Page 29 of Her Cadillac Cowboy
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The following Tuesday, Sara entered a small room, with Gene by her side. She’d expected a formal courtroom with rigid chairs and an adversarial atmosphere. The upholstered furnishings set in a conversational grouping put her off balance. So, did the kindly woman with graying hair and a generous smile who took Sara’s hand and introduced herself as Judge Naomi Ryerson. Josh and the kid watched from the sofa.
“I’m delighted you could join us, Miss Carson, Mr. Reynard. Please sit down.” The judge gestured to two empty chairs. “Have some tea, won’t you?” She picked up and poured two glasses from the pitcher on the table.
With any luck, Judge Ryerson was as firm and efficient in her ruling as she was as a hostess.
“I see you’re a bit surprised that I chose to conduct this hearing in chambers.”
“You could say that.” Sara heard the tartness in her own voice. “I’m a busy woman, Your Honor; I expected a speedy legal proceeding. This is more like a ... a tea party, if you’ll forgive my saying so.” Although she didn’t care if the judge forgave her or not.
“I understand completely.” The smile on Judge Ryerson’s face indicated that she understood more than Sara said. “The county allows its juvenile court judges quite a bit of leeway in dealing with first-time offenders. I’ve found that, in the majority of such juvenile cases, an informal setting is beneficial. I use one whenever I can. The setting for this hearing, however, does not mitigate any of the circumstances of the issue at hand. Is that clear?” She turned her gaze on Josh.
“Absolutely, Your Honor.” His teeth gleamed on the words.
What in the world does he have to smile about?Regardless of the setting, the judge should throw the book at that kid. They’d caught him red-handed.
“Despite the short amount of time given me to consider this case, it is my opinion that the matter should be settled out of court. I called this hearing because the persons involved differ on that point. In view of that difference, I intend to act as arbiter, with the proviso that I can make this a formal hearing at any time, should I deem that necessary. Is that understood?”
Gene cleared his throat. “Your Honor, this all seems highly irregular to me. We were brought here under subpoena at some inconvenience to my client. I am uncertain that the degree of latitude you are exercising is appropriate, nor am I convinced that your actions are in the best interest of justice.”
“Your comments are duly noted, counselor. You are always free to appeal any ruling I make.”
“Only if we don’t settle out of court.”
Judge Ryerson nodded.
Sara looked at her watch. “I have other commitments—could we please proceed?”
“By all means.
“William, do you have anything you wish to say?”
The young criminal-in-training continued to sit stiff and defiant in the face of the judge’s question. Josh was just as grim-faced. Hopefully, Judge Ryerson would breathe legal fire at him. The judge should chastise McKinley into apology for disdaining the need for justice, too.
“No? Well then, I will consider the statements that Mr. McKinley and Miss Carson gave the police to be sufficient grounds for presuming your guilt. The only remaining issue is the consequence for your actions on the night in question. William, please wait outside while we discuss the possibilities.”
The kid looked at Josh.
“It’s okay. I’ll come and get you as soon as we’re done.”
“Mr. McKinley.” Judge Ryerson looked toward Josh. “When you called yesterday, you argued eloquently for lenience. By virtue of that eloquence and your education in child development, I deem you an appropriate guardian and role model. It is my opinion that young Will be remanded to your custody.”
Wide-eyed horror chased the grim displeasure from Josh’s face. “What?” He turned his head sharply toward the judge. “You can’t do that.”
“Quiet, young man. I’m not finished.”
It was no more than he deserved.If he wants malicious little twerps to run loose on the streets, he should have to deal with them.
Judge Ryerson continued, “Mr. McKinley will have full custodial responsibility of William Arthur Talmidge, IV while the court attempts to locate the boy’s family.”
Josh’s expression made thunderclouds look calm.
Sara smiled. This was better than putting the kid in jail.
“As part of that responsibility, Mr. McKinley, you will make arrangements with Miss Carson, in her capacity as acting head of Carson’s Cars, to arrange a schedule of supervised work activities. Said activities shall stand as payment for all damages incurred to Carson’s Cars property on the night in question.”
Sara clenched her teeth against a curse.
