Page 163 of Tides That Bind

“Yes.” My fingers loosen around Lucas's toy and I return both my hands to my side. “The dog’s identity is derived from service with his handler, who is no longer with us, and the people who raised him, who are sitting behind me.”

Judge Pearson says nothing. His eyes drift behind me and they linger longer than necessary. I know he sees Silas and the other officers sitting behind Harper and Lucas. Finally he retracts his gaze.

“Ms. Cristoff, has the dog been assigned a new handler?”

She clears her throat. “Initially, your honor—”

“A simple yes or no will do, Ms. Cristoff.”

She sighs quietly. “No. K9 Cruz is unhandled at the moment.”

“And has been since he’s been returned to the police?”

“That’s correct, your honor.”

I can feel the annoyance seeping out of her.

Judge Pearson folds his hands. “And if he doesn’t have a current handler, and he’s not with his previous handler’s family, where is he, Ms. Cristoff?”

The town solicitor clears her throat. “He’s been boarded in a kennel, your honor, until a new handler is secured.”

From behind me I hear Harper gasp and Lucas whispering and my heart fucking hurts because I know he doesn’t understand what that means and I know Harper is trying to think of a way to explain.

“Since he’s been taken back into police custody?” Judge Pearson asks.

Cristoff clears her throat. “Yes.”

Judge Pearson sits back in his chair. “I see.” He picks up a pen before placing it down. “Mr. Monroe, is your client in the court room today?”

I’m taken a back. “Y-yes, your honor.” I turn, holding an arm out and motioning Harper to come through the partition.

“Ms. Jones?”

Beside me, Harper nods. “Hello, your honor.”

“Ms. Jones, I’d like to express to you directly my sympathies over your husband’s passing. And, I’d like to thank you for his service.”

I can hear Harper swallow. “Thank you, your honor.”

“How old is your son, Ms. Jones?”

“He’s eight.”

“And what’s his name?”

Harper clears his throat. “Lucas.”

“That’s a nice name for a young man,” Judge Pearson says. “I’d like to ask a favor, and you are well in your parental rights to say no. That will have no bearing on my ruling today.”

I furrow my brow and Harper lifts her head to me before answering, “Um, yes, of course.”

Judge Pearson raises his head, looking behind us at the gallery. “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to talk to your son.”

“Excuse me, your honor, this is notfamilycourt—”

“I’m well aware we aren’t in family court, Ms. Cristoff. I’ll remind you, though,youare inmycourt.” The judge turns his attention back to Harper. “Ms. Jones, again, you can deny my request or take a moment to consult with your attorney.”

I look down at Harper and see her biting her lip and turn briefly to look at Caroline who has Lucas in her lap. She shrugs which doesn’t give me much to go off.

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