by Jane Cousins
“Will do.” Thom promised, giving her a wink.
Berry chewed on her bottom lip as she climbed the marble stairs, looking down at her feet as she went. The stylish black suede buckled high heels with the white rose decorating each toe mocked her at every step. They were a little fancy, given her usual style but hey, she’d been lucky they fit and they did compliment the outfit she’d chosen. The high waisted black pencil skirt that fell to just below her knee with a small split that gave a momentary glimpse of the white with black spot lining when she walked. The lining of the skirt matching the - not quite - sheer blouse that she’d paired with a little black bolero jacket. She’d been lucky on the fit, though the skirt was a little loose on her, but not noticeably so she hoped.
She’d even been lucky to score underwear, as there were stacks of the stuff in the truck, all new, still in their boxes. Of course the garter belt and stockings might take a little getting used to, along with the demi corset bra and silk cami knickers. Well beggars… and she really was one, could not be choosers. Considering Etta’s wild child reputation, Berry should consider herself lucky Etta had bought underwear at all.
She kind of wished Chief Hughes could see her today. Then on the other hand, the man had taken one look at her in her silk wrap and high tailed it out of the house as if the cats from hell were after him, which they weren’t. She’d spent all weekend in mental agony, reliving the memory of Ramsey Hughes’s eyes widening at the sight of her in the peach silk ensemble. She was pretty sure she’d seen horror in those grey depths. It made no sense, as she was quite certain the man had been flirting with her when she was naked. But as soon as he saw her in the silky wrap, he’d definitely panicked.
Perhaps because then she’d looked as if she were actively trying to seduce him. Men didn’t like it when women took charge, did they? How embarrassing. And what was she thinking? She hadn’t been trying to seduce him. She’d been trying to get rid of him, and she’d succeeded. But still, her ego was a little bruised. She knew she wasn’t some pin up girl, but to have a man run? It was a little galling.
Reaching the second floor she headed straight for her office, her little oasis of peace and solitude when it came to presiding over cases too often involving a member of her extended family. There had to be a more apt word to describe them than eccentric, but nothing polite had yet come to mind.
Once inside her office, Berry dropped everything she was carrying on the large mahogany desk and released a big sigh. The room with its high ceiling, walls lined with bookcases and portraits of former Judges, the majority of them distant relatives, always made her want to smile. It was a little bit too much like a movie set, but it was all hers, and as an added bonus she had a balcony that over looked the town square. Opening the double doors she let the cool morning breeze fill the room.
If she was very lucky and her case load was light, she might actually be able to get caught up on her paperwork today. She’d no sooner had that thought than a knock sounded and her second cousin, twice removed, Marion, walked in. Her arms weighted down by three thick files.
“Morning Judge Malone.” In the office, Marion was always respectful and just generally awe inspiring in her organisational skills. Between Marion and her sister Maureen, the infamous family gossip, who worked as a police dispatcher, the two had Haven Bay practically sewn up when it came to having their fingers on the pulse of the gossip mill.
“Morning Marion.” Berry’s eyes widened as Marion handed over the three thick folders instead of her usual coffee.
“We have a full docket this morning.” Marion absently brushed lint off her sharp navy suit jacket. Trim and petite, with short dark brown hair, Marion was a pocket dynamo when it came to running the court and Berry.
“We do?” Berry frowned as she flipped open the top folder and groaned. Quickly she flipped open the next two and groaned again. “You’re kidding me?”
“Should be a fun day.” Marion’s blue eyes sparkled with amusement. “You probably ought to know that they are insisting upon representing themselves.”
Berry groaned again as she unbuttoned the bolero jacket and shrugged out of it, reaching for the black judge’s robe she kept hanging on a nearby hook.
“Is that new?” Marion eyed Berry’s outfit. “It’s really cute on you.”
“Thanks. When are we scheduled to start?” She glanced at her cheap watch.
“Our star witness is on his way as we speak.” Marion beamed, patting her short dark hair.
“Star?” Berry frowned.
“The new Chief of Police, Ramsey Hughes.” Marion fiddled with the buttons on her shirt.
Berry bit back another groan. So much for her luck changing.
