ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 46

" I am giving up this case ," Richard said as he entered the chambers of L.L. Handel who was sitting behind his organized desk reading by braille a law journal article.

L.L. put down the law journal and angled his head towards the sound of his colleague and friend. " Why ? You were doing well today. What has happened? "

Richard sighed and went to sit down in a chair opposite the blind judge's desk. "Nigel received a threat today. About this case. A threat to him and our children. And myself. It's not worth it. There are other judges. "

L.L. said regally," Did you alert the authorities? "

" Yes. The local police have been called. They say they will assign an officer to guard  myself in the courthouse and one to watch the house and Nigel when he is alone. And I alerted Gerald at the school. He has informed the security there. "

" Good. I also recommend getting temporary private security for the duration of this case. Have you told Judge Arnett of the threat ? "

" I emailed him. I told him I wanted off this ridiculous case. Let another judge handle it. A more experienced one who doesn't have a spouse and five children to think about. "

L.L. leaned forward in his chair. " And ? "

Richard sighed. " He said no. The old bastard. Not like he has a family to worry about."

L.L. laughed. " Careful. You're forty three. I'm fifty two. One day we'll be the old bastards terrorizing baby judges. One day very soon actually. He won't let you escape this case. And he shouldn't. This won't be your last threat. Trust me on that. Remember the terrorist case I had in DC. My family and I barely escaped with our lives. Michael wouldn't let me drop it though. "

Richard crossed his legs casually and pouted. " Neither will Nigel. He's not scared. He's mad. He said we can't run away from creatures like that. "

L.L. smiled as he thought of his handsome young husband. His Damsel. " We married incredible and brave men, didn't we ? "

Richard snorted ," And stubborn. Too stubborn. "  He pictured his husband in his head. His gorgeous smart sexy kind stubborn husband with his eye patch and his scars. " I don't want to endanger my family. But I don't want to hinder my career either. If I recuse myself now over this others will think I can be intimidated. "

L.L. nodded briskly. " Precisely. " He pulled open his top desk drawer and reached in to feel around until he found a silver flask. He put it on the desk. " Go get a coffee cup from the table over by the window. I know it's there. Nothing changes in here. My clerk knows better than to rearrange my stuff. "

Richard laughed and went to get the cup. " What is it ? Are you drinking this early, my friend? "

L.L. laughed. " Heavens no. I keep it for emergencies such as this. It's gin. Or turpentine. It'll be an adventure for you. Take a little to calm your nerves and then go arrange private security. Finish your day's cases and go home to love your family. "

Richard laughed heartily as he poured a little, ok a lot , into the cup. " This better not be turpentine. Nigel will kick your ass. "

He took a long sip.

L.L. smiled widely. " He'll have to fight Michael first. And Michael's sister Mary."

Richard laughed again. " Nigel has a sister called Mary too. Evil girl. She's married to my son Niles. She claims their baby Trey is premature. An eight pound premature baby. "

L.L. replied," I'm blind and I wouldn't believe that one. And Michael has an evil sister too. She's called Charlie. "