Chasing Justice

Chapter Seventeen



“Let me get this right,” Jules said, standing in front of the mirror in Betty’s upstairs bathroom and adjusting the curlers in her hair. To Piper, she looked a little like a space alien, but Jules assured her the time she spent putting the curlers in would amount to loads of extra volume in her hair, which was apparently a big deal. “I’m supposed to hit on this guy so he decides he wants to help our cause here. We’re whoring me out?”

“No, don’t think of it like that,” Bobby said, as he sat on the edge of the tub, flashing his most charming smile. “I’m saying that it would help tremendously if you and Michael hit it off. If he decides to help, then you’ll be spending a bit of time together, so making a good impression tonight would be to your advantage. I would hardly call that whoring you out. But out of curiosity, how far are you willing to go? You know, for the good of our cause. A little late night make-out session? Third base?” Piper leaned over from her seat on a small bench by the sink and smacked Bobby’s arm.

“Very funny. Fine, I’ll be nice, but I’m not making any promises. For goodness sake the ink on my annulment papers is barely dry.” Jules applied her ruby red lipstick and pressed her silky lips together. Piper was still adjusting to the fact Jules and Bobby had the type of relationship that would have them all sitting around the bathroom, Jules fresh from the shower and wrapped only in a towel.

“Hurry up then. He’ll be here any minute. We’re going downstairs to make sure Betty doesn’t scare him off before we have a chance to get him in the door,” Bobby said, grabbing Piper’s hand and pulling her off the bench and out of the bathroom. “So what did you say to Michael when you invited him over?” he asked Piper.

I said that I was having dinner with some friends of mine, and I’d like it if he could come. I told him you’d be here, and that it would be nice if the two of you to got to know each other better. I also told him there was this incredibly beautiful redhead I wanted him to meet. I think he might be under the impression we’re going to a restaurant, or out for drinks. It might be a bit of a shock to know we’re having pot roast and then plan on hanging out on a porch. The good news, however, is there was a motion for an extension by the defense in the case he was working on. He’s got at least two weeks with very little to do now. This case is a big one, so he’s been focusing on it almost exclusively. He has all his legwork for the trial finished. He’ll just be in a holding pattern until the defense is ready or the judge gets tired of their stalling. He’s going to have some time on his hands.”

Piper watched as Bobby hopped down the stairs and tapped the wooden beam above his head with his hand. It was something he seemed to do without any thought, a comforting habit formed out of hundreds of times up and down those stairs.

“That’s good news as long as the idea of an ‘at home country dinner’ doesn’t send him running for the hills. I hope we can pull this off. Without him I’m not sure how we move forward.” Bobby headed for the porch as Michael’s sleek black car pulled into the dirt driveway. “He’s here,” he called into the house, letting Jules know to hurry up.

As Michael stepped out of his car, Piper cringed at the sight of his tailored dress shirt and black slacks. His shoes, probably worth hundreds of dollars, were instantly covered with dust as he walked up the dry, overgrown walkway to the porch. Perhaps dinner out, in the environment to which Michael was more accustomed, would have been a better choice.

Jules came thudding with heavy feet down the stairs and pressed herself against the screen door speaking only loud enough for Piper and Bobby to hear.

“I changed my mind. Put me down for at least third base. How exactly did you fail to mention he could pass for a Swedish model and had buckets of money? Don’t those seem like things I would have wanted to know? I can’t wear this stupid sweater. I’m going to go change.” Jules jumped back from the door and ran to her room for a more presentable outfit.

“Hey Michael,” Piper said, waving guiltily at him. “Thanks for making the drive out. I know this is a little off the beaten path.”

“That’s no problem. It’s beautiful out here,” said Michael, stepping onto the porch and extending a hand to Bobby.

Just then, Betty burst from the screen door in her apron, a whisk still in one of her flour-covered hands. “Welcome to my home. I’m Betty, and you must be Michael. I’m so happy to have you over for dinner tonight.” Piper winced. The plan they had arranged was already going off course. Piper and Bobby had hoped to meet Michael on the porch and apologetically ask him if he minded having dinner here at Betty’s house. Then they would tell him briefly about Betty and Jules, and ease him into the introduction. Instead, Betty was in her normal position on the porch to greet any guest.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Betty, and thank you for having me. Is that pot roast I smell?” Michael was one of the smoothest people Piper had ever met, able to morph himself into any crowd and act perfectly comfortable.

“You have a keen nose, my boy. Actually, by the looks of you, your nose probably isn’t the only impressive thing you’ve got.” Betty eyed Michael and shook her head approvingly. “It is pot roast with all the fixins and it’s almost done. Why don’t you come on in and you kids relax in the sitting room while I finish up.” She shooed them all through the screen door, and Piper could feel sweat beginning to gather on the back of her neck.