“I haven’t seen him up close yet, but from a distance he sure does fill out that uniform of his really well.”
“Marion!” Berry didn’t know whether to laugh or frown. Her cousin had two children, only slightly younger than Berry, and a lovely husband waiting for her at home.
“There’s no law against looking. Maureen says he’s got that whole gruff - silent but sexy - vibe going on.”
Berry pulled her court robes over her head so Marion wouldn’t witness the blush rising to her cheeks. No wonder Marion was primping. Seriously, maybe she should speak to someone about her foul run of luck over the last few years, perhaps there really was a curse on her. With her robes on, Berry checked to make sure her hair was pinned back tightly. It was going to be fine, she reassured herself, smoothing back non-existent fly away strands of hair. They were two professionals who were just doing their jobs. All she had to do was get through the next few hours, once the ordeal was over, she could concentrate all her powers on avoiding Chief Hughes for the rest of her life.
Chapter Four
“All rise for the Honourable Judge Beryl Malone. Court is now in session.”
Ramsey watched as Beryl Malone entered the surprisingly large, surprisingly lavish courtroom to take a seat behind the massive, dark cherry bench. As she banged her gavel, the sound echoed and rebounded around the room. Except for the three defendants, the court officer who’d introduced the Judge, a court reporter taking notes and a tall, thin, dark skinned bailiff, the room, which could potentially hold hundreds, was empty.
Ramsey shifted slightly in his seat as he studied Beryl Malone. Her hair was once more dragged back in to a tight, uncomfortable looking, bun. High colour staining her cheeks as her dark eyes flashed his way for a moment. Oh yes, there was the answer to the question that had been plaguing him all weekend. Was Beryl Malone angry with him for the way he’d lit out of her place Friday night? Undoubtedly, and from the death glare she just gave him, she wasn’t all that impressed to have him in her courtroom first thing Monday morning.
The three defendants clustered together at the defence table all waved and said hello to Berry.
Berry?
He liked that. If nothing else, it suited the dark red colour of those wide inviting lips of hers. Whoa, what was he thinking? She was angry now, because he’d acted like an ass at her place. But how much madder would she be when she discovered he was responsible for incarcerating her ex-husband? The idea of her mad at him, those dark eyes flashing his way just made him hard, which was stupid right. But he liked Berry Malone angry. The way her eyes sparkled and emotions poured off of her, much preferable to the haughty beautiful ice queen he’d made fleeting eye contact with the day of her husband’s initial arraignment.
“Could the witness please approach the bench?”
Wait? What? He met her gaze. Yep, her Honour was frowning his way. Okay, might as well get this over with. Given his height, they were eye level as he came to a halt before her, only the bench separating them. What should he say? Sorry might be a start. He opened his mouth, but she beat him to it.
“I’m sorry about the Aunts.” Berry whispered.
He frowned, looked at her, before looking back at the three older ladies sitting at the defendant’s table, smiling cheerfully their way. “They’re your Aunt
s?”
Berry nodded reluctantly. “Great-Aunts.” Actually, they were in fact her Great-Great-Aunts. Her Great-Grandmother Tally’s older sisters and owners of the cats from hell, but that would require an explanation that would only confuse Chief Hughes. The longevity of Southern Sanctuary residents was a well-guarded secret. “They’re a little on the… eccentric side.”
“That’s one word for them.” He muttered.
“Anyway, I just wanted to warn you. Whatever you do, don’t accept any drinks from Aunt Adelaide, any jewellery from Aunt Daphne or any food from Aunt Margot.”
Ramsey frowned, seriously, that’s what she wanted to warn him about? He wasn’t some hick, he knew enough not to take anything from defendants. “Was that all?” So she didn’t want to talk about Friday night?
“That’s everything. Please resume your seat.”
Still frowning, Ramsey turned and walked back to the seat he’d chosen in the first row. It was a weird warning, wasn’t it? Yet he’d no sooner sat down when Adelaide Dunst turned in her chair, wearing her signature colour of all white, she gave him a sweet smile before holding out a thermos of coffee. “Would you like a cup Chief? I bought plenty.”
“No thankyou, I’m fine.”
