Tug Of Law (Bernadette Mackenna Cases Book 4)

by D. R. Bailey

  “That’s good, very good, we can get him on those,” said Imogen.

  “We can. Micky, this is excellent work, just what we need. If you can compile what you think are the best ones and put them together for us, then we’ll go over them, see if we need anything else.”

  “Thanks,” said Micky blushing slightly.

  “Are we going to put these into court, beforehand?” Imogen wondered.

  “I think we have to, it’s too much evidence to try to chance the judge allowing it without the prosecution seeing it. However, we’ll put the affidavit in at the last minute. We’ll need Callum to sign an affidavit confirming they came from his phone. We will give them no time to respond in writing or prepare for it.”

  “Good thinking, yes, I’ll work on the affidavit, and we will finalise the texts we’re going to use.”

  “Great, Micky, we’ll meet again next week, and then we can put the affidavit together,” Bernadette said.

  “Sure thing, if there’s nothing else?”

  “No, I assume everything’s OK?”

  “Yes, it is, anyway I’ll be off then,” said Micky getting up.

  “Thank you, darling,” said Bernadette as Micky smiled and left the room.

  “He’s a good soul,” Imogen said.

  “He sure is.”

  “What else do we need to do, for the hearing?”

  “File Anh’s affidavit, we can do that sooner, and then Callum’s right at the end.”

  “Great.”

  Usually, there should be a right to response to affidavit’s but given the type of hearing this was, the affidavit’s primary function was in order to question witnesses, and for the judge. There would also be submissions at the beginning and at the end by both parties.

  “We’ll formulate questions for their witnesses and ours.”

  “OK.”

  “How are things with you and D’Arcy? Apart from the obvious,” Bernadette changed the subject.

  “It’s great, we are going to make wedding plans of our own once yours is done.”

  “A big wedding?”

  “No, I don’t want it. It will be intimate and then we’ll do a spread for Hello magazine. It will keep the press happy and also earn us some money. Imagine that, people paying for your photos.”

  “That’s the set you’re joining.”

  “I know, I’m still not used to it at all and I’m determined not to allow it to change me,” Imogen said firmly.

  “On that note, have you introduced D’Arcy to your family?” Bernadette raised an eyebrow.

  “They are coming to ours the weekend after this one,” Imogen said with a sigh.

  “Are you so worried about it?”

  “Yes! I mean, I don’t want them to be silly about it, I want them to just be normal.”

  “Getting married to one of the most famous actresses in this country is hardly normal,” Bernadette laughed.

  “Yes, well, I’m worried they’ll say stupid things and embarrass me. Stuff like that!”

  “I sympathise, families are sometimes that way, but you have to accept them into your fold, as they will have to accept D’Arcy into theirs.”

  “Oh, I’m sure they’ll do that! After all who wouldn’t want a famous daughter-in-law. I just hope they don’t, you know, expect loads of handouts from D’Arcy. Take advantage, and things.” Imogen made a face.

  “Do you think they will?” Bernadette had no idea what Imogen’s parents and family were like. It was true that sometimes families could be prone to expect to be taken care of if one of them came into money.

  “The thing is D’Arcy will just buy them whatever, because she’s like that and I don’t want them sounding like a pack of money grubbers…” Imogen trailed off. “Shit, it sounds so bitchy of me.”

  “No, it’s understandable, I mean, can’t you talk to them about it?”

  “Oh God no, it would make it worse. My mother would take umbrage, it would be a disaster. I’m just going to tell D’Arcy she had to run all purchases for them by me first.”

  “No doubt with strictures,” Bernadette said wryly.

  “She knows exactly what will happen if she disobeys me.”

  “Hmm, and is that going to be in your wedding vows?”

  “Not in public, no, but we will say some in private, and yes.” Imogen shot her look as if she dared Bernadette to argue.

  “You will, of course, do as you both wish. What’s between you is between you. As long as you both agree, darling,” Bernadette said mildly.

