Page 3 of Driftwood Daffodil 2

“Miss Ford,” the judge stared back at her. “I will not stand for disrespect in my courtroom.”

Most people would’ve stopped there, but not Novalee Ford.

She raised her finger and pointed firmly. “The only disrespect in this court is you.”

Murmurs erupted into full on gasps and grumbles. Personally, I was enjoying the show. I sat back and folded my hands in my lap, curious to see where this was going.

The gavel slammed down, ringing a clack through the air along with the judge’s order, “Order in the court.”

“There is no order in this court.” Novalee stomped her foot. “My brother is a good man and you all railroaded him.”

This was fantastic. I never would’ve thought the final nail in Kato's coffin would come from his sister. He would’ve gotten ten years before – we were promised a minimum sentence – but now he’d probably end up with more. All because of his sister’s mouth.

Based on the look Kato shot Novalee, I guessed he was thinking the same thing.

“Really, Nova?”

She scowled back at her brother, “Shut up, Kato. If you don’t want to stand up for yourself, then I will.”

Is this what she considered standing up for someone? This girl had a lot to learn. Like when to keep her mouth shut.

All her brother could do was shake his head. His lawyer kept giving her the signal to calm it down, and the judge once again banged his gavel.

I couldn’t have asked for a better sentencing hearing.

“That’s enough, Miss Ford.”

“This is nowhere near enough.”

“I’ll find you in contempt.”

“I find you in contempt. I find you all in contempt.”

Was Kato Ford’s baby sister about to go to jail too? Maybe the universe did pay off patience.

“That’s it.” The gavel came down with a loud bang. “I find you in contempt of this court.”

“Good. That’s the best birthday present I could ask for.”

It was her birthday. This shit kept getting better and better. I almost felt like smiling, then Novalee opened her mouth again.

“Atlas Mancini raped my sister…”

Romeo’s hand clamped down on my leg before I could get up.

“Stay right there, Gio.”

I gritted my teeth and glared back at him. “Get your fucking hand off me, Romeo.”

“This isn’t the time.”

When was the fucking time? Someone needed to shut that bitch up. If Romeo wasn’t going to do it then I would.

At least that was my plan, until my father stood up. “That’s enough, young lady. Perhaps you should have a seat.”

Everyone else quieted down at the sound of my father’s voice, but his interference only enraged Novalee further.

She swung around and pointed at him. “You’re just as guilty as your son.”

---