Then I’d seen the blood. And his bruised knuckles.
He’d already crossed the line. And the truth was that him doing so made me very happy.
We were both thoughtful and I was willing to accept something that had changed within Hudson, years in the making. His willingness to cross the line hadn’t been brought on by a single incident but by several, maybe dozens where he’d been unable to perform his duties in relation to the right and wrong as outlined in the laws. “Something occurred that was more personal for Judge Armstrong.” I wasn’t necessarily asking for confirmation. I was merely thinking out loud.
Yet as soon as I did, I sensed Tim was more uncomfortable than before. “I doubt there’s anyone in any division of law enforcement who hasn’t been affected personally. No, Judge Armstrong hasn’t been left unscarred. Some just find their way into your very soul instead of being able to shove the horrible incident in a tidy box.”
My silence was meant to encourage him to continue.
His sigh was deeper, the weight of his job and his conscience a heavy burden. I couldn’t imagine what he’d seen or experienced.
Or Hudson.
“When a woman and child is involved, it’s particularly painful. That’s all I can say, Ms. Sciascia. Just know Judge Armstrong is the type of man to do whatever it takes to right a wrong. That’s why he’d so respected.”
“I can understand why.” A woman and a child. Did his staunch need to protect me have something to do with his sister? Or another child and the mother? I shivered from the possibilities.
“I should get back outside.”
“Thank you again for everything.”
Tim tipped his head. “No problem. Just so you know. The judge thinks very highly of you. He’s never personally protected anyone. You must be pretty special.”
“You’re very sweet.”
As he walked away, I took a deep breath, missing Hudson more than I had a right to.
If truth be told, I was falling in love with the man.
Something that couldn’t happen.
We were two different people.
CHAPTER 18
Hudson
“You’re late,” Chase stated as he opened his front door, clear amusement in his voice.
“I had an unexpected visitor in my chambers today.”
He lifted his eyebrows and ushered me in. “Do I want to know?”
“His sudden appearance should be telling as to his plans.”
“You’re shitting me. Jacob Jones?”
“In the flesh. He decided to make himself at home.”
“Did you contact security or the police?”
I trailed behind my buddy. We usually spent time in his man cave, which rivaled mine with a huge bar, entertainment center, and the half dozen pinball machines he’d collected over the years. Instead, he led me to a part of the house I’d never seen. “And spoil the fun? Why would I do that?”
“Because there are strict rules regarding judicial ethics for one thing.”
My snort brought a laugh. “I’m here with other members of our poker game to discuss going off the books in dealing with violent predators in a less than judicial manner. Are you fucking kidding me?”
Chase shook his head, still laughing as he led me into what I would describe as a military operations center. There were a half dozen high-powered computers and high-dollar printers in one section. In another were monitors much like I’d installed, highlighting every inch of his expansive property. Still in another was a massive whiteboard with several leather chairs surrounding it.
