Light Magic

by Ellie Ferguson

  “The State is ready, Your Honor.”

  Caldwell looked at Annie. She started to answer and then paused. Even from my seat at the back of the courtroom, I saw her hand move forward to, I assumed, grasp her very pregnant belly. Without thinking, I stood. I’m not sure I said anything to the man sitting next to me as I stepped by him and into the aisle. With all eyes on Annie, I moved to the side of the courtroom, ready to hurry to her side if she needed help.

  “Ms. Grissom?” Concern thickened the judge’s voice and I didn’t blame him for paling.

  “I’m all right.”

  She straightened her shoulders and drew a bracing breath. I waited, not reassured when she nodded. Then she paused to pour herself a glass of water from the pitcher on the table. She sipped, and her color slowly returned to normal.

  “My apologies, Your Honor. This little one.” She patted her stomach. “Is more active than usual. The Defense is ready to proceed.”

  Judge Caldwell nodded and motioned for the attorneys to be seated. As they complied, I prepared to return to my seat. Before I could, the judge caught my eye and gave a slight shake of his head. Curious, I assumed he wanted me to stay where I could help his daughter-in-law if she needed it. I gave a small nod and leaned against the wall, positioning myself so I could see Annie, her client and the prosecutor.

  A frown played at the corners of my mouth as I did. Even though most everyone in the courtroom had, figuratively if not literally, held their breath until we knew Annie and the baby were all right, her client hadn’t reacted. She stood straight, her eyes glued at the front of the courtroom. Not once had she glanced at Annie. I didn’t want to read too much into it, but it bothered me. Either Annie and her client didn’t particularly like one another – and that certainly wasn’t necessary as long as it didn’t impact the attorney’s ability to represent the client – or Brumfield completely lacked empathy. Neither explanation sat well with me.

  “Ms. Grissom, are you able to proceed with today’s hearing?”

  “I am, Your Honor.”

  Judge Caldwell sat back and studied his daughter-in-law. A moment later, he leaned forward and scribbled something in the court’s file. From the look on his face, I had a feeling he had something in mind the attorneys might not be prepared for. Very carefully, he began building a record. But for what?

  Over the course of the next few minutes, the judge confirmed not only the obvious – that Annie was pregnant – but her estimated due date as well. He asked what her doctor had said about how long she should work. For a moment, he made a point of studying the court’s case file and then the calendar. Then he looked up, his fingers absently tapping the bench.

  “Ms. Grissom, Mr. Alvarez, you each have a number of motions already on file in this case and, according to the court’s calendar, at least three more hearings set before we got to trial. Is there any way we can fast track those motions or you can reach an agreement on them?”

  “No, Your Honor,” Alvarez replied. “To say the State and Defense are miles apart on the motions would be putting it mildly.”

  “Ms. Grissom?”

  “I concur, Your Honor.”

  “I see.” The judge considered them for a moment. “Ms. Grissom, would your client consider agreeing to a continuance of all hearings until after your maternity leave is done?”

  Annie didn’t hesitate, nor did she consult with her client, who continued to look straight ahead. “No, Your Honor. We will not agree to any continuances. Not only would doing so endanger my client’s right to a speedy trial, but there is no guarantee such a postponement would help her cause.”

  The judge, his expression thoughtful, glanced around the courtroom. As he did, every internal alarm I possessed went off. He was up to something. No doubt about it. Then his glance fell on me and a slight smile touched his lips.

  “Ms. Sheridan, approach the bench please.”

  The pit of my stomach plummeted toward the soles of my feet. As I stepped forward, I felt everyone’s eyes on me. Some were understandably curious. Some even seemed to approve. Then Annie looked at me, her surprise evident. Before I could so much as shrug, a wicked gleam lit the redhead’s eyes. Oh no, this wasn’t good. Not good at all.

  “Ms. Grissom, Mr. Alvarez, please join us in my chambers. The court is recessed for fifteen minutes.” With that, Judge Caldwell banged his gavel and left the courtroom.

