Page 34 of Stilettos & Whiskey
The hearing was scheduled for eight a.m. in the impressive judicial building on Jefferson Street. I smiled at Jim Bob’s startled expression as Mom, Dad, my brothers, Sergeant Bergman, Frank, my entire squad and Sheriff Maxwell walked into court with me. My backup filled the courtroom, and Jim Bob didn’t like it at all.
“All rise,” the bailiff called.
We all stood, except for a wizened old man with gang tattoos on his face sitting at the opposition’s table. Jim Bob dragged him to his feet.
The door to the judge’s chambers opened and to my relief Judge Savage took the bench. He was one of the good guys. “Please be seated.”
As I took my seat, I frowned. Why did the old guy at Jim Bob’s table look so familiar? Oh, my, God. That was Papa Garza. From the blank expression on his face, he looked like he should be the one having the competency hearing, not me.
Samuel Goldwood, the Alpha Dog’s awesome attorney, thought so too. “Your honor, this petition is nothing more than harassment. My client has been a Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy for five years. Raul Garza on the other hand was just released from prison for medical reasons. He lives in a halfway house and his only income is social security. Yet he claims he can care for his granddaughter. The granddaughter he tried to sell to a convicted child molester when she was eight.”
“I object,” Jim Bob protested.
Judge Savage raised his eyebrow. “On what grounds? According to my paperwork, it’s all true.”
“Look at her! It’s obvious she can’t take care of herself,” Jim Bob cried.
Sheriff Maxwell stood. He was tall, imposing, and every inch a lawman. “If I may, your honor, I’d like to speak about Deputy Garza’s injuries.”
“I object,” Jim Bob hollered again.
Judge Savage’s irate gaze fell on him. “Overruled. Sit. Down.”
“But your honor, I have evidence of her inappropriate conduct...”
The judge banged his gavel. “Overruled!”
“No! I won’t be overruled. I have important evidence that must be seen!” Jim Bob held up his phone.
Judge Savage motioned to the bailiff. “I want him arrested for contempt of court.”
The bailiff nodded and pulled out his cuffs.
“No! You can’t arrest me. She’s the one who should be arrested. Look at the video on my phone.” Jim Bob hurled his phone at the bailiff.
It smacked the bailiff between the eyes and fell to the floor. Dad and Sheriff Maxwell helped the bailiff take the wildly struggling lawyer into custody.
I glanced at my grandfather. He still had a blank expression on his face. Who in the hell was paying for Jim Bob’s legal services?
“Look at the evidence on my phone,” Jim Bob cried
Dad picked up the cellphone and I bit my lip to keep from laughing. Gee, in the scuffle Jim Bob’s phone had gotten crushed and by the look in Dad’s eyes, I’d say by his size fifteen boot.
“Your honor, I also want to request a restraining order on Jim Bob Duke and Raul Garza,” Samuel said.
Chest heaving, Jim Bob snarled, “For what reason?”
“You were arrested for breaking into the Stones’ home and making threats to Deputy Garza. Plus, this court hearing is nothing but more harassment,” Samuel stated.
The color drained from Jim Bob’s face. “The door was unlocked. I was simply doing a welfare check on an injured woman.”
“You were armed, and we have you on video using an electronic lockpick to enter the house,” Dad interjected.
“I’ll personally see to your restraining order, Deputy Garza,” Judge Savage said.
I smiled in relief. “Thank you, sir.”
“I hope you catch the person responsible for your injuries.”
