Chapter 124

word count  947

Trudy stood before the judge, her eyes downcast, her hands clasped in front of her. The judge loomed above, his face muscles tight with irritation, a swath of papers clutched in his reddened hand.

“These charges against you are serious, Ms. Hunt, assault on another inmate, assault on an officer of the law, the list is endless.” The judge paused and studied the contrite woman in front of him, then returned to his papers.

“But in this report it says your behavior is much improved, your demeanor refined. You haven't caused a bit of trouble to anyone in weeks. No swearing, no fighting, you've been polite.” He arched an eyebrow and looked her way. The original Trudy had been in his courtroom before, and he knew full well her reputation.

Pushing his glasses up on his nose, he studied his papers further, swishing through sheets, the shuffling a thunderous roar in the deathly quiet courtroom.

“And the court psychiatrist reports you are on medication and responding well.”

Hand to forehead, he pulled into himself, thinking. He shot Trudy an occasional glance in the process, before diving back into the papers. Finally, the man removed his glasses and bent forward, his wrinkled hands folded on the desk in front of him.

“You have done such an astounding job of turning yourself around, I can't fathom sending you to jail to become corrupted by that culture. I'm giving you three years probation, Mrs. Hunt, and forty hours of community service. And the court requires you to address your substance abuse issues, a court-approved program being required as part of your release. Use it to your best advantage. Case adjourned.”

He slammed the gavel down and in a flurry of black robes left the room.

Trudy was left standing in shock. Her court-appointed attorney stood near. That lady bound over and gave her a big hug.

“Congratulations, Trudy! I'm so happy for you!”

“NO,thank you!” Trudy returned. “Ya did a wonderful job for me!”

“Trudy, this was all your own doing. You really turned yourself around.”

She billowed with pride. To have people speaking to her with such respect, this was new for her. Usually, when people saw her coming, they'd try to get away. It was hard, holding in her temper, trying to be demure, but the payoff was sublime.

***

Buzz forced his eyes open which was no small feat. He was drugged up something awful. Then he remembered, he'd been in surgery.

His vision was blurry, but it was plain to see he was in a hospital room. Again. It seemed as though he spent more time being sick lately than anything else. Where was that lean, mean cop who made the newspapers and brought in the bad guys by the droves? He hadn't been that particular action hero in quite some time now.

He struggled to sit up, but his IV got in the way. And when he moved, his left calf sent a screeching pain running through him. He remembered the injury, the splintered chair ripping straight through him.

Mrs. Dunn! He remembered Mrs. Dunn. They'd taken off with her. That poor woman!

The very same Mrs. Dunn appeared as if by magic being wheeled into the room by a nurse in blue scrubs. “And how is my favorite detective today! I'm ready to go home, and this nice lady brought me here first to see how you are doing.”

“Mrs. Dunn! I was so worried about you. Are you all right?” His voice was raspy and weak, but his smile was unmistakably happy.

“Yes, Detective! Your fine officers caught up with the hearse and rescued me, quite handily I might add. You should be proud of your department.”

“Well, that's music to my ears. We don't get compliments that often!” Hank said, popping his head in the doorway. He and Gil entered the room together. “Hey, boss! How are you feeling?”

Buzz's face brightened at the sight of his men. “I want to get back to work! It seems like I've been sick for so long, I just want to be active again. Clearing the streets of criminals, doing my thing, ya know!”

“Soon enough, boss! That injury to your calf is pretty nasty.” Gil shot him one of his characteristic smiles, wide and glistening. Then his expression changed.

“Boss, did you hear about Trudy? She's out. She got probation.”

“Probation? I thought for sure she was headed up the river to the state pen. How did she get probation?”

“Well. Apparently, she turned herself around. Saw the court-appointed psychologist, got medicated, cleaned up her act. The judge was so impressed, I guess, he gave her another chance.”

“Have you seen her?” Buzz shot Gil a penetrating glance.

“No. This only just happened. I don't know where she is.” Gil rambled the words, blushing as he said them. It was no secret Buzz didn't appreciate his taking up with Trudy while he was incapacitated.

During this discussion, Mrs. Dunn grew more and more restless. That awful woman, Trudy, on the loose again. She could contain herself no longer, practically flying out of the wheelchair. “Are you gentlemen CRAZY! That woman is nothing but trouble. I'd advise you to stay away from her.”

“Mrs. Dunn, perhaps we are done here,” the nurse behind her murmured. She swung the wheelchair around and pushed Mrs. Dunn toward the door.

“Mark my words! If you go near that woman, you'll regret it!” She barely managed to say it all before the door closed behind her.

Hank cleared his throat. “Do you think maybe she doesn't like Trudy much? he asked, tongue in cheek.