Beryl let out a small sigh of relief as Ramsey Hughes declined Aunt Adelaide’s offer of coffee. She’d felt ridiculous warning Ramsey but what choice did she have, her three Great-Great-Aunts were obviously up to something. Still, she might have sounded silly, but that was preferable to Ramsey Hughes accepting a potion from Adelaide, a spelled gem from Aunt Daphne or an enchanted treat from Aunt Margot. No, if the trio wanted to each get out of their speeding fines, then they would have to do it the old fashioned way. She bit back a smile, noting out the corner of her eye Aunt Daphne slipping what looked like a key ring designed for a man back into her bag whilst beside her, Margot tucked away a bag of freshly baked cookies. Well at least she’d put the kibosh on whatever magical mischief revenge the threesome had been planning to inflict upon Chief Hughes.
Berry’s eyes narrowed as Adelaide rose to her feet, dramatically throwing her long silk white scarf back over one shoulder, patting her short silver hair. “I call my first witness, Chief Ramsey Hughes.”
At the nod from Berry, Ramsey rose once more and walked across the courtroom floor to take a seat at the bench a few feet away from Berry, where he was quickly sworn in.
Adelaide swept across the floor, her white long skirt swirling around her sandalled feet. “Please state your name and occupation for the record.”
“Ramsey Christian Hughes, Chief of Police for the Southern Sanctuary district.”
“How old are you Chief Hughes?”
Ramsey raised an eyebrow.
Adelaide swept out a dramatic hand. “Goes to experience, Your Honour.”
Berry fought hard not to roll her eyes and just nodded.
“Thirty-one.” Ramsey supplied.
“And how long have you been a police officer?”
“Eleven years.”
“Prior to pulling me over, when was the last time you issued a speeding fine Chief Hughes?” Adelaide eyed him with sparkling hazel eyes.
Ramsey frowned, that was actually a good question. “I would say approximately ten years ago.” Just after he’d gotten out of the police academy, if he recalled correctly.
“So you’re hardly an expert then, at handing out speeding fines?” Adelaide sent him a triumphant smile.
“Well…” Ramsey was interrupted.
“That was a rhetorical question Chief.” Adelaide reached over and patted his hand. “Now Chief, are you married? Seeing someone? Single?”
“Er...”
“Goes to state of mind, Your Honour.” Adelaide was practically bouncing up and down she was obviously enjoying her role so much.
Berry found herself nodding in agreement, at the same time damning her curiosity. She was burning to know the answers to Adelaide’s questions.
“I’m single Mrs Dunst, never been married and I’m not currently seeing anyone.” Ramsey shifted in his seat.
“And would you say you are an advocate of the arts?”
Ramsey frowned. “I would.”
“So is it just successful writers of erotica that you have a grudge against?”
“Wait… what?”
“Adelaide.” Berry reprimanded. “You are not seriously going to make this personal?”
“Not I, Berry dear. The Chief here is the one who has proven to have a vendetta against me.”
Ramsey shot Berry a querying scowl.
“Adelaide and her husband, Terrance, write a series of…”
“Highly successful series…” Adelaide butted in.
“Sorry yes, I meant to say they write a highly successful series of erotica books under the pen name ‘Shelia Dunning’. Adelaide often signs copies of her books at the Reverie Valley bookstore on Market days.” Whether the store owner liked it or not, but Berry didn’t add that last bit of information.
Ramsey scowled harder for a moment then relaxed back in the chair. “I was unaware of that fact. The reason I pulled you over Mrs Dunst is because you were travelling at twice the set speed limit for that stretch of road.”
“Says you.” Huffed Adelaide flamboyantly, flinging an arm out dramatically.
“Says the Southern Sanctuary Police department’s radar detector, the record of which… if I might?” He produced a sheet of paper from the folder lying in front of him and passed it across to Adelaide.
Adelaide glanced down at the paper. “Poppycock and scandalous lies.”
“May I?” Berry held her hand out.
“Here.” Ramsey handed over another piece of paper. “I made copies.”
