Page 165 of Tides That Bind

I take a deep breath as I watch Judge Pearson place Nate’s contract down, leaning forward on his arms.

“It’s my understanding, based on my discussion with Mr. Lucas Jones.” Judge Pearson’s face softens. “ThatTidesdoes alot of work at home even on his off hours, isn’t that right, Lucas?”

Lucas looks between me and Harper before answering. “Yes, sir.”

“Can you tell the court what you told me in my office?” Judge Pearson asks. “What type of work does Tides do at your house?”

“He takes care of us. One time he saved me. And my mom.”

Judge Pearson nods and begins to speak but Lucas continues.

“And sometimes he digs holes in the backyard and gets in trouble.”

The only person who doesn’t laugh in the courtroom is the town solicitor.

“Yes, well, Tides is still adogeven if he’s a police officer.” Judge Pearson sits back, reaching for a pen. “It seems to the court that, contractually, the town of Oceanside is entitled to possession of police K9s provided they areworking. And since, for the period in question, Tides has been with no handler and unable to do none of his responsibilities, the claim of ownership presented by the town today isvoid.”

I swear, for a moment, I feel the need to ask the judge to repeat what he said, because I almost don’t believe it. But then I turn to Harper who is wide-eyed with a smile on her face. And her? I believe in her.

Just like she believed in me.

“Your honor—” The solicitor rises immediately only to sit back down when Judge Pearson continues.

“I doubt that the taxpayers in this community would be thrilled to hear that money is spent and has been spent simply to keep Tides in possession without reaping any of the benefits, Ms. Cristoff. At the moment, the property in question is not anactivepolice K9. Therefore, it’s the will of the court that the property is returned to its rightful owner, the beneficiary of Nathaniel Jones’s estate, Harper Jones.” Judge Pearson lowers his gaze. “And Lucas, of course, provided you promise to help your momtake care of Tides and make sure he doesn’t dig too many holes in the backyard.”

“Yes sir!” Lucas nearly screams. “I promise.”

Judge Pearson nods. “Good. Now, Ms. Cristoff, the standard Writ of Replevin typically involves alerting the county sheriff’s department to assist with returning the property. Given the defendant is thepolice department, I trust I won’t need to alert them, would you agree?”

I wait for the solicitor’s response that comes after a heavy sigh. “Of course, your honor, the police will comply with your ruling.”

“Any issue with that from the plaintiff, Mr. Monroe?”

“No, your honor. We trust the police department to do the right thing.”

Judge Pearson stacks his papers. “Then I trust they’ll return Tides to the address of the plaintiff by 8 p.m. this evening without the sheriff’s assistance. Thank you everyone for cooperating and making my job easy.”

Judge Pearson rises from the bench and heads back into his chambers.

“We’ll need a few hours to arrange transport.” The solicitor’s voice comes from beside me and I turn to find her holding out a hand. “Congratulations, counselor.”

It takes a minute for me to realize it’s me. I’m the counselor. I’m the lawyer who just filed his first complaint and won.

“Thank you.” I shake her hand before she walks through the partition and out of the court room.

There’s a tug on the back of my suit jacket. “Riley,” Lucas whispers. “Riley, youdidit. Tides gets to come home now.”

My eyes find Harper’s beyond him, filled with relief and the slightest sheen of unshed tears. As it was before when I wanted to hold her hand, it’s hard now to look away. But I do, bringing my attention to Lucas, who I lift into a hug before tugging Harper by the hand so we hug him together.

“Lucas.”I sigh, finding him standing at the bay window in the living room. He’s hardly spent more than a few minutes away from that spot since we came home. “How about you change out of that suit?”

Lucas rights Black Panther who has fallen over. “I’m fine.”

I make my way over to the window and sit beside him. “He might not be home until after dinner.”

Riley went to pick up a few pizzas for tonight and Caroline just texted that she and Finn are running a little late.

“I’ll eat here,” he announces. “I want Tides to know I’ve been waiting.”

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