Chasing Justice

by Danielle Stewart

  “We’ve been through a lot, Bobby, and I’m sure emotions are running high for everyone. Part of me wants to get lost in your eyes and let you say sweet things to me all night, but a bigger part of me has no idea how to deal with all of that.” Piper felt her anxiety rising. She’d prepared herself for all kinds of heartbreak in her life, all forms of disappointment, but falling in love was not something she’d readied herself for. “I have some fundamental flaws, Bobby. Like tonight when everyone was smiling and celebrating, that’s not at all how I felt. These moments when most people are overjoyed, I’m completely out of sorts. I’m anxious and sick to my stomach, because for me these happy moments are fleeting. When I let myself indulge in the idea of something even remotely positive, reality comes flooding back in to knock me down. I’m not built to enjoy life; I’m built to endure it. I don’t understand why you would love someone like that.” Piper felt the tears as they moved down her cheeks, but she didn’t care. She wasn’t self-conscious or afraid to look weak. Bobby had seen more of her than anyone, and somehow he was still sitting here begging for the chance to love her.

  “Piper there are so many things in this world to be afraid of. Don’t let happiness be one of them. You don’t understand why I would love you? I love you because you are tenacious in the face of reality. I love that you have no idea how incredible you are, because that means I get to be here when you finally figure it out. There’s a good chance that one of these days you’re going to wake up and see yourself the way I see you, and I can’t wait to be a part of that. Whatever loving you brings my way, I’m ready for it.” Bobby brushed the tears from her cheeks and pulled her into a powerful hug. She felt a little afraid of how tight it was, but when she let herself melt into him she realized this is what loving him would be like. Maybe she’d feel squeezed, maybe she’d worry about not getting enough air, but it was the warmest, safest place she’d ever been and she didn’t want him to ever let go.

  “You must be pretty jealous of Michael and Jules then, aren’t you?” Piper settled her herself onto his chest and he rested his chin gently on the top of her head. She hadn’t really cuddled much before, but now she sure understood why people did it.

  “Why in the world would I be jealous of the two of them? I’m glad they are hitting it off, but I don’t feel the least bit of envy.” Bobby gazed off into the fire. He knew Piper didn’t profess her love in deep terms of endearment, but she had let him hold her, and he took that as a small pledge of love for now.

  “Hitting it off? Where do you think they’re going? I imagine they went to have a few drinks, and soon they’ll be having shameless passionate sex back at his place. And you are sitting on a porch, watching a fire, holding my hand. It doesn’t seem like you planned this out quite right.” Piper smiled up at him and waited for another kiss, which he gladly gave.

  “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now. When I make love to you, I don’t want to think about this day and everything that happened. I don’t want to share the day we make love with anything else. I don’t want to be clouded by adrenaline or cramped up in the cab of my truck like a couple of high school kids. Tonight is about holding you and kissing you and showing you that it’s safe to celebrate. I’ve got the rest of my life to love you. We’ll have our moment, and it will be incredible.” Bobby squeezed Piper tighter, and while he really did mean what he was saying, there was part of him that wanted to ignore his own advice and find a quiet place to show her how he felt.

  “Doesn’t Betty have a bottle of strawberry moonshine up in her pantry?” Piper asked, sitting up and smiling mischievously. “She did say we could help ourselves to whatever we wanted, right?” She hopped up and tiptoed her way into the kitchen, lifting herself onto the counter and pulling down the mason jar of moonshine Betty had shown her months earlier. She decided to forgo the glasses and take turns with Bobby, sipping the sweet and potent concoction until she had no choice but to be content

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Some time during the night the fire burned down, but the moonshine had kept them warm. Bobby and Piper had fallen asleep, awkwardly curled up on the porch swing, completely tangled in each other.

  Bobby was startled awake by the sound of an approaching car, and he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The engine sounded rougher than Michael’s car, and the shape of the headlights cutting through the night were unfamiliar. His job required him to take notice of these types of things. The lights were square, the car boxy, and there was a dim light on top of it. In his sleepy stupor, it didn’t make any sense.