As the three took a seat, Piper hoped someone would break the awkward silence that was beginning to choke her.

“Well, she’s not a redhead and a bit older than I usually like my dates but she seems lovely. This should shape up to be an interesting night,” Michael said, forcing Bobby to laugh, even though he knew it would anger Piper, who was obviously tense. “It might be a nice change actually. The girl I just broke it off with was a little intense. She didn’t agree with my theory that when two people go for a long romantic walk together but only one of them knows about it, it’s actually called stalking. I guess my point is, beggars can’t be choosers. At least Betty doesn’t seem the clingy type.”

“No, Jules is upstairs still getting ready. That’s her mom. Bobby grew up next door and they’re all practically family. We were thinking of going out to dinner but decided a nice meal here would be better. If you’re not comfortable though, I completely understand, and maybe the four of us can go for drinks somewhere instead.” Piper could feel her face glowing with hot embarrassment. If Bobby didn’t stop laughing he wouldn’t have to worry about anyone else killing him because she’d do it right now.

“Are you nuts? Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a home cooked meal? I hate eating out, sitting at the bar with a bunch of morons from work. This is going to be perfect. I figure if Jules isn’t my type, at least I know I’ve got Betty to fall back on.” Michael shrugged his shoulders and grinned at the sight of Bobby once again losing his composure and infuriating Piper.

“Hi,” squeaked Jules as she entered the sitting room. “I’m Jules, you must be Michael.” She extended her hand and Michael stood up to take it. “We’re sure glad you could join us tonight.” Piper took note of the softer southern drawl Jules had seemed to switch on. The girl certainly knew how to be sexy, from her low-cut plum sweater to the soft flutter of her perfectly shadowed eyelids.

“I was just telling Piper and Bobby how happy I am to be here. It’s been far too long since I’ve had a home-cooked meal around a real table with such beautiful women.” Michael indicated for Jules to join him on the loveseat and waited, in true gentleman fashion, for her to sit first.

“So Michael, you’re a lawyer. Are you a bleeding heart or an ambulance chaser?” Jules asked matter-of-factly, shocking everyone in the room. “What?” she asked, responding to the stunned looks she was receiving. “I see lawyers every day and to me, they all fall into one of those two categories. They’re either out for money at any cost, or they’re in it because they think they can change the world.”

“I guess that’s actually pretty right on,” responded Michael. “I’d prefer to think I’m in the bleeding-heart category. I take some pro bono cases. Can I ask where you get this large sampling of lawyers?”

“I work at the town hall, and I set them all up in the records department. Mostly I point them in the right direction and then cleanup after them,” she said, rolling her eyes at the thought of the inconsiderateness of most people she dealt with on a day-to-day basis.

“Oh, you’re the town hall girl?” Michael asked slapping his knee and lighting up with recognition. “My clerks literally arm wrestle to see which of them will be going to the records department just so they can drool over you. I have to admit I can see why.”

“They call me the town hall girl? That’s pretty condescending don’t you think?” Jules let her southern self-righteousness start to flare, and Piper cleared her throat in an effort to remind Jules of the purpose of this meeting.

“You’ve been called much worse,” Bobby chimed in with a victorious smile. “Remember what they used to call you in middle school?”

“Shut your ugly mouth, Bobby Wright, or I’ll tell Piper some of the most embarrassing things I know about you. Don’t think I’m above it, you know I’m not.” Jules pointed her finger at Bobby threateningly.

“Truce,” Bobby shouted, not quite ready for Piper to hear about how he got stuck in a compromising position while trying to climb the Larson’s chain-link fence, or how he burped accidently while playing spin the bottle with Stacy Parmer from down the road.

“It’s ready,” called Betty in her singsong voice as she carried a large tray of food past them and into the dining room.

As they all took their seats, Betty smiled with delight at the group gathered around her table. “Thank you, Jesus, for this wonderful company. Thank you for bringing Piper back to our table and for Michael joining us tonight.”

“Amen to that,” Bobby said, squeezing Piper’s leg below the table. “Now pass the potatoes, I’m starving.” By the look on Michael’s face, if he wasn’t completely won over by Jules’s beauty then he might agree to help in order to get more of Betty’s food.

The dinner was full of cordial conversation. Jules seemed to refocus her energy back on wooing Michael, and by all accounts, it seemed to be working. It was all going smoothly until, once again, Betty went off-script after dessert.

“Michael, I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to be a part of all this. When I lost my husband, Stan, I thought I’d never be able to go on with my life. It devastated Jules and me beyond belief. These last ten years have been brimming over with regret and questions. When Piper and Bobby told me what they were going to do, it renewed my soul. I feel like Stan is sitting right here with us. I’d have to make you a thousand meals to ever come close to thanking you for your part in it.” Betty folded her hands together and put them over her heart, looking sincerely around the table.