  “I’ve discussed it with her of course, and she wants to. She’s not my slave or anything. Rather I’m hers in so many ways it’s not funny. If I ever wronged her, and I did that time before, I would crawl naked on my belly and kiss her feet like Eve kissed yours, to beg her to forgive me.”

  “I know.” Bernadette put out a hand and squeezed Imogen’s hand, because she could tell Imogen was becoming emotional.

  “But in the normal way of things, I will be the boss.”

  “You’ve sorted it out to your satisfaction that’s the main thing.” Bernadette smiled.

  “I’m going to fucking well cry at your wedding you know that don’t you,” said Imogen bursting into tears.

  “You’re crying now,” Bernadette observed taking her into her arms.

  “I know, I’m a fucking milksop…”

  “You’re not, you’re a beautiful, wonderful friend, and I love you.”

  “Don’t, oh fuck, I’m going to cry even more…”

  Bernadette laughed gently and stroked Imogen’s hair. She mused at their friendship. She didn’t know of one quite like it. Imogen was like the sister she never had, but even more than that. They had an unbreakable attachment, an enduring love, different to her love of Eve, but love just the same. Perhaps this was what it was like to have a sibling, she didn’t know. Imogen was the closest she had. Imogen would have her back no matter what, and she Imogen’s. It was comforting to know they would always be inseparable.

  ✽✽✽

  Bernadette took a day’s holiday, the Friday before the wedding day. She had not told Eve, but when the alarm didn’t go off and they lay holding each other in bed, Eve said, “Isn’t it time for you to go to work?”

  “No.” Bernadette smiled.

  “I’m sure it is,” insisted Eve.

  “I’m not going to work today.”

  “What?” Eve sat up in surprise.

  “I took the day off, I thought you would be pleased.”

  “Well, I am, but you are very naughty, you didn’t tell me,” Eve admonished her, “I’ve got a lot to do today, and I will hardly be here.”

  “No matter, is it? I won’t interfere, I promise. I just wanted to be with you the day before we got married. I mean, I’ll go to work if you want me to.” Bernadette pouted.

  Eve looked at her and smiled down at her. She snuggled back under the bedclothes. “No, it’s OK, but seeing as you are going to stay then you’ll have to find ways to entertain me.”

  “Must I?”

  “Oh yes, you really must. You can keep me entertained in between my tasks,” Eve said kissing her.

  “Shall I entertain you now?”

  “Yes, yes please,” Eve whispered as Bernadette’s hand stole down her back and down her thigh. “Now that’s what I’m talking about, oh… fuck… oh… yes… that is exactly what I’m… oh my God…”

  A little while later, Bernadette watched Eve get up with a smirk.

  “I’ll have a shower first, and make us breakfast, then you relax,” Eve told her.

  “Are you sure I can’t help?”

  “No, no you can’t. I absolutely forbid it and it would spoil the surprise. You can just chill out until tonight.”

  “What’s happening tonight?” Bernadette said with interest.

  “That is for me to know and for you to find out, my love, and you will, very soon. Now stay there and I’ll go and sho
wer.”

  “Can I join you?” Bernadette gave her a saucy grin.

  “No, no you can’t, not now, I’ve got lots to do, but later, for sure, my beautiful darling, definitely later.” Eve dropped a kiss on Bernadette’s lips and slid out of the bed.

  For much of the day, Eve disappeared. She was picked up by Carragh in D’Arcy’s Mercedes and whisked away. Bernadette was fairly certain the wedding was going to be at D’Arcy’s place, but she didn’t let on. The forbidden drawer also tempted her, but she didn’t break her promise to Eve. She felt it wasn’t fair after all of the effort Eve had gone through to keep everything from her. To spoil the surprise would be to disappoint her wife-to-be in so many ways none of which she could ever take back. She contented herself by remaining in a state of déshabillé and trying to waylay Eve whenever she returned home before going out again.

  “Oh, really, darling?” Eve would say, as she arrived for the third time to find Bernadette draped enticingly against the door frame to the living room. “Again? Really?” Eve continued taking Bernadette into her arms and kissing her softly. “You’ll be the death of me, and we’re not even married yet. Are you going to leave some for the wedding night?”