  “Wake up, Piper,” he said, shaking her gently. She heard the concern in his voice and immediately shot up, regretting the combination of the moonshine and the sudden movement. “There’s a strange car pulling in. I think you should head in the house.” Bobby remembered his service weapon was hanging by his coat just inside the door.

  “It’s a cab,” Piper said, squinting to see who its passenger might be. “I can see the light on top of it.” Piper had seen more cabs in her lifetime than the average person. She recognized it in an instant.

  As Bobby stood, he pulled Piper up and behind him and inched slowly for the door. He planned to quickly push Piper into the house and grab his gun. But before he could pull the screen door open he heard the familiar bubbly laugh of Jules as she spilled out of the cab, losing her balance and rolling into the dirt. Michael was a step behind, laughing too hard to help her up. He handed the fare to the driver who abruptly backed out of the long driveway. As the headlights disappeared, Bobby headed down the porch steps to retrieve the two drunken idiots before they hurt themselves.

  “Really?” Bobby asked, looking down at Jules, who still couldn’t contain her laughter or regain her footing. “I guess I should be glad you guys took a cab.”

  “Well we know the cops around here are real tight-asses. We didn’t want to take any chances,” Michael said as he pulled Jules up to a standing position. “Help me get her in the house,” he muttered, half stumbling over his own feet. Bobby took notice of the buttons on Michael’s shirt that were misaligned, clearly fastened hastily. He turned to look back at Piper who was probably right about how Michael and Jules had spent their night of celebration, but Bobby still had no regrets.

  “You’re on your own buddy. I’ve done my share of holding that big mop of red hair while she hugs the toilet. The only help I’ll give you is a little advice. When she says she’s feeling better and she’s ready to go to bed, she’s wrong. Toss a pillow in the bathroom for her or you’ll be changing sheets and scrubbing carpets the rest of the night.” Bobby turned on his heels and headed back to the porch and rejoined Piper who had settled back on the swing. She smirked at him and found her warm, comfortable spot and pressed up against him.

  They slept on and off for the next couple of hours until they heard the recognizable sounds of Betty preparing a meal in the kitchen. Her steady humming and the clanking of dishes were soon followed by the most comforting smells of cinnamon and bacon.

  Bobby stood and stretched. His arm that had been propping up Piper’s head for hours was completely numb, but it was absolutely worth it. He pulled the reluctant Piper to her feet and kissed her face gently. “Let’s go watch the news,” he said with a smile.

  Betty greeted them in the kitchen and said, “Good Morning. I’m sure hoping you are in better shape than the two lushes asleep on my bathroom floor. I’ve got breakfast almost ready. Bobby, go wake them for me, and Piper, turn on the television there.” Betty looked noticeably relieved this morning. Piper knew it wasn’t actually possible for her to have slept off a few worry lines, but Betty certainly looked more at peace.

  As the whole group settled into the kitchen around the table, Betty spun the small television to face them. “Don’t be making a mess, either. My broom has never been as busy as it has since you kids moved in,” she said, handing them each a napkin.

  “Don’t look at me,” Michael said defensively. “I’m not a slob, it’s these guys.” H
e pointed to each of them, placing the blame.

  Betty wasn’t buying it. She raised a skeptical brow and shook her head. “I suppose it’s someone else dropping the food you eat, under the chair you sit in. I was born at night, but not last night, my boy.”

  He waved his hand at her playfully. It certainly wouldn’t be an issue today. Jules and Michael could hardly glance over at the large stack of pancakes and bacon, as they recovered from their celebration last night.

  Betty hushed them all, quieting their complaining and jokes. She loved the noise that surrounded her table this morning, but the news was about to start, and she didn’t want to miss a moment of it.

