##Chapter 6: What Safety Brings

They called it a safe house, but Abigail questioned the level of safety something so run down could bring.

Spacious and rectangular in shape, the paneling on the building was graffitied. The steel beams holding the roof were broken, bent, or scorched. No light penetrated the darkness. The windows were sealed with bars, boards, and spray paint. Boxes littered the floor. They were filled with expired fish and dog snacks.

Gina and Grace seemed enamored with the prospects of staying here at least. The girl had taken off with a flashlight, shouting about the possibility that some type of specter could be haunting the premises. Gina had been curious as to the building's history. She ran her light over the walls, looking for clues.

Abigail pulled the squad leader aside, looking between him and the building, still deciding which she was more unhappy with.

"These were the best accommodations you could secure for us? Are there even any means by which they can clean themselves here? What about privacy? Surely you don't expect your men to listen in on every conversation we have? It's highly illegal, not to mention downright unsettling. Especially for people recently freed from danger."

The man adjusted his helmet, scratching at the skin under the straps. He was shorter than her by a few inches, broad shouldered, and graying at the temples. His stance indicated some type of military background. He refused to lift his visor when speaking with her and swiveled his head constantly.

"Ma'am, there are very few places to go where people won't see and talk about us. We're working with the police to secure a better location, but this is where the national guard sets up camp when they come into town for training. I've been here many times, so I can guarantee its security."

Such knowledge did not ease Abigail's mind. There was no sense in arguing about it, however. They would just have to make do.

"Very well, but be aware when we leave for court, it will need to be a few hours earlier than the time specified. My clients will need time to dress in the appropriate clothes and make themselves presentable. I also expect your men to stay at least twenty feet away from us during any legal conferences."

The man shook his head, pressing his hand to the helmet, listening in to something.

"We will be certain to give you the time and space you need for your talks. But the second request is a flat out negatory, ma'am. We are to leave at the times set forth by my commanding officer. We cannot afford any changes in the plan on that account. Our security depends on that."

Abigail supposed she could grab some dry shampoo and baby wipes from the store. She would also be certain to grab blindfolds for the men so the Holidays could change in peace before or on the way to the courtroom.

"Thank you for listening. I know this situation isn't easy for anyone, but I have every confidence in your abilities. I'll leave you to your duties now. I'll be speaking with my clients for the rest of the evening, so if you have need of something I ask you signal me first."

The man nodded and turned on his heel, moving to speak to the rest of his squad members before they spread out across the space.

She found Gina and Grace curled about one of the shipping boxes. They were trying to piece together the label on the side from among the bits of scrap and ashes.

"Is there anything of interest in this place?"

Grace pointed to a pile of shipping containers stacked in the corner. "I was looking around inside those when I heard somebody sneeze! Nobody was close enough for me to hear them, so it had to be a ghost of a worker or something. The place looks like it was set on fire, so maybe one of the workers died here and lingers on!"

Gina shook her head and tweaked the girl's cheek. "She is convinced this place is perfect for all kinds of supernatural stuff. She absolutely loves creepy things, always begged me to stay up late on school nights so she could watch all those ghost story shows. Even bought herself a ghost hunting kit with her allowance."

Abigail settled atop an unopened snack kit, unlocking her briefcase. She pulled out a notebook, handing a torn sheet of paper to Gina. At the look on the woman's face, Abigail turned to make sure the guards were far enough away.

Elaine had worked so hard for them. It would not be right to destroy that work entirely. The Holidays were not loose lipped people. They would be able to handle themselves in a manner that befit the situation. This would also, perhaps, mollify the harshness of her argument with Elaine.

She hoped it would show Elaine that she was not incapable of feeling.

"I trust you will keep it a secret that I've returned the stolen paper with Miss Roberts' information on it?"

Gina nodded, handing it to Grace so she could put the number into her phone.

"I felt it only right you should have access to it in the case of emergencies. I will also find out for you, Grace, if the ghost hunch you have is true. For now, I would like to speak with you both about what you can expect in the courtroom."

The elder Holiday brushed her fingers through her hair, twirling the ends about her fingertips. "I've seen a bunch of crime dramas. It's gonna be a lot like what happens in those right? Everybody walking around and getting in your face to question you. Making all kinds of speeches and stuff. I know Bobby's gonna be there, but I mean, will he really be that close to us?"

Abigail made a note to watch some of those 'dramas' so she could get a feel for what Mrs. Holiday was expecting.

"Not exactly. No one will be walking around the gallery speaking freely to the jury. Mr. Holiday will be seated about ten feet from you. He will be able to see you clearly and will have concrete knowledge of what you say. He will have time to counteract your testimony."

Gina shuffled in her seat, leaning forward and looking at Grace, before whispering in Abigail's ear.

"He's not gonna be able to… talk to us or touch us will he? Like, he won't know before we get there that it'll be us who's testifying in court against him or anything?"

Abigail tapped her pen against her notebook.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Holiday will be made aware of it. We are obligated to provide a list of all the witnesses on the case so the defense team has time to prepare their client for cross examination and potential testimony. There will be no contact between you, so please do not worry."

They were quiet, looking at each other occasionally, or staring out at the walls around them. Abigail gave them a moment to process before continuing.

"On the day of the trial there will be a typist. It's important that you speak clearly and loudly into the microphone so accurate records can be taken. The judge may hand out special instructions to the both of you. If that's the case, follow those above any given to you by me."

Grace flicked her eyes over. There were tears building in them. "What kind of instructions?"

Abigail drew up a list, detaching the paper from the notebook to hand to the girl.

"You may hear the judge tell you to state only the relevant facts. The judge may instruct you and the jury to disregard questions asked by opposing counsel. The judge may even instruct you to not speak directly to the defendant or ask you if you feel mentally stable enough to proceed."

As Grace read over the sheet, Abigail began writing notes about the potential questions they could receive. She made small notes about the way they should present themselves on the stand.

She also noted how to invoke their right to the fifth amendment and the consequences and benefits for doing so during a criminal trial. These notes were bullet pointed and some instructions underlined for emphasis before they were handed over.

"During cross examination, the defense will do their best to cast doubt on your credibility. They will ask you questions that can go into personal territory. I will object to such questions, but you need to be prepared to answer things about your marital life and life before Mr. Holiday arrived."

Her phone rang. She apologized to the Holidays before turning to take it.

"This is Fredricks. Yes. Right now, but--yes. I understand. I'll return right away to begin preparations. Thank you, sir. See you soon."

Grace looked like she might faint or fly away. "Everything okay?"

Abigail suppressed the urge to pat her head. "Everything is fine. My superiors just have need of me is all, so I'll be heading back to town."

They walked with her to the car, hugging her before she got in. She rolled the window down to speak with them as the guard turned the car on.

"I'll keep my phone ringer on if you need anything. I know it seems impossible, but try and get some rest in the meanwhile. With such a high profile case, they'll be wanting to start the trial as soon as possible."

The motor hummed, and the winds roared as the car peeled away. Abigail let the sounds drown out her thoughts.