  “You’ve plenty in the tank, you witch, and you know it.”

  “Oh… fuck… what are you doing? Oh… God… I know what you’re doing… oh fuck… I only just put those clothes on… Bernadette… fuck… fuck… oh my God! I love you… I love you so much!”

  Eventually, dinner time came, and Eve wheeled down a suitcase. “Right then, get dressed, we’re going now.”

  “We are? We’re not eating dinner here?” Bernadette said smiling.

  “You know very well we’re not and I’m sure you’ve guessed where we’re going, so come on, Carragh will be here very soon.”

  “OK,” said Bernadette running quickly upstairs to get ready.

  Shortly Carragh arrived and whisked them away to D’Arcy’s house.

  ✽✽✽

  Dusk was setting in when they arrived, and the gates slid open. Carragh stopped at the end of the pathway to the house. As they got out, D’Arcy came bowling down the path to greet them. Her eyes were brim-full of news. She hugged and kissed Bernadette and Eve in turn.

  “Darling, so nice to see you,” she trilled to Bernadette, “Oh my God, you’ve got some surprises in store, but I can’t say any more, Imogen will kill me, not to mention Eve. So, mum’s the word.”

  “Come in, come in,” said Imogen smiling and giving them both a hug.

  “We’ve got dinner all ready,” D’Arcy said excitedly, “Come upstairs, darlings, Carragh will see to your bags.”

  The main dining table was set with fine china, and crystal glasses. A large candelabra was lit with long white candles. A beautiful white and red centrepiece of roses sat in the centre of the table.

  “Oh, my goodness, how fabulous,” Bernadette exclaimed.

  “Eve did it, she set it all out, your last dinner before you’re married,” Imogen said.

  “Sit, sit, the food will be served shortly.”

  Dinner consisted of a light Vietnamese salad, followed by Boeuf bourguignon.

  “Oh my God, my favourite!” said Bernadette accept the healthy portion Eve ladled out for her, with mashed potatoes and vegetables, “Mmm, that’s a lot, I hope I’ll fit my wedding dress.”

  “Of course, you will.” Eve smiled, reaching out her hand and squeezing it.

  “So, Imogen’s family is coming over I hear?” said Bernadette changing the subject.

  Imogen made a face at her, but Bernadette smiled back sweetly.

  “Oh, yes I’m looking forward to meeting them of course,” said D’Arcy.

  “I’m sure you are.”

  “I’m not on good terms with my own family as you know, so it would be nice to meet a more normal family.”

  Imogen snorted on hearing this and D’Arcy looked at her sharply.

  “Everyone thinks their family isn’t normal,” said Eve, “That’s the way of it.”

  “Oh, but, darling, mine isn’t at all normal as you know,” D’Arcy insisted.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “So, what about your own wedding plans, D’Arcy?” said Bernadette almost mendaciously.

  Imogen shot her another look filled with daggers, but Bernadette was trying to find topics which didn’t involve asking about her own wedding.

  “Oh well, we’re still discussing it. I suppose I want the world to know, but I think we’re going to just have it much more intimate with a photoshoot for Hello instead.”

  “But you’ve surely got lots of friends,” said Bernadette who was in a playful mood and knew this wasn’t the case at all.

  “I wouldn’t call many of them friends, just people who like me because I have money. In the bad old days, they came for a wild time, I suppose, but we’re not doing things like that anymore. My real friends are few, in fact, the best friends I have are around this table,” D’Arcy said smiling at them all.

  “Am I your best friend then?” Imogen asked her.

  “You are my very best friend as well as being the love of my life, darling.”

  “Thank you, and likewise.”

  Imogen leaned across and kissed her softly.

  “So, I think it will be a small wedding as I said, and I think it’s best. I don’t need to parade myself in front of everyone. They can read about it instead,” D’Arcy continued.

  “And will you have it here?” Bernadette wondered.

