Law of Love

28

When Stevie walked into her office, Tom was sitting on her desk. "Welcome back, I don't know how you do what you do, I'm exhausted and it's only been about four months,  and now I'm going on vacation. Have fun with this case." Tom chucks a newspaper at her. She catches it and reads the title Blackmail Attempt Leads to Murder-Starlet Charged. 

"Well wait, what do you have on this case?" Stevie questions.

"Nothing yet, it just opened up a couple of days ago, the bail hearing is in an hour, everything you'll need for that is on the first page of the file. Have fun." Tom winks walking out. 

Stevie whines but sits down at her desk and goes over everything. 

***

Walking into the courtroom, Stevie sees Christine and a young woman sitting at the defense table and she slightly groans. 

"Hell of a Welcome back isn't it. Lindsey's in court right now he should be here soon." Christine stands and hugs her. 

"You're friendly with the prosecution?" The young girl questions. 

"You'll find out why." Christine winks. 

Lindsey walks in as the judge is speaking and he silently apologizes with a wave and the judge nods his head, Christine had informed him that Lindsey would be late. "Trial will be set in this courtroom on the 13th, at nine in the morning. Concerning the matter of bail for the defendant, Lauren Caldwell, does the prosecution have any recommendations?" 

"Your honor the defendant has no family and no professional ties connected to this community. Therefore, flight to avoid prosecution is a very real possibility. We recommend that bail be set at 100,00 dollars." Stevie stands up. 

"Ugh, your honor, my client has no prior record, no convictions, no prior arrests, not even a traffic ticket." Lindsey looks to Stevie. 

"Her youth alone dictates that bail should be no less than 100,000," Stevie replies.

"Steph, She's 20 years old," Lindsey argues. 

"That is hardly mature. Your honor, she needs adult supervision." Stevie states.

"And she has it, her mother's right here." Lindsey points to the older woman right behind him in the center. 

"Her mother is also a stranger to this community." Stevie crosses her arms.

"Well not to me, I've known Jonelle Caldwell for years, I'll vouch for her." Lindsey shrugs.

"You will?" Stevie cocks an eyebrow. 

"Of course I will." Lindsey moves closer to Stevie. 

"Mr. Buckingham, Mrs. Buckingham." The judge bangs the gavel garnering their attention. Lauren's mouth falls open and she turns to Christine who just nods with a smirk on her face. 

"Bail is set at 50,000 dollars. Congratulations on the baby girl and welcome back from Maternity Leave Mrs. Buckingham." The judge bangs the gavel. 

"Thank you, Your honor." Lindsey smiles 

***

"So Lunch?" Stevie sighs and grabs her briefcase.

"Well, uh...might as well," Lindsey starts. 

"Linds...I'll meet you outside." Jonelle reaches over and lightly places her hand on his shoulder. 

"Ugh yeah..." He nods to her, she walks out, and he turns back to Stevie. "I'll meet you in a bit." 

"If I'm still here?" She gives a look and saunters off.

"Shit," Lindsey says turning the other way.