Page 15 of Jackson
Josh went through the details of the car theft and the accident then ended when he realized they were on foot again. “I didn’t know the man was dead, but I knew it was bad from the way he bounced over the car. I’m sorry I didn’t tell anyone at the time. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I really didn’t!” His voice broke, and he looked as though he were about to burst into tears again.
Henry turned to the district attorney. “Enough mitigating circumstances for you, Brian?”
“I’m going to need to hear whatever the rest of the story is, but for now it’s enough. Josh, let’s get you booked. Then Mr. Cole and I will meet with Judge Spenser and get you released to your foster parents. It will take a while to get the plea dealworked out, but I think we can manage probation until you’re twenty-one and some hefty hours of community service.”
“Surely eighteen is sufficient, Brian. Josh has had exemplary behavior since he’s been in foster care. He’s an excellent student, and now that he’s no longer in his mother’s care, his school attendance is near perfect. James and Laura will attest to his character. He’s starting with a new therapist shortly. I don’t see how the extra three years are necessary,” Henry said.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen”—Derek Kiriakis spoke for the first time—“can’t we save this discussion for another day? Josh has been through a lot. Let’s see to the formalities and send these good people home.”
“I think Derek is right,” Henry said, and Landis agreed.
“Josh, do you need me for anything else today?” Henry asked.
Josh shook his head.
“James? Laura?” Again receiving answers in the negative, he gathered his things and prepared to leave. “If we hurry, Brian, we can get to Judge Spenser before he starts afternoon court. We’ll call as soon as Josh can be released.”
“Let’s go. I’ve got five more cases to deal with today,” Landis said, and they left together.
“I must be going as well. Glad to see you’re doing well despite past events,” Derek said. “Good to see you all. Wish the circumstances were better.”
A uniformed officer came to take Josh for booking, and James went with him to keep an eye on things.
Paula and Laura watched them head downstairs, and Laura asked, “Is it really going to be so simple? Probation and community service?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t had many cases in juvenile court. If it’s like adult court, the judge usually rubber stamps the agreement between the prosecution and the defense, but everynow and then you get one who thinks the deal is too easy on the defendant and he decides to throw the book at him. For now, Josh gets to go home with you as soon as we get the call.”
After the duty officer had finished booking Josh, Paula went with them to the exit. On impulse, she hugged Laura, who clung to her briefly before leaning back and putting on a brave smile. “Thank you for your help.” Laura stepped away from her, right into James’ arms. He kissed her temple and held out a hand to Paula.
“Thank you, Paula. We’ll talk to Henry and Derek as well,” James said as his big, callused hand engulfed hers in a warm handshake. He let go, gave a friendly nod, and went away with his arm around Laura, Josh trailing behind.
Paula stared after the retreating couple. She just couldn’t wrap her head around their relationship. Both seemed really happy. Both utterly in love. But what was the appeal of being tied up and beaten? To both of them?
A shadow fell over her as Jackson Cagney came to stand beside her, a bit close for comfort.
Nevertheless, Paula lifted her chin and acknowledged his presence with a short but not unfriendly nod. “Cagney. What brings you by?”
Jackson grinned and responded. “Stone.” After a short pause, he added, “Papers to drop off for your case. What’s on your mind?”
Paula indicated Laura and James with her head. “Those two.”
“What about them?”
“I don’t get it,” she replied.
“Get what?” Jackson seemed genuinely confused. “They’re a happy couple.”
“Yeah, I can see that,” Paula acquiesced. “But why do they need this inequality? Why can’t they have a normal, balanced relationship? He’s no bully, she’s no doormat. I just don’t get it.”
Jackson listened to her and considered his response. They were in a professional environment, and she was a colleague. Granted, they didn’t work together daily, but they were still both cops. He rubbed his neck. “I don’t agree with your assessment of their relationship. It’s wonderfully balanced in my opinion. They fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.”
“That’s what I don’t get. Why the coercion?”
Jackson felt like she’d slapped him in the face. “What coercion? Paula, there isn’t any of that. Their entire relationship is based on careful negotiation. It’s all safe, sane, and consensual.”
“But she’s strong, smart, and independent.” Paula stopped as his words sank in, and her jaw dropped. “I’ve heard that phrase from Laura. It’s a BDSM saying. How would you know that?”
“Yes, she is all that, and so are you,” Jackson answered as he moved closer to her and bent down to speak softly in her ear. “I think you might be submissive, too. Wouldn’t it be great to have someone take care of you? To not always have to be in control of everything? Not to be on guard 24/7? To just let go?”