  A few moments later, I found myself in the judge’s chambers behind the courtroom. Annie and Alvarez sat in two leather chairs in front of the judge’s desk. I stood to Annie’s left. When I looked at her, hoping she had an explanation for what might be happening, she simply smiled and shrugged. She might not know for certain what the judge had in mind, but she had a pretty good idea. I’d bet my life on it.

  “Relax, Meg,” the judge said as he closed the door and moved to sit behind his desk. “Now, Annie, are you truly all right?”

  “I’m fine,” she assured him. “Your grandchild is just being very active this morning. I promise that’s all.”

  He nodded, looking unconvinced. Then he blew out a breath and leaned forward. “Jason Alvarez, I don’t believe you’ve met our guest. Meg Sheridan, this is Jason Alvarez. Jason’s our district attorney. Jason, Meg’s mother grew up here and Meg’s in town to learn about her mother’s early life.”

  “Welcome to Mossy Creek, Ms. Sheridan.” At least he seemed as unsure about what the judge had up his sleeve as I felt.

  “Thank you.” I inclined my head. Then I looked at the judge, hoping he explained before long.

  “Meg, Annie told me you’re an attorney in Kansas.” The corners of his mouth twitched in an attempt not to smile. “Is there any chance you’re also licensed to practice here?”

  I narrowed my eyes even as I fought the urge to take one giant step back. The military taught me never to volunteer for a mission until I knew the parameters. I had a feeling that lesson was one I needed to remember just then.

  “I am. I’ve had several cases over the last few years that required it.” I really didn’t want to admit it, but I had to. “Why?”

  Okay, maybe I drew the word out until it sounded like it multiple syllables. Or maybe I looked more than a tad suspicious. But my mood wasn’t helped by Alvarez’s bark of laughter or Annie’s soft chuckle.

  “Then, Ms. Sheridan, as a duly licensed member of the State Bar, I’m appointing you as co-counsel on this case.”

  Before anyone could object, and boy did I have objections, the judge reminded us it was his duty to insure the smooth operation of the court. Besides, Annie had been very clear that she had no plans to waive her client’s right to a speedy trial. “Besides,” he continued. “I saw how quickly you got to your feet and moved to help. Consider this helping.” He smirked, damn him.

  “Your Honor.” I ground out the words.

  “You can raise any objections you have in a motion to remove, Meg.”

  Damn it, Annie actually chuckled at that. Well, I’d show them. I’d not only file the motion to remove but I’d detail my objections – and, boy, did I have objections – to Annie. She could deal with her father-in-law.

  Why did everyone seem to think I’d be staying in Mossy Creek? I had a life back in Wichita, such as it was. As soon as I figured out why Mom asked me to come here, I’d be gone. I had no intention of staying.

  At least that’s what I told myself. Maybe if I said it often enough, I’d start to believe it.

  “Why don’t the two of you give us a few moments?” the judge suggested.

  He waited until Annie and Alvarez left the office, closing the door behind them, before motioning me to a chair. As he did, I wondered if he understood how much I wanted a private word with him. Of course, that word might not be appropriate to say to a judge. Not that I cared just then.

  “Before you say anything, Meg, please give me the chance to explain.”

  I nodded and leaned forward, elbows on my knees and my expression serious. “Judge, I’m trying to rememb
er you’re not only a judge but you’re also Annie’s father-in-law. But what you’ve done doesn’t make any sense. I have no ties to the community, other than Mom growing up here. I have no plans to stay in town once I’ve figured out why Mom asked me to come here. So, what are you up to?”

  Okay, maybe I wasn’t quite as calm as I should be.

  “Meg’ it’s simple enough. Annie needs someone backing her up on the case. She thinks she can work right up until time to give birth, but I think we both know that’s more than just wishful thinking on her part. It’s foolishness.” He paused and I nodded. “I’ll admit I did my homework once Annie told me you’re an attorney. I’ll even admit I hope you decide to stay in town and this is my none-too-subtle way of showing you could have a practice here if you want one. But most of all, I’m simply being an overprotective father, trying to make sure nothing happens to a young woman I love like a daughter. Besides, unless I miss my guess, you care about Annie and you’re worried about her too.”

  Bastard, he was playing not only the burgeoning friendship card but the pregnant lady card.