“It’s my pleasure, Betty. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, and I’m so glad to hear that you’re in the process of finding some peace,” Michael said, smiling back at Betty and, much to Piper’s amazement, not skipping a beat.

“Well I’m going to clear these dishes. Why don’t ya’ll go sit on the porch and enjoy this beautiful night. Bobby, put some logs on the fire pit out there so ya’ll don’t freeze.” Betty stood and filled her hands with dishes before disappearing into the next room.

“Jules, will you do me a favor and help your mom clear? I’m going to chat with Piper and Michael outside for a bit.” Bobby spoke through his teeth and glared at Jules indicating she had better do what he asked.

“It does sound like we have a bit to chat about, now doesn’t it?” Michael quipped, standing up with an awkward smile on his face.

The three moved onto the porch, all searching for an appropriate starting point for the conversation. Since Piper felt the most amount of responsibility for the three of them being there, she worked up the courage to speak first. “That wasn’t exactly how we planned to ask you for your help. I’m sure you have a lot of questions, and I appreciate your not venting any frustration in front of Betty. She means well.”

“I guess I’m wondering what all that was about. I think both Betty and Jules are lovely, and being here tonight was great. Right up until the speech about the endless gratitude, I thought things were going pretty well.” Michael scratched at his head and looked perplexed.



Bobby thought he’d take a crack at an explanation. “I think you had a good idea of what Piper was doing when she was digging for information on Judge Lions and the Donavans. I know that when you and I spoke we decided that the best thing to do was try to talk her out of pushing it any further. Unfortunately, we didn’t do a great job, and at some point information came to light that made all of this very personal for me, for everyone in this house actually. The judge is far more corrupt than we could have imagined, and Piper discovered that he and a cop currently on the force were responsible for Stan’s death. Stan was like a father to me, and I watched his death destroy Betty and Jules. We have an opportunity to step in and seek some justice. The problem is, while Piper and I are out doing that, we have an enormous amount of liability here, and we need another person ensuring Jules and Betty are safe.” Bobby had his back to Michael as he stuffed two more logs into the clay firepit that sat on the corner of the porch. It seemed easier than looking him in the eye and explaining their plan.

Michael looked back and forth between Piper and Bobby. He half expected them both to start laughing and reveal this all to be an after-dinner joke they had orchestrated for the newest guest at the table.

“Guys, I’m really hoping this is some kind of a prank you’re playing on me. I’m hoping if you had evidence that the judge and a cop were involved in a murder, you wouldn’t take it upon yourselves to seek retribution. You’d turn whatever you had over to the authorities and let the cards fall where they may.” Michael was stern in his tone and now boring holes through Piper with his icy stare.

“They are the authorities, Michael,” Piper said firmly. “We have no idea who we can trust anymore. Bobby almost got himself in too deep by going to a cop he thought was one of the most reputable and honorable guys he knew, and it turns out his hands are as dirty as they get. I trust you, and I know you wouldn’t want anything to happen to these women. It’s impossible to not adore them once you spend a little time in their company. I know with your case being continued you have some time on your hands. Couldn’t you just spend it here? Maybe give them a ride to work every now and then, hang out in the records department while Jules is there?”

Michael was quiet as he stood up and leaned against the porch railing looking out into the night. He had to admit, Piper was right about one thing. Sitting around a table with kind, down-to-earth people had certainly felt nice. But so did minding your own damn business and protecting your job and your life.



“It’s fine, Michael, if you don’t want to get involved. I completely understand. This was a long shot, a lot to ask. Let’s just call this a nice evening with great people and nothing more,” Piper spoke quietly, afraid Michael might be on the verge of an emotional explosion. Luckily she didn’t need to be loud out here where the whole world was placid. There were no car horns or bustling streets to contend with.

Michael couldn’t believe what he was about to say, damn his chivalry. “I think you know me well enough to realize I’m not one to walk away from a lost cause, and, as far as I can tell, that’s what the two of you are. I won’t sit here and play babysitter while you go off trying to right some old wrongs and get yourselves killed. If you want my help, then I want the details. I want to know who the players are and what you plan to do. I have a skill set that can benefit you both greatly, but I’m not going to give my blind support. Either fill me in, or count me out.”

He turned back toward the two and realized how far over their heads they were. If he did walk away now and something happened to any of them, he’d never forgive himself.

Piper and Bobby looked at each other and seemed to share a telepathic conversation about the pros and cons of fully informing Michael. There were certainly things he may be able to help with outside of what they originally considered, and if they were willing to trust him with Jules and Betty there shouldn’t be anything holding them back.

“Fine,” Piper said begrudgingly. “But Jules and Betty don’t know the details yet. No one outside the three of us can know. We’re still at the beginning stages of planning, so don’t jump down my throat if you don’t like something you hear.” She raised an eyebrow at Michael and continued without his even agreeing to her terms.