  “It’s a new day here in Edenville and we’re happy to have you with us this morning,” the white-haired anchorman said. Bobby had never been so happy to see his silly combed-over hair and busy, colorful tie. The man was goofy, but he had been the anchor on the local news program since Bobby had moved here. It was easy to take him for granted, but today, on a day when they anxiously awaited the news, it felt comforting that it would be coming from a familiar face. “We’ve got a breaking story that you’ll hear exclusively here at WNC4. Late last night Judge Randall Lions was arrested on charges of sexual crimes against children, judicial misconduct, and a host of other crimes that we’re told are still being assessed. Judge Lions has been presiding over cases in Edenville for over twenty years. He is the head of a popular non-profit organization that helps children of currently incarcerated parents gain an appreciation for the justice system. Our sources tell us that this charity, Legal Buddies, was in some way associated with the charges brought forth this morning. Judge Lions and his office could not be reached for comment, but we did hear from Judge Samantha Rosenthal who is helping spearhead the investigation. Here is a clip from our interview with her.” The screen switched over to Judge Rosenthal sitting in front of a large microphone.

  “Lord Acton, a historian and moralist, said, ‘Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ There are checks and balances in our society for a reason. This corruption has gone on far too long, and I will personally work to ensure that everyone involved is held accountable. The positive news is this case has an unprecedented amount of evidence and a strong corroborating witness. This will be tried in a court of law, but I am incredibly confident that we have taken a very corrupt and perfidious man off the bench, and, more importantly, off the streets of Edenville.” At the end of her statement she looked directly into the camera and nodded her head, almost like a thank you. Michael smiled, feeling like in part it was meant for him.

  The show cut back to the quirky anchor. “We thank Judge Rosenthal for making time to talk to us. In other news, a longtime police officer of Edenville, Officer Aaron Rylie, was found dead in his home this morning of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. We have not been able to confirm yet if the events surrounding the arrest of Judge Lions and the alleged suicide of Officer Rylie are in any way linked. We’ll continue to investigate this rapidly unfolding story, and, as always, keep you informed.” The show broke to commercial, and Bobby leaned across and turned the television off as an uncomfortable silence filled the room.

  They had expected to be whooping and hollering at the headline story this morning, but the news about Rylie had thrown them all into a tailspin. Bobby thought perhaps he should speak, but couldn’t find any words. Luckily Michael was able to weigh in.

  “He had the same opportunity as anyone to be tried and plead his case in court. He made the choice to kill himself. That isn’t on any of us.” He looked around the room trying to read everyone’s expression, but just found darting eyes and uncomfortable fidgeting, until he glanced at Betty.

  She had her chin up and a look of defiance on her face. “That’s no skin off my back, I say let God sort it all out.” She stood up and dropped her napkin onto her plate. “The sun is just starting to come up; we should all go out and enjoy it. It’s going to be a beautiful day.”

  No one had finished eating, nor did they really feel like filing outside to watch the sun come up, but there were so few things they wouldn’t do for Betty.

  And as usual, Betty’s idea was right on. The sunrise was the perfect way to start this day fresh. Watching the streams of light cut through the trees that lined the front yard was therapeutic. The clouds were bright red—it looked as though someone had set fire to them.

  Jules sidled up to Michael who was standing against the porch railing, and he wrapped his arm around her. Betty hummed quietly on the squeaky wooden rocker. Bobby and Piper were right back where they had just left, cuddled comfortably on the porch swing.

  Jules rested her tired head on Michael’s chest and took in the beauty of the morning sky. “It’s so colorful, but you know what they say, red sky at morning, sailor take warning. I bet there will be a fierce storm tonight.”

  “Not always,” Bobby said, looking down into Piper’s sweet face, “sometimes a magnificent sunrise is just that. You don’t always have to be waiting for the storm; you can just enjoy the colors.”

  Piper got the message, and she didn’t think she’d ever grow tired of hearing it. If Bobby wanted to be the man who reminded her it was safe to enjoy the moment, then she’d let him. She smiled up at him seductively as he slipped his hand under the back of her shirt and let his fingers dip slightly under the top of her jeans. Everyone else seemed to be so mesmerized by the beautiful morning sky that Bobby felt perfectly comfortable leaning in toward Piper and nibbling her ear. They had both been patient and responsible. They had committed themselves to following through on what they had started, and now it was done. The only thing left to do was give in to their desires.