  “Judge.”

  He held up a hand to stop me from saying anything else. “Meg, I’ll admit I don’t understand why your mother asked you to come here. I will say I don’t think it’s something you’re going to figure out quickly. So, while you’re here, you might as well have something to do and a way to earn some money.”

  Well, he had me there.

  “I know you’re staying with Miss Serena right now, but are you going to continue staying there?”

  “At least for the next day or so.”

  He nodded in approval. “Serena will take good care of you. Besides, she loved your mother like Faith was her own daughter. Your being there will be good for her. However, if you want something else – and I’m not telling you that you should. Serena Duchamp is the most trustworthy and loyal person I know – talk to Annie. She and Sam have a house they’ve been renting out, but the tenants moved a week ago. The house is in a good neighborhood and only a few minutes from downtown.”

  I couldn’t help it. I frowned and shook my head. What was it with the people here? Why did they think everyone, at least every Other, should take up residence in Mossy Creek?

  Maybe it was something in the water?

  With that thought in mind, I made a mental note to stock up on bottled water. After all, why take chances?

  Chuckling softly at my own whimsy, I thanked him – although I wasn’t sure I should – and left his chambers. It didn’t surprise me one bit to find Annie sitting on a bench outside the courtroom, waiting for me. Nor did it surprise me to see her busily texting someone. I had a feeling it was about what just happened. Not that I could do much about it. At the moment, all I wanted was to get away from the courthouse before the judge figured out some new way to ensnare me in the everyday life of Mossy Creek.

  “C’mon, Annie. I’ll buy lunch at the café.” And wasn’t that going to be all sorts of fun, especially since I’d recognized more than a few faces in the courtroom from my previous visits to the café. “You can tell me about our client and I’ll tell you why I don’t like being manipulated.”

  “Welcome to Mossy Creek, Meg,” she chuckled as she carefully climbed to her feet. “At least the judge didn’t hand you keys to a house you didn’t know you owned or to a law office you thought had been shut down years earlier.” She cocked her head to one side. “Or did he.”

  “Thankfully, no.”

  Maybe it wasn’t just me then. Maybe it really was something about the town.

  “C’mon, I promise to explain about Dad and his little surprises over lunch. He means well, truly. It’s just that he isn’t above using whatever means he can to get his way when he truly believes it is in your best interest.”

  She grinned and jerked her head in the direction of the elevator. With a sigh, I wondered if I could get back to Miss Serena’s, trade the Land Rover for Mom’s Chief and get the hell out of Dodge? Somehow, I doubted it. Mossy Creek had its hooks in me – thanks a lot, Mom – and I had a feeling it wasn’t going to let go without a fight.

  Chapter 11

  “You’re kidding!” Amy’s eyes shone with amusement and she practically bounced in her seat. “He didn’t.”

  “He most definitely did.” I still couldn’t believe it.

  “Meg, you don’t need to worry about there being some grand conspiracy,” Amy said. Then she chuckled. “Okay, this is Mossy Creek, so someone somewhere is guaranteed to have a conspiracy of some sort going on. But all this means is that the judge has accepted you.”

  “Amy’s right, Meg,” Miss Serena said from her place at the head of the table. As she did, she thanked her housekeeper, a woman I hadn’t seen before I’d returned to the house several hours earlier, for a wonderful dinner. “You also need to know that’s not something Bob does easily, at least not where his family is concerned.”

  That much I’d figured out for myself. Not that I blamed him. You did whatever you could to protect your family. Nothing less than that was allowed.

  “I know.” I reached for my wine and sipped. As I did, I smiled in appreciation. In the short time I’d been in Mossy Creek, I might have been run off the road – okay, someone tried to make me a stain on the pavement—but I’d also been treated like family by most of those I’d met. Miss Serena, even Amy, felt like family, something I’d despaired of having every again after Mom died. I’d made a good friend in Annie and I couldn’t deny there was something odd between Drew and me.

  “What else did you do today? Or dare I ask?” Amy grinned again and this time I felt myself responding.

