“You ready?” Harry asked as they entered the courthouse. Today would most probably be a wasted effort, but Serena told them if Byron showed up, they’d begin her case, so they had to be there as a sign they were ready to proceed.
Desi had never been in the building, but it radiated desperation and something sinister. She gazed at Harry and nodded. “You look good in that suit, honey.”
Harry had on a navy pinstriped suit with a white shirt that made her eyes appear bluer. “I wanted to make sure I did my best to keep up with you, gorgeous,” Harry said, putting her hand at the small of her back.
She’d worn another dress Tony had helped her pick out, and she’d felt worlds away from her life when she’d seen her reflection that morning. There was no doubt she loved Harry, but Tony had also become an important part of her life. Her new best friend had helped build her self-esteem while educating her about fashion and style.
Harry held the door for her, and she wasn’t surprised Byron’s parents didn’t acknowledge her as they headed for the front of the room where Serena was standing.
“You’re coherent enough to keep up, aren’t you?” Harry asked Serena in a low voice. “Rachel got back way past her bedtime, so if you break her curfew again, I’m banning you from any future playdates.”
That made Desi laugh, a sound out of place considering where they were.
“We had one drink, and I had to drop her off after my boss called. It was way too early to call it a night, but I had to be here at the crack of dawn this morning for a meeting with my boss and the police chief.” Serena poked Harry in the chest and scowled. “I’m sure I could sleep through the five minutes this is going to take and still win.”
“Why?” Desi asked.
“I’m sure Uncle Jude is in there giving the Grim Reaper a pep talk. After that it’s going to take less than five minutes for him to revoke Byron’s bail and send whatever law enforcement is needed to hunt them down.” Serena smiled, looking thrilled with the world. “The word is they’re the prime suspects in the Rose case, and there’s so much evidence, my boss is convening the grand jury today. Translation, they’re up to their eyeballs in shit.”
“You have such a way with words,” Harry said, and Desi laughed again.
She sensed someone standing too close to her, but before she could say anything, Harry moved to stand between her and Big Byron.
“Desiree Simoneaux, have you lost your mind? Are you happy? It’s about time for you to remember your place and stop acting and looking like some whore. You need to come home with us after you tell these people you lied about it all.” His tone, as usual, held menace that he didn’t bother to hide. “You look so much like a bitch in heat that I didn’t recognize you.” He moved so fast Harry couldn’t block him, and Desi grimaced as he squeezed her bicep. The sudden pain made her forget everything she’d accomplished from the moment she got away from Byron. She froze as the fear took over, and in her mind, she was right back where she started.
“Let her go,” Harry said, her voice sounding like ice. “I said, let her go.” Harry encircled Big Byron’s wrist with her hand, and Desi saw her knuckles were white from the pressure.
“I don’t know who you are, but fuck off.” He didn’t let go, but Desi could see the signs of pain on his face. His expression broke through the fog she was in.
“Let her go, or I’m going to rip your arm out of the socket and wrap it around your neck.” Harry’s voice got lower.
“This is family business, so back off before I hurt you,” he said, but he let go of Desi’s arm.
“You couldn’t hurt me if you hired someone to help you,” Harry said, and Big Byron grabbed her.
Desi wasn’t sure what Harry did, but Big Byron dropped to his knees and pawed at Harry’s arm, trying to stop whatever it was. She didn’t care for violence, but it was satisfying to see the bully brought down.
“If you keep fighting, I’ll make it hurt twice as much,” Harry said as the bailiff hurried over. Serena held up her hand to get him to wait, and it didn’t seem to take much convincing.
“Let me go, bitch.” Big Byron’s face was getting red, and he couldn’t seem to get away from Harry.
“Listen to me,” Harry said softly. “The next time you lay a hand on her, or come anywhere near her, I’m going to make you sorry. Understand, big man?”
“You threaten me and it’s you who’ll be sorry.” It was like he couldn’t get his voice above a whisper.
“I’m not threatening. I’m promising,” Harry said, moving her hand slightly, and Big Byron stopped struggling. “Try this again, and I’ll break every one of your fingers and name the bones as I do.”
“He’s not worth it,” Desi said, putting her hand over Harry’s. “Let him go.”
Harry let go, and Big Byron fell back, holding his wrist.
“Behavior like that isn’t okay. I’m not going to sit back and let anyone treat you like that.” Harry stared him down. “And it’ll never happen again.”