  Piper’s body was craving more of him. If the fire she felt when they kissed was any indication of what making love to him would be like, she wasn’t sure she’d survive. Then again, it wouldn’t be a bad way to go. She pulled away from him as she saw Jules turning back toward them, grinning like a school girl with a secret.

  “I’m exhausted,” Bobby said, hopping out of the chair like he’d just been stuck with a needle in the backside. “I think I’m going to head home. Piper, I’ll give you a ride.”

  It didn’t seem possible, but Jules’s grin grew even larger. “Yes Piper, enjoy the ride Bobby is about to give you. Don’t forget to buckle up.” She and Michael leaned into each other, giggling.

  Piper’s face was crimson with embarrassment as Bobby pulled her from the swing to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her for a hug and whispered through her hair, “I might even let you drive.”

  She shook him off and dug her elbow into his side, pretending to be annoyed. In reality she was desperate to get somewhere alone with Bobby. She wanted to be on him, under him, she wanted him in a way she had never imagined possible.

  Bobby put his arm over her shoulder, and they were about to head into the house to get their things when Bobby’s ringing cell phone drew everyone’s attention. It was early for a phone call, especially since everyone he normally talked to was standing there with him.

  “Good morning Captain Baines.” Bobby said, trying to keep his cool even though his instincts were telling him something might be wrong. At first Piper thought little of the call until she saw the blood drain from Bobby’s face as he dropped his voice lower and stepped into the house and out of earshot.

  A knot formed in Piper’s stomach, and judging by the worried looks passing between all of them, she wasn’t alone. Perhaps something had already gone wrong with the judge’s case. What if Christian and his family hadn’t made it safely out of town yet? Maybe Judge Rosenthal’s promise of anonymity for the group hadn’t panned out.

  Bobby was pulling on his duty belt as he stepped back onto the porch. He could feel the pressure of nervous stares weighing down on him. They all had reason to worry, but only one of them, beside himself, would know why.

  “A girl was attacked on campus early this morning. Due to everything going on with the judge and the scene at Ryli
e’s house, they need all available hands on deck to secure the evidence at the college.” Bobby pulled on his coat and tried to think quickly about how to proceed. How, he wondered, could he tell them all the truth yet not break the trust Piper had placed in him?

  “Is the girl going to be all right?” Jules asked, leaning into Michael. All this drama was making her weary. Hopefully this story would have a happy ending.

  “She was beaten badly and is in critical condition. Betty, it’s going to be a long day, do you have anything I can take with me to eat?” Betty shot up and hustled into the house, happy to oblige. “And Jules, I left my shaving kit up in the bathroom – can you grab it for me and bring it down? I can’t go to work looking like this. I’ll have to hit the precinct first.” Jules hurried into the house to gather Bobby’s forgotten things. She hadn’t always been so accommodating, but Bobby could feel the direction of their relationship finally changing for the better. He owed it all to Piper.

  The moment they were gone, Bobby spun toward Piper and crouched down in front of her. “The girl who was attacked this morning,” he started in a no-nonsense tone, “had the number twenty-three carved into her thigh. I’m going down there to get more information, but this can’t be a coincidence.”

  Piper brought her hands up, covering her mouth as she gasped. Her eyes immediately filled with tears and her body started to tremble. Her worst nightmare was becoming a reality – her father was back for her. Bobby leaned in and squeezed her tightly. As he pulled away, he whispered to her, “you’re not alone anymore, Piper. We’re in this together.”

  “Why the number twenty-three?” Piper asked, clinging to Bobby’s arm, not ready for him to let go. “It doesn’t make sense. Delanie was his twenty fourth victim. If it really is him, why use the number twenty-three again? It has to be a copy-cat. It can’t be him.” Piper knew she sounded manic, she could hear her voice rattling with fear. She needed Bobby to look her in the eye and tell her it wasn’t her father. She needed him to tell her she was right, that it didn’t make sense and there had to be some other explanation.