ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 116

Aiden Norris and Scott Sands were sitting outside the courthouse finishing up the drafts of their articles on the courthouse hostage crisis. Scott sent his via email to Reese Malden and the editor in chief while Aiden forwarded his off to Rebel and the editor.

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" You can't arrest my baby ! ," Keisha sobbed as she tried to get to her daughter but a uniform cop held her back. " She didn't mean it. She's only a child ! "

Jeremiah shook his head at his older sister and put his arm around his young niece's shaking shoulders as he walked with her and another uniformed officer to the back exit of the courthouse. Nicole's cuffed hands were awkwardly covering her face and she was crying.

Jeremiah called to his sister," It's going to be fine, sis. Go home with Justin. I'm going with Nic. We'll be home soon. I promise. I promise ! "

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Winston kneeled beside his husband whose face was twisted with pain. A paramedic was assisting Joe onto the stretcher gently.

Joe said with gritted teeth," I don't want that child charged with shooting me. She's just a kid. I don't think she meant it. Tell them that, Winston. "

Winston nodded and held his hand tightly. He leaned forward to kiss him on the lips tenderly , not caring who in the courthouse saw them. He said slowly," I .... I love you, Joseph. "

Joe stared at him in amazement. " You can talk ? That's good although I am going to give  you the silent treatment for risking your life. Oh and I love you too. God , do I love you. "

Then , in spite of the pain in his arm , he said with total seriousness," Since this was my " civic duty " do I get a Purple Heart ? I've been wounded twice after all. "

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Richard stood in the middle of his courtroom watching the aftermath of the hostage crisis along with Paul , Marcus, Claire , Betsy and Chief Judge Arnett.

He was talking to his own husband on his cell phone, saying," I'm fine, baby. Don't let the kids watch the news though. Especially Lewis. I love you. "

Nigel replied hoarsely on the phone," They're not. They're watching a movie in the living room. I was so fucking scared. I love you. " His voice broke off slightly for a second before he asked," Is this damn case done with now ? "

Richard sighed. " Yes. For me anyway. I'm declaring a mistrial. It's up to the State Attorney if he wants to refile. "

Andrew Norland ran into the courtroom followed by his wife Glory and two police officers.

Andrew shook off the cops and said sharply," Back off. That's my son ! "

He ran over to Richard and grabbed him in a firm tight embrace.

Chief Judge Bernard Arnett watched Andrew Norland with wide shocked eyes.

He swallowed as his old bleary eyes drank in the sight of his son hugging his grandson.