Big Byron got up with Tammy’s help and cradled his hand against his chest. “You know I’m right, Desiree. Byron didn’t mean anything, and he’s sorry. You’re a Simoneaux, girl, and it’s time to start acting like it.”
Desi stared at him hard enough to make Harry put her arm around her waist. This reminded her of that bus stop all those years ago. She had the right to stand up for herself, and Harry would keep her safe. She swallowed against the tidal wave of fear and lifted her chin.
“I do know what Byron’s like, and I’ve had enough. That was never my home, and it will never be again. I’m leaving your name and family behind. I’m never going back.” She straightened her shoulders and didn’t break eye contact.
“You never know what’s going to happen, girl, so don’t count on that.” Big Byron spoke with that condescending smile but lost it and took a step back when Harry took a step toward him.
“Maybe you should concentrate on your family and the world of trouble they’re in,” Harry said. “If you threaten her again, you’re going to pray the police get there in time to save you from me.”
Serena cleared her throat as if to stop this from escalating, and the bailiff appeared relieved as he ordered everyone to rise. Judge Reaper waved everyone down and called the first case. Desi stood, her trembling hand in Harry’s, and she released the breath she’d been holding. She’d stood up to a bully and could have wept with the feeling of it, but instead she held it together and concentrated on what was going on. The judge was handsome, Desi thought, but that passive expression on his face changed when he stared at the man sitting at the table next to Serena’s.
“Good morning, Ms. Ladding. Are the People ready to proceed?” Reaper focused solely on Serena.
“Yes, Your Honor. In the interest of time and justice, we waive a jury trial if the defense is so inclined.” Serena glanced at Bradley, who was tugging on his collar and seemed to be turning a sickly shade of red.
“A couple more minutes and that guy’s going to need a doctor,” Harry whispered in Desi’s ear.
“Thank you, and the court will take that under advisement. And you, Mr. Blum?” The leather chair creaked as the judge turned to Bradley. “Are you ready to proceed?” Judge Reaper stopped and leaned forward as if just noticing something. “You look so lonely, Mr. Blum. Where’s your client?”
“Your Honor, we beg the court’s indulgence. I know you said for Mr. Simoneaux to be here, but he’s out of town and couldn’t be reached. He can’t be held accountable for something he knows nothing about. He has a right to be present.”
“Is he dealing with a grave family emergency?” the judge asked with a wide smile.
“No, Your Honor.”
“A business engagement he couldn’t get out of?”
“No, Your Honor.”
“Do you think Mr. Simoneaux’s absence stems from being wanted for questioning in another unrelated matter? Does he think the judicial system is as clueless as he is?” Reaper’s voice rose until Desi was sure he could be heard all the way to the street.
“No, Your Honor,” Bradley said with his hands up.
Judge Reaper tapped the desk. “Unless you have trouble understanding the written word, Mr. Blum, you should’ve advised your client of a few things. The most important is he’s not to leave the area without a way for the court to contact him. The reason for those stipulations, Mr. Blum, for future reference, is for times like this.”
“But, Your Honor—” Bradley tried.
The judge put his hand up and Bradley wisely shut up. “I don’t want to hear it. Everyone is ready to proceed, and your client isn’t here. Do you know what that means, Mr. Blum?” Judge Reaper asked, and Desi was sure no one in the courtroom would ever forget Blum’s name, the judge had used it so much.
“He’s to be remanded back into custody as soon as he’s apprehended.”
“Exactly, Mr. Blum, good for you. He has until nine o’clock this morning to report, and if not, bail is revoked. We’re adjourned, ladies and gentlemen,” Reaper said as he rapped his gavel and left the room.
“Aren’t you glad you’re not Byron?” Harry asked, smiling. “That was damn entertaining as well as a step in the right direction.” Harry stood and offered her a hand up.
“It’s that last step I’m looking forward to,” she said as she kissed Harry’s knuckles. The only thing that made her happier than the dressing-down the attorney had gotten was the look on Big Byron’s face. He didn’t have to say a word for her to understand what was going through his head.
Her father-in-law believed a lot of things that proved his ignorance on a variety of subjects. She’d been subjected to his views every time they had to spend time with him and Tammy, and he’d gotten worse with age. Gay people, though, were at the top of his list of people God got wrong. Leaving his son for Harry was tantamount to a crime against not only nature, but him.
“You’re almost there, love.”
“Thanks for sticking by me.” She kissed Harry’s hand again before facing Big Byron and straightening her shoulders. It was time to stop hiding from who she was and who she loved. “I love you for it.”