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Sam scowled. “Don’t say that to the judge. Just tell him you’re sorry and you’ll wait for the sheriff next time.”
“Sure. Whatever it takes. But I’d do it again.”
Sam shrugged. “And Wiz?”
“Yes?”
“Make sure that if you have to shoot, that it’s clear you are in danger, and preferably do it inside your house. Not the yard, your house. I can make a case either way, but it’s easier in your house.”
“Got it.” She shuddered. “I’d rather not. I don’t want to kill anyone, but if I have to, I will.”
“No weapons in the Courthouse.” Sam wagged a finger. “I can get a deputy to escort you to and from your vehicle if you’d like.”
Wiz nodded, grimly. “Maybe. If you hear that Jeff’s showing up for sure, then that might be smart. Although, I can’t imagine anyone being stupid enough to try and gun me down on the Courthouse lawn.”
“Despite our wild reputation, we try to minimize the Old West gunfights,” Pete drawled.
They all laughed. Sam sipped her Diet Coke. “Okay, so what else did we need to do today? Wiz, you said something about modifying your company from single owner to owner and member?”
“Yes.”
Tom let Wiz’s voice wash over him. He really didn’t care about the company ownership, but it was important to Wiz, so he’d do it. Just being in her life was reward enough for him.
#
A week later, they sat in the back of Wiz’s van. Sam nodded sharply. “Well, that went as expected. Excellent.”
Wiz fastened the last knife into her arm sheath and pulled her cuff down. “I was surprised at how supportive the judge was.”
“I talked to his assistant at length when I got the emergency interim protective order and again, before the hearing, so the judge understood the details I couldn’t put in the petition. Unfortunately, even though it’s sealed, your ex still has all of this information, and he could pass it on to someone else. He’d be risking contempt of court, but he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to care.” Sam grimaced. “Or understand how bad that can be. Anyway, once I get the final order, I’ll get the same process server to serve it on your ex, since he found him for the emergency restraining order. I’m glad he’s not here.” She smiled grimly. “Of course, if Jeff had shown his face, the judge might have tossed him in jail right after the hearing for egregious trespassing and threats involving deadly force.”
“I was hoping he’d issue an arrest warrant, but I can understand why he didn’t.” Wiz fidgeted.
Sam turned and poked Tom in the chest. “And you. After that lecture, you’ll leave the physical stuff to the sheriff, right?”
Tom tossed a two-finger salute. “Yes, ma’am. Although if I feel Wiz is in danger, I will act.”
“You’ll need excellent proof.” Sam poked him again.
He held up his hands in surrender. “I got it. No more Wild West Show justice. Although it was appropriate, and I noticed even the judge cracked a smile when I dragged the guy across the pasture.” It hadn’t gotten any less funny to watch that part.
“All right.” Sam shook her head, a wry smile on her face. “Your wills and business papers are ready. Why don’t you drive the Wiz mobile here over to my office, and I’ll just get my assistant to come out here to witness and notarize. Will that work?”
“That would be great. Thanks for being so understanding, Sam.” Wiz rose.
“Are you kidding me?” The outrage on Sam’s face matched her voice. “I wouldn’t be half so rational as you are if all that had happened to me. And I know you didn’t, or couldn’t, tell me all of it. I’m just glad you survived and that you’re recovering. Living well really is the best revenge.”
Wiz nodded. “I think you’re right. A few months ago, I wouldn’t have agreed, but now? I have too much to lose to waste time on those idiots.”
“Good for you, Wiz. I’m really happy to hear you say that.” Dad, with a proud smile on his face, opened the side door for Sam so she could return to her vehicle.
Tom turned the passenger seat around to face the front, while Wiz slid into the driver’s seat. She really was recovering, and he hoped desperately that the horrible people who had attacked her had learned their lesson and would leave her alone. He just wanted to marry her and live happily ever after. It really wasn’t too much to ask.
Chapter 20
As she tied the last knot, sweat ran down Wiz’s back. The sun was way too hot for early summer.
“That’s not too shabby, Wiz. I think you’re getting the hang of this right quick.” Dad grabbed the pack saddle and pulled it from side to side, testing the balance of the load. She’d bundled camping gear in lightweight bags, then wrapped the bags in the large sheets of heavyweight canvas customarily used by horse packers, and finally tied each pack to properly hang from the pack saddle. For practice, the pack saddle sat on the Rocking B corral fence rail, rather than on the back of a mule. Making each side the same weight and bulk was critical for the safety of the animal on the trail; an unbalanced load made accidents more likely.
