“Maybe that might tell people I don’t want to talk or have company. I have another three days of vacation for doing a great job of protection.” His voice was matter of fact, and flat.
“Okay. I am guessing here, since all seemed fine earlier when Cassie saw you at the ranch, that something went south when you got back here. And another limb I will go out on is that it has a lot to do with Erin. Correct? You didn’t do something stupid, did you? We like her a lot.”
“I lied. She thinks I lied to her. And she was just an assignment that I easily turned over to my captain to get rid of for me.”
“Wow.”
“I wasn’t going to send her off on her own. But we got here and he told her that he wanted to save me the trip as I had earned another few days of vacation and she just changed. She became the assignment and thanked me for the good job and left…without even a last goodbye look.”
There was silence. Then Tori broke it. “Wow. I can see the issue. From both sides. But wow.”
“That’s real helpful. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. So, what are you going to do next?”
Rance glanced over at her for the first time. “Do? How do I do anything? She is back on her high bench, and I have no business in her courtroom. And I’m fairly certain she would figure a way to hold me in contempt and toss me in lockup if I dared set foot through the door.”
“So, you’re giving up. Erin is off the list just like all the other women. Probably for the best.”
“Reverse psychology? That’s what you’ve got?”
“Are you asking my opinion?”
“You usually just give it without anyone asking.”
She swatted his shoulder in a typical sis-to-brother love pat. “If I were to be asked, I would tell you that you only go to her courtroom as the last option. What does she do with her life outside that courthouse? Hobby? Gym? Bookstore? With her you must think harder…something more meaningful. And you need to apologize for your lie the moment you get the chance…don’t beat around the bush.”
“My what?”
“It was basically a lie by omission. For whatever reason you didn’t tell her what was what when you first knew about her going back and that she was going alone, but you were not going to have that happen and all…”
Tori stood. “There’s going to be a big charge on your bill for my big-sister consulting.”
Rance shook his head. “Thanks a lot for the unsolicited use of your services. Just charge it. Make sure I get the family rate.”
“You just make sure you remember that she’s worth it but only do this if you can finally say those hard words once and for all.”
“What words? I’m sorry?”
“I love you.” She tossed a wave as she left him alone with his thoughts and the river.
Chapter Seventeen
“Judge Latham, it’s so good to have you back here.” The bailiff greeted her with a cheery smile.
“Thank you, Gregory,” she responded and saw the spark of surprise before he caught himself. Surprise at her almost human greeting. He probably had no idea that she knew his first name. She stepped through into the office suite and met with her court clerk, Susan, and assistant GiGi. Both had smiles and were standing as she entered. “Hello, Susan, bet those papers are for me,” she said taking the stack from her instead of having her carry them to her desk. “Good morning, GiGi. That coffee smells delicious. My hands are full, could you carry it inside?” And she led the way to her desk.
“Thank you, ladies,” Erin said, noting the way they were unsure and hovering in the doorway. “Give me an hour of quiet time to get settled and caught up with messages. Then I will have the week’s docket, et cetera.”
“Should we hold your calls, also?”
“Please.”
The door closed and she was alone. Erin sank into her leather chair with its high back and swivel seat. She swiveled toward the window behind her. And then she remembered the memo she had read from the marshal’s service in the folder that had outlined what and who had perpetrated the crime against the judges. But the memo mentioned the upgraded safety issues underway, including a bulletproof window to replace the one behind her. Times were changing and it made her sad again. She spun back to her desk. The last thirty-six hours had been enough of tears and anger and hurt and just a swirling mix of emotions that exhausted her. After a sleepless night, she had risen very early and prepared herself to re-enter the life it felt like she had left months ago and not just weeks. If people found her changed in any way, then so be it. And if she happened to run into a certain person in the hallways, then she would ignore him. Which kept her on edge the first day, then the second and third day…and she realized that he didn’t want to see her either. Good. Rance Parker was out of sight and out of mind…or soon would be.
Two weeks passed. The routine was in place. Life continued. Then Saturday came. And she had been asking around with various people, where she might find a good companionable dog. Many had suggestions. From expensive purebreds to mutts, everyone had a different opinion. She dressed in jeans and a pullover, swept her hair back in a ponytail, with comfy sneakers on her feet, she laid out a plan in her mind. She had just finished breakfast when the doorbell sounded. Nellie answered it. Erin finished up her coffee and sat the mug in the sink. Then she heard her name called. She went in search of Nellie.
Nellie stood in the hallway, a leash in hand, and a ball of fur at her feet. Bright puppy eyes gleamed at her, and the animal turned its head to the side to watch her approach, one ear standing straight and one ear flopped over. Its bright pink tongue was hanging out of his mouth in a slight pant. She could swear he was wearing a perpetual smile. She couldn’t help but respond.