  “Drew took me by the impound lot and let me see my Harley.” For a moment, no one spoke. It was almost as if they understood how much the motorcycle meant to me and were giving me a moment to come to terms with whatever I’d found. “The insurance adjuster is supposed to be out in the morning to take a look, but Lexie’s dad was out this afternoon.”

  “And?” Miss Serena prompted.

  “He agreed with my first impression. It’s not totaled, not in the truest sense of the word. But it will take nothing short of a master mechanic and more money than I have to spend to put it back into anything close to the shape it’d been in. Mr. Smithson said I didn’t need to worry about that.” I shrugged. I didn’t need to explain my hesitation to them. Fortunately.

  “If anyone can repair your Harley, it’s Mr. Smithson,” Amy said and Miss Serena nodded. “He keeps our cars running.”

  Tempting as it was, I couldn’t justify it. I had no doubt the insurance company would total the Harley. No way would it pay enough to make the necessary repairs. My best move now was to negotiate the best settlement I could and run with it. In the meantime, I needed to focus on getting myself a car.

  A car. I didn’t want a car. I wanted my Harley. A car meant respectability and signaled I’d grown up. Like Peter Pan, that was one thing I didn’t want to do. But, like it or not, it looked as if I was going to have to do just that.

  “You can use the SUV as long as you want, Meg.” As if reading my mind, Miss Serena reached over and patted my hand, her expression amused.

  “Thanks, but I think I’d best get something of my own. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to the Land Rover.”

  I’d die if anything happened to it while in my possession.

  “Meg.” A hint of censure colored Miss Serena’s voice.

  Before I could say anything, Amy gave me a reassuring smile. “Grandma, think about it. You’ve told me, and I bet you’ve told Meg, how her mother wouldn’t let you give her a car.” She waited until Miss Serena nodded. “Meg’s new here. She’s been thrown one curve ball after another since her arrival, not to mention someone trying to run her down. Her Harley’s toast — Sorry, Meg. If I haven’t misread things, while she and her mother lived a comfortable life, they didn’t have much to spend on luxuries and, let’s face it, the Land Rover is the epitome of luxury. I told you that when you
bought it.” From the look she gave her grandmother, I wondered if Miss Serena had bought the SUV for her and she’d turned it down.

  “I’m grateful for all you’ve both done for me.” More than grateful. “But Amy’s right. I’m a biker at heart. Unfortunately, until I’m healed up — and until we find out who tried to run me down — I’m not comfortable on a bike. I certainly am not going to risk my mother’s Chief. That means I need to get a car.” Now it was my turn to hold up a hand so Miss Serena wouldn’t interrupt. When I did, she turned such a stubborn look on me, I almost laughed. “Miss Serena, I absolutely adore the Land Rover. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s a joy to drive. But it costs more than every car Mom and I had between us all totaled.” When she didn’t look convinced, I sighed. “Ma’am, to prove just how paranoid I am about something happening to the SUV while I’m driving it, a bird pooped on it when I was driving home. I’m not lying — hell, I’m not even exaggerating — when I say I immediately pulled over and used the last of the water in my water bottle to clean it off the windshield.”

  For a moment, both Miss Serena and Amy looked at me. I waited, halfway convinced they’d be calling the men in the white jackets to come for me. Instead, Amy threw her head back and laughed gaily. Then she stood and hurried around the table. When she pulled me to my feet and hugged me, I relaxed. She didn’t think I was crazy. In fact, I had a feeling she approved of this particular form of madness. Now, if only her grandmother understood.

  Miss Serena said nothing for a while. Then she sighed and smiled gently. As she did, she reached for my hand. I watched as she turned it over so our fingers could twine, much like mother and daughter — or grandmother and granddaughter.

  “I understand.” When I looked up, I saw the approval shining in her eyes and relaxed. Had I just passed some sort of test? Quite possibly, but that didn’t matter as long as she understood my discomfort. The last thing I wanted was for her to think me ungrateful. “However, you do need a car until you find something of your own.” She waited until I reluctantly nodded. “I assure you, I have the best insurance money can buy. There’s nothing you or anyone else can do to the SUV that isn’t covered. Please, I’d feel much better if you’d drive it until you get something of your own.”