Chapter 31

Leo

Even though I’d tucked my daughter in the night before and then went down the hall to make love to Kya, I left around midnight so we’d get enough rest for court. Besides, until we figured out what we wanted to do about our living arrangements and I moved all of my things, I’d still have to get dressed and trim my beard in my own place.

I’d gotten up at the crack of dawn to be ready and couldn’t wait to see Kya and ask how her morning went.

I arrived at the courthouse and went to the café where I’d asked Kya and the band to meet me. Jon must have had the same idea because he was there sipping coffee and looking at his phone at a table alone.

“Great minds do think alike,” I said as I walked up and shook his hand.

“Yeah, I can’t say I’m in any hurry for this to start. I know I’m going to get my ass handed to me.”

“I’ll try to make it quick and painless, but no promises.”

He chuckled and kicked out a chair. “Have a seat. We’ve still got time, and I want to know what’s going on in the land of new fathers.”

“We just told Addie yesterday. She’s very excited about it, which is good, but I’m not sure what we’re going to do about our houses and where we should live. She’s got her place, and I’ve got mine. It would be best if Addie stays in hers. She’s close to everything, but if we take mine, it’s not much more of a commute to take her to school and pick her up. But, I don’t know. Decisions are much harder having to make them for three and not only me.”

“Well, you look happy,” he said. “Fatherhood looks good on you.”

“I can’t believe it still. Seems like a dream.” About that time, a short, petite blonde who I’d spent the night spinning on my cock walked by and gave me a wink.

Jon stared at her ass as she walked away. “You might want to send out a memo. I don’t mind taking on all of your old girlfriends, by the way.”

“The old clients weren’t enough, huh? I’ll tell you what. You send out the memo, and they’re all yours.” I only had eyes for one woman, and it was Kya Campbell.

“Looks like Kya’s radar is on.” He gestured to the door, and she walked in with Sadie and two men behind her. “And it looks like you better behave or that tattooed posse of Kya’s is going to smash you with a guitar.”

“That’s Rob and Liam. They’re in the band. Looks like my gang is all here.” I got up, and he held out his fist.

“Good luck in there.”

I bumped his fist with mine. “Thanks, and right back at you.”

I walked across the room and joined them where they were already drawing a crowd. Kya waved me over. “It’s a bit stuffy in here.”

I should have anticipated the press would be all over them after that last conference. “Let’s go down the hall, and I’ll see if I can find us a private room.”

“That would be great,” said Sadie. “Rob hates reporters.”

Once we were good and settled into the private room, Kya introduced me to Rob and Liam.

Liam was tall and stood as straight as a soldier, which made him look even taller. His thin build wasn’t lanky like I used to be, and he had that lean and laid-back rocker vibe going on. “It’s nice to meet you. Kya tells me you’re Addie’s father.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Congratulations. She’s a good kid.”

Rob cleared his throat. He was more of the big and scary type, the kind of guy who couldn’t help looking like a criminal even though he had a face the ladies loved. “I guess we don’t have to tell you she’s like a niece to us. We’ve been her family a long time, and we look out for her and her mother.”

“I appreciate that.”

“Do you? Because I really hope you do.” His hard look was a warning, and while I’d never backed down from a fight, not even in my geeky high school days, the man was practically like a brother to Kya, and I’d give him all the respect due one.

Sadie laughed. “Knock it off, Rob. He’s on our side.”

Rob smiled big and then nudged Liam. “I think I had him going there.” Suddenly, he didn’t seem so intimidating.

Kya sat next to me and took my hand. “They’re big jokers, those two. Always misbehaving and a handful on the road. But they make it fun, and they have my back.”

The bailiff came to the door and waved us out. “We have to go. It’s show time.”

They all filed out, and we took our seats. I looked to the other side but didn’t see Jon or his client.

Kya whispered to Sadie, and the two glanced over their shoulders at a woman sitting behind where Jon should have been. I looked around, wondering what was keeping him as the courtroom continued to fill.

“Is everything okay?” asked Kya. “You look worried.”

“No, I’m just wondering where Jon and Whit are.”

“Well, he can’t be too far behind, not with Mona Star already here.”

“She might be a witness. Who knows what they’ve got up their sleeve? I only hope they keep their promises.”

It was a tense moment waiting for Jon to walk in, and when he did, he was alone. He got to his table and turned and shrugged at me.

We all rose for the judge, Sarah Carter, to enter the room and as she sat down, she announced for us to be seated. She was an old friend of my father’s and of mine as well, and she’d always liked us both. Being on opposite sides of this case, I wasn’t sure whose favor that could work in, but I gave her my warmest smile and hoped for the best.

