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I threw open the door, then caught it to keep it from banging against the wall, almost knocking Jonah over in the process.
“Charged with trafficking cocaine. I’ve had a chance to review your case. Mr. McDuffy, have you shared the recent turn of events with Ms. Reed?” The somewhat forbidding judge peered down his nose at Trinity and her lawyer as he shuffled papers around.
“I haven’t had a chance, your honor. I’ve—”
“I don’t want to hear excuses. Ms. Reed, are you aware that Ms. Davies has made a statement on your behalf?” He shoved his half-moon glasses up his bumpy nose.
“I—um. No?” She nervously cast a glance at her lawyer, then back at Thatcher, where literally everyone in our made family sat a few rows back. Jonah and I slid in next to Graves.
He gave me a wink then glanced back at the judge, crossing his arms like he’d rather be any fucking where else.
“Well, allow me to break the good news, since your attorney has so poorly fallen down on the job.” George stiffened but remained quiet.
Trinity wrung her hands in her lap as she quietly watched the judge.
“Ms. Davis has signed a sworn statement stating that you were not aware of the drugs in her possession at the time you were pulled over. She accepts full responsibility and due to that statement, we have agreed to drop your charges.” The judge frowned down at the lawyer. “Mr. McDuffy really should have notified you before court today. In fact, you’re dismissed. Oh, and one more thing, Ms. Reed. After a standard period of time, you can have your arrest expunged from your record. Mr. McDuffy should be able to fill you in on the details. I trust you can do that, George?”
“I can, your honor.”
Man, George McDuffy was getting huffy. There must be bad blood between them. But it did seem like old George had fallen down on the job. I guessed it was lucky it worked out in her favor.
“Ms. Reed,” The judge called as George started to stand and stack his papers.
“Yes, your honor?” Her voice was hesitant, but hopeful.
“I trust that you won’t find yourself in any more situations like this?”
“No sir, I learned my lesson.” She dipped her head in acknowledgement. Or maybe shame.
“The company you keep says a lot about you. Take care to find the right friends next time.” His gaze skated over our row, and paused on Graves, who smirked back at him.
Was he talking about Devil’s Hands? It wouldn’t surprise me if he thought they were a bad influence, but they’d cleaned up their act. They were a steady foundation, offering unwavering support that even our own parents hadn’t offered us.
Seemed like the judge was a bit… Judgy.
“Yes, sir.” She nodded, then pushed past her lawyer and ran straight into Thatcher’s arms.
“Next up, Mr. Bowen,” the judge called the next case.
We filed out of the courtroom, Thatcher and Trinity at the center of our group, arms wrapped around each other.
Once we were a ways down the hall and the courtroom door closed, we all released a collective sigh. Rhys hung back to speak to George, their whispers echoing around the empty hallway.
But my focus was all on Thatcher and Trinity. I clapped him on the back. “Is that it? It’s done?” It seemed too easy. We’d been gearing up for this court date for months, teetering on how it would happen, what contingency plans would be if Trinity was found guilty. She might have been sentenced as a minor, but she also might have been sentenced as an adult.
It would have been her first offense, but trafficking was no joke.
“I think so,” Thatcher said, his voice light with happiness and hesitant wonder. “Right? This is all over?” He glanced at the lawyer as he joined our group.
“Yes, Mr. Reed. It’s all over, and as long as Trinity stays out of trouble, nothing else will come of this. I do urge you to have her record expunged as soon as the waiting period is up.” He loosened his tie. “My apologies I didn’t have time to discuss this with you before your case was called. I had an emergency come up this morning and I was only made aware of Ms. Davies’ statement right before I had to attend to said emergency.” His gaze stopped on Rhys as if warning him of something.
I didn’t care about that. What I cared about right then was that Trinity was free, no charges, no repercussions. And Thatcher looked like he’d dropped ten years of stress from his age.
“All right, let’s go open the pizza place up early, and I’ll make us brunch in the kitchen.” Angel grinned as his gaze softened on Trinity and Thatcher.
He was my cousin, but I couldn’t help but notice how close he and Thatcher had gotten. Probably a byproduct of their working together.
Good. Thatcher needed solid family, and I’d happily share mine.
