“I genuinely hate putting my foot in my mouth, it really annoys me. I’m sorry I misread your request for confidentiality. Under these very unique circumstances I think we can find a way to leave Bobby out of the written statement. I would imagine, Michael, that you, too, have people you would like to protect. Is your desire for fame outweighing your concern?” She raised an eyebrow at him and smirked. She assumed there was another reason for him not including himself in his request and she wanted to hear it.
“I don’t intend to leave you standing alone in this,” Michael responded. “Christian is going to be getting relocation and protection, Bobby has more people here in town who deserve to be protected. I know there will be some blowback, and I know what I signed up for.” Michael had returned to his courtroom posture and tone.
“That’s all quite laughable, Michael. I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you these men don’t frighten me. I never married. I have no children, no family, and ample protection for myself. What you have both done is extraordinary, and while you deserve the accolades of your community you are far more likely to get the retaliation of the many scorned people who will be losing either their freedom or their paycheck. I suggest that before Mr. Donavan takes pen to paper and starts telling this story you make your decision. You have an opportunity to wake up tomorrow morning and act as surprised as everyone else when you hear the news.” Judge Rosenthal pulled her phone from her purse and began typing a message on it. She was trying to minimize this moment by not giving it her full attention. She appreciated the gesture on Michael’s part, but the fewer people involved the less likely the collateral damage.
“As long as you’re sure, your honor, I would greatly appreciate it.” Michael felt a weight lift off his shoulders as the thought of his sister flashed through his mind.
“Yes, hurry up then. I’m already out much later than I had hoped to be. Mr. Donavan, let’s get this straight then, you found these pictures while you were a welcomed guest in the Lion’s home. You felt it was your duty to ensure the judge is held accountable for his deplorable actions, and you therefore contacted me directly. We met, drafted a plan for the relocation of yourself, your brother, and your son with the conditions that you turn over any and all evidence you have that pertains to Judge Lions and any of his associates. Are we all clear on that?” Judge Rosenthal barely looked up from her phone as she spoke. There was an opportunity here for anyone in this room to recant, to get cold feet, and she wouldn’t be a part of making this moment feel profound, even though it was.
The three men shook their heads in agreement as they looked at each other. The room was quiet now, and they fixed their eyes on the judge, waiting for their next direction, and she was happy to oblige.
“Mr. Cooper, I’ve just sent a message and there are two men on their way up. They escorted me here tonight and will now be in charge of getting Mr. Donavan and his family on a chartered plane tonight.” She turned her attention over to Christian.
“Mr. Donavan, please draft your written statement and then contact your brother to ensure everyone is ready to leave within the hour.” The Judge stood, and, out of sheer habit, all three men stood as well. “There is one last thing I’d like to say to the three of you. This is a clean slate, Mr. Donavan, not a free pass. There is a difference. I will not be privy to where you have settled. This is both for your protection and my own, but these two men,” she said pointing to Bobby and Michael, “will be informed. If you or your brother step one toe out of line I will personally have you dragged back here and deliver you to whoever is offering the highest bounty for your head. You haven’t made good choices up until this point, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable. I won’t be around to give your brother the same warning, so I hope you will convey this to him. When people are seeking revenge for this, I’m sure your brother will make a suitable substitute for you. You don’t want him shipped back here because he can’t keep his hands to himself.” The judge moved toward the conference room door and flagged down two large men and waved them over. “Michael and Bobby, it was a pleasure meeting with you this evening. We have it all under control from here. I’d tune in to the morning news tomorrow, I plan to send them one hell of a story to run.” She shook both of their hands and smiled widely at them.
“Bobby,” Christian said, reaching his hand out. “Thank you for stopping me tonight. If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to ask.” Bobby nodded his head and shook Christian’s hand, amazed how this night had turned out.
The elevator ride was silent as Michael and Bobby attempted to process what had happened—what they had just accomplished. As the elevator doors opened and they stepped out, Michael finally found his voice through the thoughts swimming in his head.
“We’ve got quite the story to go tell the girls, don’t we?” Even though everything had come together, there was still one thing that terrified Michael. “Bobby, I’m really sorry for not telling you about that case. I should have trusted you enough to tell you, I should have believed you’d understand. If you want me to head home and not come back to Betty’s with you, let me know.”
Michael held his breath, not wanting to hop in his car and drive to his cold loft apartment and sit alone on a night like tonight, but he would if it was what Bobby wanted.
“I wish you had told me, but there’s no rulebook for things like this. Even if I was still mad at you I wouldn’t be crazy enough to keep you from Jules tonight. I had one near-death experience already, I don’t need another.” Bobby slapped Michael on the shoulder. It wouldn’t have been so long ago that an infraction like Michael’s would have been enough for Bobby to lose all respect and cut all ties with him. The last few months had taught him the only thing that mattered was surrounding himself with people who cared—friends who cared about each other, about the world around them, and doing the right thing. No one was perfect, but people can be perfect for each other.
“You think she’d miss me if I wasn’t there tonight? I thought maybe it was all this commotion and when this settled down she’d toss me aside,” Michael said, relieved at the forgiveness and the invitation.