“Well, this document is beside the point.” Adelaide blithely waved away the hard facts staring her right in the face. The billowing right sleeve of her loose top passing mere inches in front of Ramsey’s nose. “Your harassment of me once you’d pulled me over to the side of the road is what is now at issue. Would you please tell me my niece… I mean the court, what you said to me once I’d handed over my driver’s license?”
“I enquired as to how old you are.”
“A-hah!” Adelaide pointed a dramatic bejewelled finger at Ramsey. “Ageist.”
Ramsey took a moment to respond.
Berry suspected he was biting his tongue to keep from laughing.
“Respectfully Mrs Dunst, how can you accuse me of ageism, when I still, to this day, have no idea how old you are?” Ramsey turned his head, looking Berry’s way. “For some reason it wasn’t recorded on Mrs Dunst’s license.”
Berry shrugged. “There was a referendum a few years ago, people of a certain… age, voted not to have it recorded on their driver’s license.” Mainly, Berry thought, because no one would believe the age recorded there. For starters, no way did her Great-Great-Aunt Adelaide look anywhere near her one-hundred and fifty plus years. “And it’s considered impolite to ask.”
Ramsey blinked slowly. “Then I apologise for asking Mrs Dunst.” His voice low and gruff.
Adelaide blushed for a moment, a coquettish look sweeping across her face. “Well then you’re forgiven Chief Hughes.” Behind Adelaide, one of her sisters cleared her throat. Adelaide straightened abruptly recalling her mission. “But that doesn’t explain your… rudeness, regarding the photo on my ID. Your reaction was hardly professional, was it? Had you been drinking?”
Now it was Ramsey’s turn to blush. “No Mrs Dunst, I hadn’t been drinking. I was just very… very surprised by the photo on your license.”
Berry frowned at Ramsey’s uncomfortable state. “Aunt Adelaide, may I see your driver’s license?” Accepting the card a minute later, Berry’s mouth dropped open. “Wow, that’s a very…” She searched for the right word. “… artistic shot of you Aunt Adelaide.” She could only pray to the Goddess that she looked half as good naked at Adelaide’s age.
“Thank you darling.” Adelaide beamed. “Timothy really is a
genius, isn’t he? He definitely captured my best side.”
Berry nodded slowly, adverting her eyes to eagerly hand back over the license. “Black and white is a nice touch too.” Goddess, she could only imagine how poor Ramsey Hughes had reacted upon seeing it for the first time. Whilst Adelaide swept across the room to replace her license in her bag, Berry took a moment to lean across the bench in Ramsey’s direction. “Very… very surprised?” She queried in a whisper.
“I didn’t want ‘shaking in my boots in terror’ to be entered in to the public record.” He whispered back.
Berry found herself smiling at him, this close his eyes were the colour of storm tossed seas. Damn, she wasn’t supposed to be sharing jokes with him or smiling. Pull yourself together woman. Turning her head she noted all three of her Aunts beaming her way, just what were the old biddies up to? “Do you have anything further to add Aunt Adelaide?”
“Oh no.” Adelaide smiled at Berry triumphantly taking a seat. “I rest my case.”
“Then it must be my turn to question Chief Hughes.” Daphne, the next eldest sister, shot to her feet, her swathes of jewel coloured fabric bright and vibrant against the sombre dark wood of the courtroom. Her bobbed dyed red hair glowing like a beacon as she moved across the courtroom floor stalking closer to the bench, the bangles and anklets she wore giving off a faint jangly sound with every step. “Now Chief, do you have any hobbies?”
By the end of the morning session, Berry had a throbbing headache behind her left eye and despite her very best intentions, thanks to her Aunts questioning, she now knew more about Chief Ramsey Hughes than she wished. The Aunts’ defence had currently degenerated in to a squabble amongst the three regarding who would orate their closing argument.
Berry was weary, thirsty and in dire need of a bathroom break. Exasperated, Berry pointed Ramsey’s way and curled her finger, summoning him forward from his seat in the first row of the gallery. She bit back a further irritated sigh as the man stretched and ambled across the floor, his khaki uniform doing great things for those muscular thighs and the broadness of his shoulders. Just because she was now a single woman – and determined to stay that way – didn’t mean she was unaffected by the perfectly honed physique of Hotshot Hughes. Damn the man and his tight glutes.