by Ali Vali
"I guess. Harry, I just want to apologize again for dragging you into all this. You shouldn't have to be made to suffer for all my past mistakes. And believe me, honey, Byron was one big mistake. I hope God has forgiven Clyde for getting me into this marriage, because I sure in hell am not going to anytime soon. But you know something?"
"What's that, love?"
"Even after all I've been through, I'd do again in a heartbeat if at the end of the road I knew you'd be waiting for me. I love you." Desi leaned further into Harry's embrace and kissed her back.
"No more long hard roads for you, my love, come on grab your crutches and walk with me. It's come to my attention you've lived here close to three months and you still haven't seen the whole spread. And since you're going to be the lady of the house, it seems only fitting the house meets with your approval. If not, we sell it and find one that does." Harry stood up from the table and bowed deeply from the waist.
She had wanted to show Desi something on the property ever since she had told her what she wanted to do with her time. Slowing her gait down to accommodate Desi's pace, Harry showed her parts of the garden that were coming to life with the onset of spring, or what passed for spring in the humid city.
As they continued their leisurely stroll, Desi realized the house actually took up almost a whole block along the avenue it faced. In addition to the house and gardens, the property had a pool with an outdoor kitchen, a bathhouse, and a large hot tub. Harry walked them in the opposite direction of the pool to where another small building stood. It seemed ironic to Harry now that the wife of the couple she had purchased the house from was an artist.
The place she was walking Desi to was the studio her husband had built for her as an anniversary present after the sale of some of her paintings. The woman had given Harry one of her canvases as a housewarming gift after she had admired it. Harry had been drawn to it when she went out to look at the studio when she was considering purchasing the house. Because the vivid watercolor brought back a flood of memories, she'd had it framed and left it out in the studio. From then till now she hadn't looked at it again.
When Desi stepped through the doorway it was the first thing that caught her eye. The painting in the old cypress frame Harry had gotten for it was a depiction of the front of a house in New Orleans and it's small yard. It could have been any house really, since so many of them shared the same characteristics, but this one had a big swing hanging from the end of the porch in front.
If you replaced the azalea bushes the artist had put in front of the railing with daylilies it could have been the house Desi grew up in. She knew immediately why Harry had kept this out here and not in the house where it really belonged. Looking at it everyday would have made it impossible to forget what they were on the cusp of all those years ago and then lost.
"The lady who spent so many days out here creating things like that told me this part of the garden was home to a special muse that was her friend and companion for all the work she created. Her hope was I find someone who would keep this special spirit happy and give it company. The only reason she left her behind to inspire the next artist to grace this space was because of her age. Arthritis wouldn't allow her to hold her brushes long enough to finish anything else."
Desi leaned into her crutches so she could bring her hands up to her mouth. "You're like a dream, Harry."
"From now on I hope to be your reality, baby. Consider this is my gift to you. Whenever you're ready you can work out here and create whatever Francine's muse will help you with. It needs a little work but I happen to know a good decorator who'll help you make it your own space. May you be as happy here as Francine was, and for just as many years." Harry walked up to Desi and wiped away the fat tears rolling down her face. For once the doctor joined her in a good cry and they just held each other in the sunny room that overlooked the back garden. It felt good to just be happy.
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"All rise," said the bailiff as Jude took the bench. They had gotten through most of their business that morning so the courtroom wasn't as crowded for their afternoon session.
For a brief moment a brilliant smile broke out on Jude's face, but it disappeared before anyone really took notice of it. The thing that had brought Jude such pleasure was the sight of Bradley Blum sitting alone in the first row of seats just behind the low railing that separated the attorney's table from the courtroom's spectators. Bradley appeared a tad bit red in the face as if his tie was pulled too tight.
"Your honor, we're set to hear the defense motion filings for docket number LA6689. There are twenty-eight in all unless Mr. Blum has anything else to add," said the bailiff, Rudy. After working for Jude for years, Rudy could tell this was one of those moments that made all the long hours and low pay worth it.
