“Counselor.” The judge directed her attention to Connor, peering at him over her reading glasses. “Your client seems to be abiding by the court-mandated community service. He’s in therapy as well; is that correct?”
“Yes, Your Honor.” Connor glanced over his shoulder and waved Tash to join them at the table. “Dr. Sebastian Weber is present today. He is the psychiatrist who’s been treating Johnny.”
Tash stood beside Connor at the table. “Good afternoon, Your Honor.”
“Dr. Weber, nice to see you again. You’ve been treating Johnny here for a while now. What is your prognosis?”
Before he answered, Tash gave Johnny a reassuring smile. “Your Honor, I am very happy to report that I see Johnny progressing beautifully. He’s taken to working at the medical clinic and community center to heart and is learning to handle their computer systems. Additionally, he is studying for his GED and is on track to receive it next June. I have every confidence in him that he won’t be reentering his former life, and I recommend he continue the treatment plan he’s been receiving.”
The judge took a few moments, then directed her gaze to Johnny. “Young man, you have a lot of people in your corner.”
Connor nudged Johnny. “You’re allowed to answer her.”
“He’s right. I don’t bite.” She smiled for the first time.
“Yes, ma’am, I do.”
“I hope you won’t let them down.” Her smile disappeared as quickly as it had come.
“I won’t. I promise.” Johnny looked to both Tash and Connor.
“Good.” She closed the file. “I’ll continue the programs and ask for another report in six months.” Once again she smiled at Johnny. “I’d like to hear that you’ve received your diploma, young man.” She stood and left the courtroom.
“Is that it?” Johnny looked shell-shocked.
Connor, who was putting his files away in his briefcase, laughed. “Yeah. She’s a straight-shooter. Keep your nose clean, and do what you’ve been doing, and you’ll be fine.”
Tash checked his watch and saw it was close to four o’clock. “I gotta go, guys, but I’ll see you later this week, Johnny.” He thanked Connor and waved his farewell to Neil, who stared at him with an unreadable expression. Tash hurried out of the courtroom and strode down the hall, texting Ash that he was ready to leave.
He received an answer almost immediately.Come to my office, and we’ll leave from there.
“Tash.”
He spun around to see Neil standing behind him.
“I can’t hang around. I need to leave.”
“I know where you’re going, and I’d like to go with you. I’m off duty. I wouldn’t be coming in any official capacity except as a friend.”
Tash continued to walk, and Neil matched him stride for stride. “I don’t know. Brandon might freak out knowing you’re a detective.”
“I spoke to Luke, and he’s fine with it, but he told me to check with you.”
Tash’s mind spun as he thought. If the local police showed up, maybe it would be a good idea for Brandon to have someone with him from law enforcement. Between Ash and Neil, Brandon would have powerful allies on his side.
“All right, let’s go. We’re meeting Ash at his office.”
As he and Neil hurried out of the courthouse, Tash could only hope Brandon would be coming back with him when this was all over.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Brandon? Oh my goodness. It is you. I’m not dreaming, am I?” His mother took a few tottering steps back to clutch at the door frame. Her frightened gaze remained on his face.
Alarmed that she might faint and hurt herself, Brandon put a gentle hand on his mother’s shoulder to steady her. “No. It’s me.” He swallowed hard. “Can I come in?”
“Of course you can. I can’t believe this. God is good. He is merciful. I prayed every night since you left, every single night, and now he’s answered my prayers.” She kept talking as he slid his arms around her fragile shoulders, wincing at the feel of her bony frame through the threadbare robe and housedress.
He led her to the tiny living room, away from the chill of the front hall. They sat on the lumpy sofa, Brandon amazed that he still remembered to avoid the middle cushion where the springs were close to the surface to jab you through your clothes.
