Page 33 of Refuge for Ailsa

“Oh, god, sir, it was horrible. My girlfriend was mortified. OfficerPaxton and OfficerYoung happened to be there, and they saw the whole thing. Matter of fact, it was OfficerYoung who caught her outside and held her until the police could get there, and OfficerPaxton talked to me and got me calmed down.”

“And they’re fellow officers of yours?”

“No, sir. They’re fish and wildlife from Texas. I was patrolling and met them when I sidled up to their boat and asked to see their fishing licenses. They’re here on a fishing vacation and we just kind of hit it off. After that mess last night, I told them I want to take them to dinner tomorrow night to make up for it.”

“I see. That was really nice of them.”

“They were here today, Your Honor. They weren’t in uniform, but they were sitting back there with me.”

“Ah. Yes, I did see them. I should’ve pegged them for law enforcement. They definitely look the part. So they just came as moral support?”

“Yes, sir, but I think at least one of the affidavits you have is from one of them.”

“I think you’re right. And your girlfriend? Any long-term damage done there?”

“I don’t think so, Your Honor, but thanks for asking. We sat down and talked about it, and she understands that the whole thing is Bridget. She’s been like a fly buzzing around my eyes all this time. I just want her to leave me alone.”

“Well, she probably will have to, because the testing I’m going to ask for her to undergo will probably keep her in a treatment program for a couple of months. You’re also getting your restraining order, and it will include your girlfriend as well. What’s her name?”

“Ailsa MacDougal.”

“Oh, the young woman who owns the marina.”

“Yes, Your Honor. That’s her.”

“We rent a slip for our houseboat there. I have to say, she’s quite a looker. You did good with that one. And so sweet too. Always friendly.”

“Thank you, Your Honor. She’s all that and more. She’s pretty amazing. By the way, after Ailsa left, Bridget called her a, um…” He stopped.

“Go ahead, son. There aren’t any words I haven’t heard.”

“Bridget called her a cunt, Your Honor.”

The judge rolled his eyes. “Good lord.”

“And interestingly enough, Ailsa’s brother is dating my sister.”

“Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”

It took him a second before he got it. “Oh, them, sir. My sister wanted all of us to meet him and his sister, and when she walked in, there I was. I’d already met her at the marina when I was there during the murder investigation. I was first on the scene.”

“Ah, yes. The Bentleys. That’s the craziest damn fool thing I ever heard. I mean, people, right? They’re crazy.”

“Your Honor, no offense, but until you’re a law enforcement officer dealing with the public, you really can’t even begin to understand how deep crazy runs.”

“I’m sure you’re right. Well, OfficerStewart, I hope this takes care of the problem and if it doesn’t, come back and see me and I’ll see if we can make more permanent arrangements for Ms.Gilchrist.” Then he held out his hand.

Tavish stood, took it, and gave it a firm squeeze. Now he had an ally in the judicial system, and that couldn’t hurt one damn thing. “Thank you, Your Honor.”

“You’re very welcome. Close the door on your way out, please.”

“Yes, sir.” The heavy walnut door clicked shut behind him, and he was relieved to see that they’d already removed Bridget from the courtroom. Conor and Morris were still sitting there, waiting for him.

“Everything okay?” Morris asked.

“Yeah. It’s fine. He says he’ll take care of keeping her away from us, and I believe him.”

“Good. Want some lunch before we go back?” Conor asked.

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