Love Will Keep Us - Book 5

Headed to Court

STEF POV

Mike and I walk into the courtroom for the sentencing of Cindy Devanol, Jude's mother, and Clarence Ashland, something I have not been looking forward to in the least. I have gone over Jude's file thoroughly, and if I'm completely honest with myself, a bit more invested than I should be. Mike even told me just the other day that I'm not really focused because I'm so hell bent on investigating this woman and that I need to spend my time reading over his write-up so that I'm prepared for court.

"Did you read the report like I suggested?" Mike whispers, and I nod my head as I adjust my gun belt. "Good. Because I know that this could be a harder case than what we're expecting."

"Why is that?" We take a seat off to the side while we wait for the prisoners to be escorted into the courtroom as I fix my badge. "Mike?"

"Well, I know you've been investigating the son, but I don't know if you've read up on Cindy or not."

I glance at him sharply. "I have some, yes. Not extensively but did I miss something?" I ask hoarsely as my heart hammers for I knew I hadn't dug too deeply into Cindy just yet for I more so interested in Jude.

"She's a bit of a con artist as her fingerprints brought up different names from various states. Just to inform you a bit. I should have told you before today," Mike answers as Cindy as well as her boyfriend are escorted into the courtroom in handcuffs.

"What other names and which states? Is Cindy even her real name?" I ask Mike in a loud whisper, but he just shakes his head.

"Not now. I'll tell you when we break for lunch."

"Mike!" I hiss as the judge walks into the room. "Fucking tell me!"

"Not. Now," he growls under his breath as the bailiff speaks and I am completely livid and annoyed with him. "I don't have time to tell you everything."

"All rise!" The bailiff says as I anxiously await to see what will take place and my interest into who this Cindy woman was  peaked more than ever.

----------------------------------------------

LENA POV

"Hey, baby, are you doing okay?" I smile softly as I had made my way straight to Mike's after school hoping that I would catch Callie before he came home. I really wanted to see she was doing especially since she had not shown up to game night, wasn't at the bakery much anymore and was difficult to get on the phone. I had thought of stopping by her school to check on her but I thought heading over to Mike's would allow for more privacy. Callie was hurting, I knew that and so did Stef and I also knew I would somehow need to show Callie that even just stopping by for dinner was ok. That her Mom did miss her and that she just didn't always come across right. Yes, my wife would also need to talk to Callie again as well which she planned to, but in the meantime I wanted to see how she was.

The young girl blushes softly as she looks down. "Umm, yes, Mama. Come on in."

"Thanks honey. Nice to see you sweetheart."

"You too Mama." She says softly once again in an almost embarrassed tone as I really feel this talk needs to happen now more then ever and I wish I had brought Stef along. Walking slowly past her into Mike's kitchen I look around and smile at the little touches she has added to the place. I can tell that she has been cleaning it as well as adding a few decorations on the walls. She even had placed a nice tablecloth and a centerpiece on the small table, something that wasn't there the last time I had come to his apartment.

"You don't work at the bakery today, I take it?" I smile as I open my lunch box and pull out a small container and set it on the small counter.

"Oh. Not today. I work there tomorrow," Callie nervously walks over to the counter and picks up the container. "What's this?"

"Oh, I thought of you, sweetheart. The other night Frankie and your mama made apple turnovers, and I saved you a couple."

"Oh." Callie looks away sadly. "Would you like something to drink?" She asks softly as I catch her hand.

"Hey, honey, look at me."

Callie turns slowly and looks at me sadly as I cup her cheek. "Oh, sweetheart, it's okay to care," I say rather softly as tears form in her eyes. "It really is."

"Would you like some water? Or I can make you tea?" She tries to change the subject as I nod sensing just how upset she really is.

"Do you have some milk? We can each eat a turnover and chat," I suggest as she nods and heads to the fridge while I find two glasses and two small plates. Callie was alot like Stef but also her father at the same time as we take a seat at the little table sharing the dessert. "How you doing baby? MM school ok?"

"Yeah schools good Mama. Alot of work but it's good."

"Yeah the work load increases each year. But you're a good student you will excel." I encourage as she smiles.

"Thanks."

"Of course. Listen, we missed you at Game Night honey. We did."

"Oh well, I just got tired." Callie says avoiding my eyes as she takes another small bite of the apple turnover. "Just alot of school work."

"Yeah? Even on a Friday night?"

"Mama..I...."

"Listen honey," Gently I place my hand on top of hers as her soft brown eyes look into mine. Hurt was written all over them as I continued to rub her hand. "I know you are upset with your Mom. And I know about the fight you both had and I know she apologized in her own way and said you can come home whenever you are comfortable. Unless I'm missing something?"

"No you aren't. She did say that. I mean not as friendly as you would but she did. And if she wants me home so bad why didn't she invite me to Game Night instead of you? Seems to me she was fine that night."

"What do you mean she was fine that night?" I ask now growing confused as she takes another small bite of her dessert.

"Nothing."

"No, it's not nothing. What do you mean honey?"

"Mama, I did come to Game Night. But I saw you all laughing and having fun so I figured it didn't matter if I was there or not. Like, I don't want to cause problems. Frankie already hates me and Corey barely talks to me. Why ruin their fun."

"Honey, you would not cause problems , or ruin anyone's fun and Frankie does not hate you."

"Oh she hates me Mama she said so herself many times. She said I'm done to her and that I'm not even her sister anymore. It hurt. And I know I made the comment about not asking for two Moms but, I didn't mean it. I didn't mean to say it and I'm sorry if that hurt you."

"I know you didn't mean that honey.I know that and it was a very emotional night that night. And I never took it personally. But Frankie doesn't hate you baby. She loves you very much but she is very passionate and sometimes holds a grudge. But I think we all need to sit down and talk. We miss you baby. All of us do and Mom and I want to make this right. You two were always so close honey and she misses you very much."

"I need to study Mama." She says softly as I can see the tears falling from her eyes.

"Ok honey. I won't push you any more. But I'm sure you will hear from your Mom shortly again. She loves you baby and no we aren't perfect either of us but you are part of the family. You are and it's just not complete without you there. All of us miss you believe me when I say that." Squeezing her hand I lean in and kiss her forehead as she fails to look at me. I could only hope that this relationship would soon be patched up.