmosphere, "this is my father, Ryan Knights," Adian introduces his father first, to maybe take the silent pressure off me.

Putting his hand out for a handshake, "Mr. Gussippie," Ryan greets him cautiously.

"Mr. Knights," Mr. Gussippie acknowledged him with a nod and a handshake, which he quickly ended, a small smirk hovering on his lips.

Turning away from Ryan, Mr. Gussippie focused on me again, "and you must be the lovely Hailey Sullivan," he stretches out his hand towards me.

I looked up at my husband who stood beside me, his body tensed and jaws clenched, as is normal when he is upset about something or in this case, someone.

"Ms. Sullivan?" Mr. Gussippie calls and I turned to face a man I already dislike.

Stretching out my hand politely, for a quick handshake, "it's Mrs. Knights," I corrected him firmly, when he took my hand and into a tight grip, adding to my discomfort.

Chuckling softly, "yes, yes," averting his eyes for a brief second to my husband who stood beside me, "you're married." He mummers softly, "forgive me for not remembering such an important aspect in the life of David Sullivan's daughter." He smiles at me, gripping my hand tighter as I tried to discretely, pull away.

Still gripping my hand, "you're a very lucky man, Adian, very lucky indeed to have caught the eye of this gorgeous girl." His laugh unnerving me.

I cringe at that comment, literally yanking my hand out of his, "I've to go," I said quickly, already running out of the room.

"What the f**k!" Adian yelled from behind me.

"One more thing Mrs. Knights!" Mr. Gussippie tone stopped me in my tracks. "If you can't handle my approach, then the persecutor will break you." He informed me. I spun around when he started speaking again but this time, he was addressing my angry husband. "If she's to survive on the witness stand, then you have five days to prep her and what I would suggest, is a visit to her father, because seeing him for the first time in a courtroom, may complicate matters." Mr. Gussippie finally takes a seat, after completing his speech.

I glare at the man sitting and staring at me with a smug look on his face.

The face of a winner!

Leaning forward, he chuckle at the hard cold glare I threw in his direction. "Yes Hailey, get angry!" He calmly motivates me. "Get angry at the system!" He encouraged me, still giving me a smug smile. "Get angry at the persons who took your parents out of your life!" I clench my fist at his words. "Get mad at the whole f**king world and take your life back." He says, slapping his chest, then leans back when he was done stirring the fire within me, towards the persons who sat in the therapist office and called me crazy!

With tightly clenched fists, I march back where Adian still stood watching the fire that started raging in me without uttering a word.

Sitting in the seat I just vacated, "tell me what I have to do," I invited Mr. Gussippie's input in making sure I get justice for my mother and my life which were heading off the rails, until Adian.

I still have no idea what David Sullivan being in prison has to do with my mother's murderer paying, but if going to court brings Ameila Knights down, then I am in.

Adian sat quietly beside me! For once he didn't interrupt to ensure I was fine, he just allowed David Sullivan's lawyer to drill me and educate me on what I should expect on the stand.

As Mr. Gussippie spoke to me, I was even more confused.

Ryan sat quietly watching and listening to my every word, with a brooding expression as I revealed what happened to my mother on that fateful day, without naming the naked woman who pushed my mother down the stairs.

"Don't close your eyes on the stand," Mr. Gussippie says, making me blink because I wasn't aware that my eyes were closed. "You need to stare the persecutor in the eyes and not allow yourself to intimidate." Mr. Gussippie advises me.

Confused, I frowned at Adian.

"Can I ask something?" I asked softly, confused.

For the first since Mr. Gussippie took over the conversation, Adian spoke. "Yeah sure." He responded, rubbing my back, affectionately.

"There shall be no pampering of the witness," Mr. Gussippie said, raising the tone of his voice.

Again I glared at the man, I am disliking every time he opens his mouth.

"If you have a question, ask me." He instructed.

Staring at Ryan, because I felt he understood.

"Why is David Sullivan in prison?"