Unexpected 9: Crime Set

Chapter 12: Judge, promise

"That's him! Remember, tell the the truth and answer what you're asked." Alex whispered as the figure approached them

"Counselor?" Judge Rodgers asked.

"Yes, your Honor. Sergeant William Spivey" Alex said gesturing towards Buck, "and Sergeant Daniel Harrellson Jr. As you requested, your Honor." he finished gesturing towards Hondo.

Both sergeants nodded once and stood quietly.

"That was fast." he said nodding, staring at them, "I like that!" he said turning his back to them. The man in the robe made it to the office, where he opened the door. He turned to them and gestured for them to go in.

After two hours of intense questioning, the judge was satisfied with the information. There was no doubt the man still had the prosecutor's touch, as he made tough questions to both men. Just as Alex had predicted, Hondo's turn had been torturous! The questions most of the time made him think before answering. The details being demanded had been engraved deep into his brain files! He had to reminisce, take his time, think thoroughly.

This guy's not playing! Hondo thought by mid interview.

The judge dismissed the participants thanking them for their time and collaboration. He ordered Alex to reproduce the defendant and bring them into his chamber. Chris was unavailable, but Street raced his way back after leaving two bags of belongings with Rubio, who had was already in the foster home. With sour taste and a heavy soul, he made his way to the office.

"Yes, your Honor." he answered when called

"Officer Street, before I go any further, I never had a chance to ask you; why do you want to be this young man's father?"

"Because I've grown to love him. I feel a true connection with him that I've never felt before. I can teach him things and work with him stuff that I never got a chance to do with my own father. I always feared having to raise somebody else, just because I didn't trust myself to be a good role model. But with him I've never really doubted myself. He's helped me see that side of me that I never felt was possible for me to own. I feel like the old me is gone. Having a family with him and Chris -I mean- Captain Alonso was the fairy tale I read in books or saw in movies, not something I would ever had a chance to live...and honestly, I wouldn't change it for the world. Yes, I know I made stupid mistakes before, but it was because I didn't really have anything to lose, anybody to lose. Now? I have someone who waits for me to get home. Your Honor, I can't really describe the feeling, I can just say that I feel that they complete me."

"Do you believe this child has potential to be a positive member of our society?"

"I believe he has all the potential, you Honor, to be a great addition to any society! He's smart, talented, amazing cook, story teller, singer, entertainer, he makes people laugh, he's stubborn, strong, inventive...I could go on forever! I just really think life's been hard on him."

"Your supervisor said both times you faltered it was because of your incarcerated mother. If this child were to ask you to break the law again, would you?"

"I would do anything for him, you Honor. But now, instead of going out there automatically, I think things through. I consider alternatives and I always communicate with my bosses. I don't go behind their backs anymore. I learned that I'm not a lone wolf anymore. That's why Chris and I are working together to help him, not just me or not just her. We also have the support of her family, the guys at work, Miss Rita and Buck. We're not alone on this, your Honor. I just...think it's not fair they have to pay for my mistakes!"

"You said it yourself, it's not just you anymore."

"Your Honor, may I add something?"

"Sure."