It didn’t take Judge Carter long to notice that Whit White was missing. “Mr. Hanson, where is your client?”

“I wish I knew, Your Honor. He hasn’t shown up.”

“Normally, I’d give you another five minutes to find your client, but I’m not in a giving mood. The allegations against Mr. White are too serious of a nature to warrant any leniency, and it is in my opinion that he doesn’t see the severity of the charges against him enough to respect them. With that, I think it’s only fair to the plaintiffs that I—”

“Sorry I’m late,” came a voice in the back of the room.

All of our heads turned, and Jon’s face reddened with embarrassment. I should have known the son of a bitch would be late to his own trial.

“Mr. White, I presume.”

Whit grinned. “The one and only.”

“What an asshole,” whispered Sadie.

Whit wasn’t done digging his hole. “Sorry, I’m late. I got caught up with life. I’m a very busy man as many here know. I hope I didn’t miss anything.”

Sarah’s frown lines were deeply creased by the time he shut up. “What you missed was your opportunity to plead your case. I’ve gone over the preliminary evidence for the allegations brought against you, and I feel you’ve wasted enough of my time.”

“With all due respect, Your Honor—”

She banged her gavel. “Not another word, Mr. White. I’m about to wrap this up for you since you’re so busy. There is not only evidence that you falsified documents and embezzled funds, but you’ve wasted five years of these people’s time by hindering their creativity for your own ego-fed purposes. I’m ruling in favor of the plaintiff and releasing Sabbath Sundae from any legally binding contracts between you. All of their rights and creative freedoms will be returned to the group effective immediately, and your assets will be frozen upon evaluation to determine what kind of restitution you owe the band, during which time, you will be placed on a two-year probation. My judgment is for the plaintiff.” She smacked her gavel on the bench, and as I turned to Kya, Sarah continued. “The next time you have an appointment in my courtroom, Mr. White, you’ll be on time.”

Whit jumped to his feet. “You can’t do this! You didn’t even hear my case!” He stomped his feet and tossed Jon’s case file to the floor.

Sarah banged her gavel again. “Bailiff, please take Mr. White down and show him our lovely accommodations. He’ll be spending the next two nights in lockup for contempt of court.” She banged her gavel one last time, and while we stood to celebrate, Whit was cuffed, and not even Mona Star wanted to have anything to do with him. She wasn’t happy as she grabbed her big handbag and stormed out.

Jon came over to shake my hand. “Well, I have to say, even though we lost, I don’t feel so bad.”

“My father is going to be in a shitty mood, but at least you didn’t lose the case as much as White gave it up.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure of your father’s mood.” He pointed behind me where my father was hugging Kya and greeting the band.

He slapped me on the back. “Congratulations, son.”

“I hate to win a case I didn’t even get to argue.”

“A win’s a win, and the best man came out on top. Now, when am I going to get to see my granddaughter? I’m not getting any younger, you know.”

Kya and I exchanged a look. “I suppose we could come by later if you want?” I said.

“How about we all meet up for ice cream? My treat.” My father’s smile beamed so brightly, I should have worn shades. “She likes ice cream, right?”

“Of course, and we’d love that. Thank you, Mr. Pace.”

“Thanks, Dad.” It was nice to see him excited for a change, and I hoped that maybe Addie would bring a little light to his life again. He’d been so hardened by all the time without Mom, and Addie was the perfect cure.

We cleared the courtroom, and as we filed out into the parking lot, the reporters gathered around us wanting a statement. “Justice prevailed,” I said. “And now, I’m going home to see my daughter.”

After some quick goodbyes to Sadie, Liam, and Rob, we hurried to my car. Once we were inside, I leaned over and kissed her full on the lips. I didn’t care who knew, who photographed us, or about anything else.

Kya slumped in her seat. “That was the craziest thing ever. I can’t believe the judge tossed his ass in jail.”

“And don’t forget she’s going to make sure you get paid,” I said, holding up a finger. “That’s the best part. By the time she’s done with him, he’ll never want to screw anyone over again.”

“Good. That’s what I really wanted, for no one else to have to suffer what he’s put us through. He’ll be lucky to show his face in public.” Kya reached over and took my hand.

I squeezed it tightly as she leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. “Thank you for not only helping me through this but for being here for me and Addie now.”

“I’d do anything for my girls, and I hope you know how much I love you, Kya. I’ve always loved you.”

“I love you, too, Leonard. Sorry, Leo.”

I leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips. “You know, baby? You can call me anything you want.”