“The judge is—and has been—corrupt for some time. We know at least one police officer works closely with him to ensure the necessary outcomes on cases that provide them both with a large payoff. His name is Officer Rylie. I overheard a meeting between the two of them when they admitted to murdering Betty’s husband, Stan. Also, they planned to threaten or harm Jules and Betty if they couldn’t get Bobby to back off about some photos he had taken of the judge. You see, the judge has an affinity for underage prostitutes and uses his alliance with Christian Donavan to feed his addiction. The only reason the judge is so well protected and why going to the authorities isn’t an option is because Christian and his people need the judge right where he is in order to continue their illegal ventures and avoid prosecution.” She was leaving next to no room for him to interject as she spoke.



“Anyone bringing forth evidence on the judge or Rylie would be silenced in one way or another in order to keep the judge in his position. So my idea was to sever the ties between Christian and the judge, rendering him unprotected and vulnerable.” Piper pulled a notebook from her purse, looking over her notes.

“How exactly do you plan to eliminate a mutually beneficial alliance that is held together by unlimited knowledge of the others’ criminal exploits? Christian is not going to flip on the judge. In these circles, you’re better off being anything besides a rat.” Michael’s demeanor was still blustery with doubt.

“Unfortunately, I have my share of knowledge about criminals and their inner workings. There is one thing worse than being a rat, and that’s being a pedophile. You see, Christian has a young son who he fiercely protects. If evidence was brought to Christian’s attention that suggested the judge has an unhealthy attraction to young boys, and then he’s led to believe that his son is on the judge’s radar, he would certainly take exception to that.” Piper could feel her confidence grow as she spoke of this plan out loud for the second time.

Michael unfolded his arms from his chest and looked as though he had just taken a blow to the gut. “He’ll kill him; Christian will kill the judge.”

Bobby stood up and threw his hands in the air. “That’s what I said. She seems perfectly fine with that and all the possible repercussions that could come from it. I, however, am racking my brain looking for some alternative solution. She thinks we set up the evidence and then track Christian until he makes his move to kill the judge. We let him and ensure there’s enough evidence to charge Christian for the murder. We use our evidence as leverage to get him to turn on Rylie in exchange for a reduced sentence. This, in theory, eliminates all three men and serves as some kind of justice. I, for one, am not ready to have that blood on my hands. There has to be another way.”

Michael shook his head, still in awe of what had been laid out in front of him. “You came up with this entire thing, Piper? I have to say, it’s kind of genius and, frankly, very scary. I don’t know your history, but it’s got to be pretty twisted if you can work up a plan like that. It can’t go down like that though. Planting evidence is one thing, but if it results in a murder we could all become accessories. There has to be a way we can accomplish the same thing and keep our hands cleaner. I need some time to think about it, but I’ll admit you have the start of a plan here. I’ll look at this from a legal perspective and try to limit all of our liability, but, first and foremost, no one can be murdered.”

Piper had assumed this would be Michael’s position on this point, but she was still holding firm. “Come up with something equally effective, and I’ll go along with it, but if no one can offer any alternatives then the plan is going to move forward as is, and I’ll understand if you guys don’t want to be a part of it. I started this for my own reasons, and I’m prepared to follow through, even if that means I have to do it alone. Now, our next step is to come up with a schedule that has someone with Jules and Betty at all times. I’ve written down Bobby’s and my schedule and where the biggest gaps are. Since you are going to have free time, take a look at it and let me know where you can help. Now, obviously, Bobby, you are armed. Michael, Betty has a handgun and a rifle here at the house. There is a chance we’ve completely minimized the threat because Bobby let Rylie know he doesn’t have any interest in the judge anymore. We’re just not sure the judge buys it, so we need to take precautions.” Piper handed the notebook over to Michael, and he sighed as he looked at all the time he’d be spending watching after the women.

“How do you know I’m even capable of handling a weapon?” Michael furrowed his brow and started making note of what days and time he could be available.

“Colombo over here did a background check on you and saw you were in the Marines. Don’t feel too violated or special, though, he does checks on everyone.” Piper smirked up at Bobby who didn’t seem to find his nickname all that funny.

“And how about you, do you have a weapon or any idea how to fire one? I get that you’re the mastermind of all this, but you still need to protect yourself.” Michael tossed the notebook back at Piper, and it bounced off her knees and hit the floor. She winced and rubbed the pain away. Michael rolled his eyes. “We can cross off high threshold for pain and cat-like reflexes from your list of talents.”

“I’m going to take her out in the woods behind here tomorrow and give her a crash course. I have a small personal handgun I’m going to let her use,” Bobby said, lowering his voice as he heard Betty and Jules approaching. “So we’re good here, you’re on board?”

“Reluctantly, yes. I’m in,” Michael sighed. “But no one gets killed, and I get dibs on the redhead.”