"Mr. Blum, are you and your client ready?" Jude leaned back in his chair and glared at the bumbling idiot from over the rim of his glasses with his one good eye.
"I was unable to get in touch with my client, sir. His father has informed me he's out of town on vacation for a couple of days and can't be reached. If your honor would be so inclined, we'd ask for a couple of days delay so we can be better prepared." Bradley smiled at Serena when Jude leaned forward and didn't say anything for a long while. To Bradley's untrained eye the judge seemed to be contemplating his request, and he was certain the old bulldog would grant his motion.
"Mr. Blum, are you aware that because Mr. Simoneaux is out on bond, the court has a right to know where he is at all times? Or did you miss the day when they taught that in law school?"
"No, sir, but…"
"It wouldn't be my problem or concern that he's facing charges today and has decided to take a vacation despite all that. Most intelligent folks would sit at home and think of the error of their ways. You know, act contrite and such."
"Sir, Mr. Simoneaux is innocent until proven guilty," added Bradley.
"Thank you for pointing that out, Mr. Blum, but unlike you I actually showed up for all my classes in law school and was already aware of that. Again you might want to follow the rule I set before and speak only when addressed." Keeping his mouth shut, Bradley simply nodded. "Another point for you to keep in mind is that it's a courtesy to your client to be here for all proceedings that take place in his case. A courtesy he's forfeited by not appearing, I might add, so we shall just add that to his list of charges for ignoring my order to appear today. What does all that tell you, Mr. Blum?" asked Jude who was now pinning the man with a deadly one-eyed stare.
"That we'll proceed without him?" Bradley stated it more as a question than a response. Despite the air-conditioning in the room sweat was trickling down his face, and Bradley kept sticking his finger in his collar to try and loosen his tie.
"That's correct, Mr. Blum, we're proceeding without him. If Mr. Simoneaux doesn't agree with me there's always the state appellate court. They might be more compassionate towards his plight. The thing about that avenue though, if you are familiar with my record on the bench is what, Ms. Ladding?"
"In twenty-two years his honor has only been overturned on appeal once," supplied Serena.
"And why was that?" prompted Jude.
"His honor was on his honeymoon and someone else was filling in."
"Thank you, Ms. Ladding, superb as usual. Now, Mr. Blum, twenty-eight motions on this case, I'm impressed. Shall we begin?"
Bradley mopped his brow with his handkerchief and nodded. Remembering in a panic his courtroom decorum he weakly added, "Yes, sir, the defense is ready to proceed."
"The last motion is denied," Jude said ten minutes later.
As Serena had predicted, all of Byron's motions filed by Bradley were shot down in short order, with sound case law to back him up. Now came the killer, and she had another premonition Jude's clerk hadn't shared with Bradley this next little tidbit of information. Jesus loves me this I know because I'm not Bradley, kept ringing through her head with mor
e delight than she should be feeling for the poor man's plight, but hell, it wasn't her.
"Ms. Ladding, I want to thank you for appearing here today on such short notice. I take it the people are ready to proceed with their case against Mr. Simoneaux?" Jude's demeanor completely changed when he turned away from Bradley and looked at Serena. He never could figure out why his goddaughter never ended up with this beauty. Rising out of her chair Serena graced him with a smile of her own.
"Yes, your honor, the people have been ready for weeks now. In my opinion, had it not been for the mountain of filings brought forth by Mr. Simoneaux's attorney, we'd be finished with the trial by now. Whenever your honor would like to put it on the docket we'll be ready to proceed." Serena finished by batting her eyelashes in Bradley's direction. She swore if the man pulled on his collar anymore they would have to call in paramedics when he passed out.
"Due to some 'pending police matters' let's call them, I'll be recusing myself from the case forthwith." Jude flipped his book open as if to look up another date, making Bradley smile over at Serena.
