Page 32 of Refuge for Ailsa

“According to the affidavits I have here from some witnesses, they say he told you he wasn’t your boyfriend, had never been your boyfriend, and wasn’t going to be your boyfriend. He also asked you at least three times and told you at least three times to go away.”

“He didn’t mean it.” Tavish halfway expected her to turn and blow him a kiss, but it looked as though she didn’t know he was there.

The judge pulled his glasses off, folded the earpieces in, and laid them carefully on the desk. “Ms.Gilchrist, the man you were harassing is an officer of the law, is he not?”

“Yes, Your Honor, but?”

“And did he ask you to do something?”

“Yes, Your Honor, but?”

“And you refused to do it. Am I correct?”

“Yes, Your Honor, but?”

“Ms.Gilchrist, I don’t care who you think he is, but he is indeed a law enforcement officer, and he told you to stand down. You did not. On top of that, it appears he’s filing a restraining order against you to keep you away from him, his property, his girlfriend, and his girlfriend’s property.” The judge looked at the paper again, then lifted his head and scanned the courtroom. “Is OfficerStewart here?”

Tavish stood. “Yes, Your Honor.”

“OfficerStewart, would you please come forward?”

“Yes, Your Honor.” Tavish stepped out into the aisle and made his way to the front, but when he reached the area in front of the banister where Bridget was sitting, he turned and headed to the table for the prosecution. There was no one else there, but he didn’t care. Being anywhere near her was way too close.

“So, OfficerStewart, how long has this been going on?”

“Your Honor, it’s been about a year and a half. We only went out once, and then she talked me into a second date, which I regretted. Then I got a call from a wedding planner.”

“A wedding planner?” His brow dropped and he stared at Tavish for a few seconds, then turned to Bridget. “Ms.Gilchrist, is this true?”

“Your Honor, while we were out, I asked him what his favorite flowers were. She was just calling to make sure I got it right.”

“For what?”

“For the wedding.”

The judge sat back in his chair. “Ms.Gilchrist, you had been on two dates with this gentleman and you called awedding planner?” It was clear to Tavish that the judge could barely believe his ears.

“You don’t understand, YourHonor. There’s a connection between us, a really strong connection. I love him, and he loves me. He’s just sowing some wild oats before we settle down.”

“Your Honor?” Tavish called out. He had to speak quickly before he threw up, and listening to her made him feel that he’d be doing so very soon. “Could I speak?”

“Please do, officer.”

“Sir, she’s delusional. I never mentioned marriage to her. Not once. I wouldn’t. I’m not in love with her, never have been, never will be, and I’m not interested in marrying her, not now, not ever. She really upset my girlfriend, and our relationship is fresh out of the gate, so I was afraid she’d ruined that for me. I’m lucky that Ailsa was willing to listen to me and understood what had happened, but it was our first fancy date at a nice restaurant, and this is the memory we’ll always have of it. And I hate that.”

The judge nodded. “I can totally understand that, officer. Ms.Gilchrist,” he said, turning his attention back to Bridget, “here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to set your bail at five hundred dollars. I’m also going to order you to undergo psychiatric testing and counseling. You’re obviously obsessed with OfficerStewart, and not in a good way. I hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity you’ve been given.”

“But Your Honor?”

“That is all, Ms.Gilchrist. Recess for fifteen minutes.” He stood, but before he left the room, he turned back. “OfficerStewart, could I see you in chambers, please?”

“Yes, Your Honor.” He glanced at Conor and Morris, but they both shrugged, so he made his way from the table to the doorway behind the judge’s platform.

The plate on the desk read, “Honorable Judge J. William Pennebaker.”That’s a mouthful, Tavish thought. As soon as he cleared the doorway, the judge pointed at the door. “Close it, please.”

“Yes, sir.” Tavish turned, closed the door, and wheeled back around. “You wanted to see me, Your Honor?”

“Yes, son I do. Have a seat.” JudgePennebaker pointed to the sofa, so Tavish sat down. “I have to say, she’s one piece of work, that one. So she came into the restaurant and started a scene?”

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