“She still might, but I doubt it. She really seems to like you. I know your reputation though. Don’t confuse my ability to get over the withholding of a part of your past with how I might act if you hurt her. You won’t survive that.” Bobby raised his eyebrows and wiped any sign of humor away from his face, he was serious.
“I like her Bobby, she’s special. I don’t know where it’s going to lead but I can assure you my reputation is grossly exaggerated, and I won’t hurt her. I guess I should give you the same speech about Piper. I’m the closest thing she has to family as far as I can tell, and I don’t want to see her hurt either.” Michael pushed through the front door and stepped out onto the sidewalk pressing the button to unlock his car.
“I don’t intend to hurt her. You might not be sure where things with you and Jules are going, but I have no doubts where Piper and I are headed. I love her,” Bobby laughed, not able to contain his happiness. He had thought for years that he was in love with Jules, but now, in contrast to how he felt about Piper, he realized his affection for Jules was one of family.
“What? Man, that’s fantastic,” Michael shouted. “Just be careful, Piper is like a bird, you don’t want to spook her. She’s always ready to fly away. I think if anyone can figure out how to love her, it’s you.” Bobby put his hand out expecting Michael’s firm grip but instead Michael pulled him in for a hug. “I’ll meet you at Betty’s.”
Chapter Twenty-five
As Bobby drove his truck up Betty’s long dirt driveway he tried to make this night about the victory they had all achieved. He tried to direct his mind to the joy and relief Jules would feel or the vindication Betty would experience. Instead all he could think about was Piper. She brought him to this place in his life, this crazy moment he never imagined he’d experience. He tried to force himself to think of Stan tonight, but instead the thought of holding
Piper superseded everything.
Every lamp in the house was on, like a lighthouse calling the men home. Bobby waited a moment while Michael pulled in, and they exchanged a knowing look as they stepped onto the driveway. They knew they were about to be greeted with a whirlwind of questions and commotion. They both took a deep breath as the porch door swung open and Jules came sprinting out.
Bobby felt a pang of sadness when he saw only Jules running toward them. For the first time, she wasn’t the person he was hoping to hold. Judging by the familiar but quick hug he shared with her, it was clear she was thinking the same thing. He had hoped to be embracing Piper by now, and she couldn't get to Michael fast enough.
Jules moved past Bobby and, staring up into Michaels green eyes, she asked, “It’s good news, isn’t it?” She held her hands over her heart, protecting it.
“It’s great news,” Michael said, laughing as Jules jumped up toward him, throwing her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Bobby was relieved to see Betty coming toward him, a good distraction from the passionate kissing he could see out of his peripheral vision.
Betty put her warm hands on Bobby’s cold cheeks and smiled. “Well done, son. He’d be so very proud of you.” She patted his cheeks and looked away before the tears gathering in her eyes spilled over. “For the love of Pete, Julie Marie, dismount that man before you hurt him. Act like you got raised right.” Jules rolled her eyes and slid her way down Michael. “Plus I want to hug him,” Betty said opening her arms wide to Michael.
Bobby could do nothing but stare at the screen door as Piper’s shadow appeared behind it. He wondered why she wasn’t racing down to him. Was she angry? Hurt?
“That girl is crazy about you, Bobby,” Jules whispered from behind him. “She’s a hard nut to crack, but she’s got eyes for you something fierce. Whatever you do, don’t blow it.”
“I’m wondering if I already have,” he said quietly, his heart aching for her to join them. Feeling out of options, he waved at her awkwardly, and could see the brightness of her smile against the darkness of the night. The weight on his chest finally floated away.
“Let’s all get up in the house and have something warm to drink. I’m sure you’ve got lots to tell us, and it’s colder than a cast iron commode out here.” Betty shooed them all toward the porch as Piper opened the door. She patted Michael on the shoulder as he passed by and attempted to do the same to Bobby. He caught her hand before she could, and pulled her out onto the porch, letting the door shut noisily behind her. He didn’t care if that drew the attention of everyone who was now inside—he wanted this moment.
“I’ve got a lot to say to you, Piper.” He pushed the loose hair off her face, tucking it behind her ear, and lowered himself slightly to meet her eyes.
Piper was trying desperately to play it cool. “You’ve got an anxious crowd in there waiting for details. I’ll be here when it’s all over. We’ll get a chance to talk.” She hadn’t expected how overwhelmed she’d be at the sight of Bobby, safe and standing in the doorway. If life up to this point had taught her anything it was that loving something too much was dangerous. Her feelings for Bobby scared her. The amount of willpower it took to suppress her innermost thoughts of what she wanted for her life was stifling.
“I think I can deal with that. We’ll talk later. But we’ll kiss right now.” Bobby leaned in and kissed Piper with such urgency that she almost stepped backward. It only took a second for the sweet taste of his lips and the smell of his clean skin to make her fall toward him. His cold hand running over her cheek and through her hair sent chills through her whole body.