"Thank you, your honor, I'm sure my client…"
"You're talking again, Mr. Blum, when no one of importance has asked you to do so. As I was saying, I'm recusing myself but have made arrangements for this case. You're set for trial starting at eight tomorrow morning in Judge Carleton Reaper's court. If there's nothing further we're adjourned. I trust you have nothing further, Mr. Blum?" The expression on Jude's face warned Bradley to just say 'no sir' and get the day over with. Any other motions or requests for delays would surely land him next to Byron in central lockup with a contempt of court citation.
"No, sir, we'll be ready," answered Bradley with a confidence he didn't feel.
"Good, remember eight tomorrow morning across the hall, Blum. Don't be late, and if you can stand any more of my advice, have your client with you, Mr. Blum."
When Jude had cleared the door that led to his private offices, Bradley turned and glared accusingly at Serena. "The Grim Reaper is going to hear this case? What did you have to do, sleep with the old bastard to get that?"
"Why, Bradley, haven't you heard? Judge Rose is married and I'm gay so it was the sheer force of my personality that got me the Grim Reaper. But the next time I'm having lunch with Jude, I'll make sure and mention to him you think so highly of his sexual prowess. See you in court," said Serena in a sugar sweet voice.
"You wouldn't dare."
She looked at him and just laughed. "Just a heads up since I like you so much, Bradley. You might want to pull the police reports for last nigh then up the retainer you charged for representing Mr. Simoneaux."
"Why?"
"Like I said, just a heads up." Serena gave no further clues and all Bradley could do was watch the sway of her butt encased in the sleek black suit as she left the courtroom. Now all he had to do was find Byron before eight the next morning, and find out what the irritating ADA was talking about.
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"You know, anymore days like today and I might find myself unemployed," said Harry from the floor of the studio. After giving Desi her surprise, Desi had decided to thank Harry in a way only she could deliver. They were both naked on the floor by the big windows overlooking the gardens and both were smiling despite the hard wood floor beneath them.
"Then I could spend all day with you, so that's not an incentive to make me let you go, Dr. Basantes." Harry rolled over and hovered over Desi a moment looking at her face before kissing her. She would never get tired of looking at Desi's beauty and took every opportunity to do so.
"I think tomorrow you should call Tony and go shopping for all the stuff you're going to need to get started. Then Mona will have to get the cleaning service out here, there has to be two inches of dust on everything in here, including me." Harry pecked Desi's lips one more time before getting to her feet and walking across the room to retrieve her pants. Desi just sat up from where they had been lying and admired Harry's naked form, and let a bit of pout form on her face when she saw the cell phone materialize in Harry's hand. Maybe this is what it meant to be a medical widow.
She punched one of the numbers on the memory pad and spoke for a few minutes looking back at Desi's miffed expression. "Yes I realize there were surgeries scheduled for today but I had something come up, and besides nothing was earth shattering enough that I can't take care of it this afternoon. Just make sure the OR is ready to go when I get there, which should be in about fifteen minutes, so go ahead and work up Mr. Benson. He wants to get back to his golf game and needs some new knees to hit the greens, so I'll see you in a few."
Harry walked back to where her lover was now glaring at her, but with the sun streaming in from the window Desi still looked like an angel. "I'll only be gone for a few hours, my love. Only two patients and they're right down the street, so no catastrophic emergencies waiting for me today. Come on, Des, don't look at me like that. Cut me some slack and I promise to make it up to you." She walked around Desi and came to sit behind her making it easier to pull the smaller body against her.
"I just want to spend time with you. Is that selfish of me? I mean I have you to thank for my own recovery." Desi reveled in the feel of Harry's skin behind her. It was so easy to be intimate with Harry, so easy to get lost in the passion she had awoken in her.
"That's not selfish, honey, since that's how I feel about you. Now that you're here with me maybe I'll even consider early retirement. Don't you want to hear how I'm going to make it up to you?" asked Harry as she folded her body around Desi's and felt her nod. "I'm going to take you out to dinner tonight with no beeper, no phone and no distractions. I'll get someone else to take my calls, and that way, you won't have to share me for the evening. How's that sound?"