  “Yes of course, and both of you will be bridesmaids to the two of us. We’re both going to wear dresses we’ve decided. After all, you only get married once and I’ve got just the dream dress in mind.”

  “You had better only be getting married once, darling,” Imogen said but she was smiling.

  “There will never be anyone but you,” D’Arcy said seriously.

  “That’s the right answer.”

  Bernadette glanced at Imogen briefly because of Shane, but Imogen looked away colouring up. Bernadette could not imagine Imogen throwing it all away for lust. She would just have to learn to deal with such impulses.

  “Who’s for dessert?” D’Arcy asked brightly noticing everyone had finished.

  “I won’t say no but I hope it’s light,” Bernadette replied.

  “It’s a cheesecake but a very light and fluffy one, my chef is a wizard.”

  “Then, yes please.”

  The plates were removed, and the cheesecake proved to be a light lemony flavour with a ginger crunch base which they all pronounced delightful.

  After coffee and less contentious conversation, Eve told Bernadette it was time for bed. Bernadette meekly followed her after bidding the others goodnight.

  “Are we sleeping together?” she asked, mindful of the traditions.

  “Of course, I don’t believe in all that stuff, do you? We start as we mean to go on.”

  Eve pulled her into the bedroom and shut the door, then she deftly pinned Bernadette up against the wall by dint of kissing her passionately.

  “Is this starting as we mean to go on?” Bernadette whispered.

  “God yes!”

  Eve’s hands were already engaged in disrobing her fiancée and Bernadette happily surrendered to her ministrations.

  ✽✽✽

  The morning of the wedding dawned bright and sunny. The sun streamed in through the windows waking them both up as they had not drawn the blinds. There was nobody to see them out here at D’Arcy’s house.

  “Wake up sleepyhead, we’re getting married today,” said Eve kissing her love.

  “Oh, yes, how glorious, I can hardly believe it.” Bernadette smiled and kissed her back.

  “Now, remember when I made you get the marriage license sorted out over three months ago,” said Eve with twinkling eyes.

  “Yes, it’s the only thing I’ve done right. Were you planning this all along?”

  “Perhaps,” Eve ch
uckled, “The row we had actually made it easier. Well, I wouldn’t call it a row exactly…”

  “More like a tantrum for which you were deservedly punished,” Bernadette laughed.

  “Mmm, I did deserve it for sure.”

  “You wanted me to.”

  “Yes, I did, and I will again.” Eve kissed her. “But anyway, at the time you wanted to leave the license thingy, but you know it takes three months to get and so…”

  “I know, and you were right to make me.”

  “See, your witch is wise as she is volatile.”

  “You are, my darling and I love you, I love you so much.”

  “I love you too, my sweetheart, but now it’s time to get up, have breakfast, then in no time at all you’ll be getting dressed in your wedding dress, and I will too. But you won’t see me until we are ready to marry.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, I don’t want you to see my dress until then.”

  “But you’ve seen mine!” Bernadette pouted.

  “Of course, I have silly, and that’s my prerogative as the wedding arranger. I’ll be waiting for you, darling. I want to watch you walk down that aisle to me. I want to watch you every step of the way and see how beautiful you are, and how you’re coming just to marry me.”

  “Oh shit, you’re going to make me cry and we haven’t even started.”

  “You have no idea, well, I think you do, just how deeply I am in love with you. I am besotted with you. I can’t get enough of you. Losing you would virtually kill me. I would be dead inside. So, if you ever think in future, I want to leave you, just remember what I’ve said.”

  “Yes, I will, and I’m sorry for doubting you.”

  “Don’t be sorry, just believe in my love from now on, no matter how badly I might behave.”

  “I promise to do that, and to take you in hand if you misbehave, just like you asked me to.”

  “Yes, please do, now let’s get up and get ready for a wonderful day, I promise you it will be wonderful.”

  “Can’t we stay a little longer,” said Bernadette her hand stealing down Eve’s naked skin.

  “Not today, not until later.” Eve smiled, kissed her and got out of bed before things could get out of hand.