As he let her go he knew it may not be easy to love Piper, or to help her to let go of her past and believe in him, but it would be worth it.
Bobby heard Betty clearing her throat, and though his eyes were locked on Piper’s he knew they had an audience.
“I’m happier than a puppy with two tails that y’all are getting on so well, but I’ve been wearing a hole in the floor pacing and waiting. There’ll be plenty of time for pawing at each other later.” Betty took the liberty of opening the screen door and waving them both in.
The group gathered in the familiar sitting room, and Bobby began to tell Betty and Jules the details of what had transpired. Both sat with eyes wide and occasionally cursing at the realization of who was involved. Piper was pleased as she heard him recount the details of the events between Judge Rosenthal and Christian Donavan. She was so relieved to hear that not only would they see justice served, but they would be safe from any retaliation as well. When Bobby finally finished, he asked if they had any questions for him.
“So they won’t actually get charged with Daddy’s murder? They’re going to jail and getting punished, but no one will ever know they killed him?” Jules didn’t want to sound ungrateful for all that had happened, for the risks that everyone had taken, but she wanted her father’s story told.
Michael felt the need to step in and answer. “No, I don’t think they’ll be able to charge them with it, but we won’t know until more of this gets sorted out. I know it’s disappointing, but I can assure you that I’ll follow it closely, and if there is any opportunity to do so, we’ll pursue it.”
“I’ll tell you what,” Betty said, sitting up straighter in her chair, “the best thing you’ve ever done is not tell me about any of this until it was over. I’d’ve cut that judge’s throat and let him bleed all over his runny eggs without a second thought about spending my life in jail. I know y’all took some big risks, and I want you to know I’m eternally grateful. I can’t tell you what knowing the truth has done for me. It’s a debt I’ll never be able to repay.” Betty wiped tears from her cheeks.
“Well, I’ll take my payment in pot roast,” said Michael, trying to lighten the mood. “Or fried chicken. Really, I’m pretty flexible.”
“I’ll put a big meal out for breakfast tomorrow. You kids are all staying over, aren’t you?” Betty asked, looking hopeful for the company.
“Of course,” said Bobby, ignoring the urge to grab Piper by the hand and drive her somewhere, anywhere they could be alone. “Judge Rosenthal assured us all this would be the headline story tomorrow, so we should all be together to watch it.”
Betty nodded, looking exhausted. “I’m turning in. My heart is tired. You kids stay up and help yourselves to anything in the kitchen. I’ll see y’all in the morning.” Betty went around and kissed each of them on the forehead then slowly dragged her tired body upstairs.
“We’ve got to go celebrate,” Jules said in an excited whisper. “Let’s go out for a drink and dancing. I can’t sit in this house all night, I’ll go mad.” She was standing now and practically jumping out of her skin.
“I think I’ll hang back here. My adrenaline has been on overdrive, and I need to unwind for a little bit. You and Michael should go,” Bobby said, stretching as if he were completely exhausted, even though he had never felt so awake.
“Come on, Michael, let’s go out. I’m so excited. I want to have some drinks and laugh and have a good time,” Jules said, pulling Michael up by his arms.
They all moved to the porch as Michael and Jules pulled on their coats to leave. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other, and every other sentence was punctuated by a kiss and a smile. As they stepped off the porch, Michael turned back toward Piper who hadn’t said more than a handful of words since they had returned. “You good?” he asked, winking at her, knowing that maybe he should stay, but he really didn’t want to.
She nodded yes and waved them off. She couldn’t fight the feelings that had followed her throughout her life, the melancholy in the face of everyone else’s joy. She didn’t know why she felt worse in this moment than she had through all the turmoil of the last few months.
As Michael’s headlights disappeared from view, darkness fell back over the front yard. Bobby had begun loading wood into the firepit and searching around for the matches.
Piper sat on the familiar por
ch swing and pulled a blanket over her legs. She watched Bobby building a fire to keep her warm and realized that really was who he’d be to her. Maybe she didn’t know how to keep herself cozy and balanced on the inside, but he would keep lighting her fires to make up for it.
He sat down beside her, reminding Piper of the first time they had sat there together. It was funny how wrong their perceptions of each other were then—how far from the truth. Now it was like they were sitting down together for the first time as they really were.
“I know that I might have spooked you earlier when I said I thought I love you. We haven’t known each other long, and there has been so much going on you probably think I’m crazy. That’s why I want to take it back,” Bobby said, pulling the blanket up.
Piper didn’t think she was ready to be loved, but that wasn’t at all where she thought the conversation was going. “I understand,” she said, trying to mask her shock.
“I was wrong when I said I think I love you. What I meant to say… what I should have said… is I do love you. There’s no hesitation here. I know how I feel about you. I won’t rush you or pressure you to be something you aren’t or to feel something you don’t, but I’m not foolish enough to lie to myself or to you. I didn’t want to make some big proclamation tonight, but sitting out here with you right now, I’m having a hard time not blurting out some very corny stuff.” Bobby reached over and laced his fingers with hers. “Will you sit and listen to me professing my love?”
Chasing Justice Page 23