"Like heaven, and I was just kidding, no early retirement for you, baby. I owe you for my recovery like I said and I won't deprive anyone else of that. Too many people need you. Get going, the sooner you start, the sooner you finish." They shared one more long kiss before getting up and getting dressed. Walking back to the house Harry bid Desi goodbye before jumping in the Land Rover and leaving for the hospital. She was planning on a quick shower in the doctor's lounge before heading into surgery.
While waiting for Harry to come home, Desi decided to try out that big claw foot tub in the bathroom upstairs. Her date for the evening didn't tell her where they were going but she did say jeans were out. Sitting in the hot water Desi mentally went through her wardrobe and tried to pick something Harry would like. The soft knock on the door broke her thoughts away from her closet and Harry to Mona. She was the only other person in the house and she hoped everything was all right, knowing she wouldn't disturb her without a good reason.
"Yes, Mona, what's up?"
"Sorry to bother you, sweetie, but Serena's downstairs and she wants to talk to you. Said to tell you it's important."
"Thanks. Tell her I'll be downstairs in a few minutes." She was already regretting having to cut her bath short, but if Serena came over it must have something to do with Byron and his legal troubles she guessed.
Desi threw on her jeans and a shirt Harry had tossed across one of the chairs in the room and headed downstairs on the electric lift Harry had installed. Serena was waiting for her in the sunroom with another visitor Desi didn't expect, but was happy to see.
"Desi, hey, is my Uncle Harry here?"
The little boy came over and hugged her good leg looking up at her with his big blue eyes. If I didn't know any better I'd have to say Harry fathered this kid, thought Desi as she smiled down at Harry's biggest fan. "Sorry, Albert, but Uncle Harry's working today."
Serena looked on with great amusement. Desi appeared different every time they talked, it was as if someone had removed a large weight off the young woman's shoulders making her look lighter and younger. She was starting to show more confidence and the fear in her eyes that had been there before was gone. Serena could see that Desi was
beautiful inside and out and it definitely softened the pain of losing.
They sat together while Serena told her of the day's events and what had been scheduled for the next morning. The relief in Desi's eyes now that this nightmare was perhaps coming to an end was more than evident. "You do realize though, that Byron and Mike have skipped town. My guess is they're trying to formulate some sort of alibi clearing them of what happened last night. But if Byron fails to appear tomorrow morning, then he has officially jumped bail."
"What will happen then?"
"His bail bondsman will send some big goons to find him and bring him back kicking and screaming to face trial. If he doesn't show it'll also mean he'll become a fugitive in the eyes of the law, and if I had to guess, I'd say that's what Judge Rose had in mind all along. I heard through the grapevine Jude is still pissed about your ex dragging his naked wife out of bed and into the night, and using him as a punching bag."
Desi nodded as well as shivered. "Byron was always good at making his point with his fists."
"Something you wont' have to worry about again, sweetie." Serena reached over and rubbed Desi's knee in sympathy. "The other plus to having him not show tomorrow is, when he does come back he'll most probably go back to jail while the court proceedings are taking place. Once Judge Reaper gets a hold of him, I'm sure he'll want Byron someplace he can keep tabs on him."
Desi had been thinking about what would have happened to her and Harry had Byron and his brother found the right house last night. She shivered again and jumped when the phone next to her rang. "Hello," she said, hearing the music in the background told her who it was before the deep sexy voice came over the line.
"Hello, beautiful, just wanted to tell you we're heading into our next surgery so I'll be home in about two hours." Harry tried to hold the phone and change scrubs before starting on Mr. Benson's right knee replacement.
Desi filled her in on what Serena had come over and explained. Considering the upcoming court date they both realized they would have to postpone their visit to Harry's parents that weekend but there would be time enough to discuss that later. Harry could hear Desi needed a hug just from the sound of her voice and wished she could just run home for a moment and deliver.
