When A Heart Stops – Chapter 11

Copyright © 2021 by Loudest Thoughts

 

No part of this work is to be copied or distributed without the prior written permission of the author.

 

CHAPTER 11 – SET IN THE PAST

 

Judge Saltman slipped a note under the Attorney Generals’ door and rushed back to his car.

He hit the steering wheel twice and his forehead sunk in.

“It’s been 15 years, what do you think that piece of information would do?” The lady in the back seat startled him.

“Gosh! Zara.” He yelled and picked up his portable oxygen tank which had fallen off the seat and adjusted his nebulizer.

“I’ve got to find this girl and make sure she gets the justice she needs before I die.”

“She must be a woman now, Judge.” Zara, his assistant, replied.

“That doesn’t mean she isn’t deserving of justice.” “I know what I did was wrong, but if I had known my son wouldn’t have lived beyond the time limit, I would have insisted she stays in Juvi.”

“I thought you found her dad.”

“He didn’t return my voicemails, proving…”

“He was in on it,” Zara mentioned.

The destructive judge took a deep breath and asked Zara to come to the front and drive. He adjusted his seat at the other end, and Zara drove off.

“Once she gets out, we’ll find her.”

“I hope I’m still here in 5 years when she gets out.”

“You will, and since you signed off, your office will be notified.” Zara said as she returned her gaze to the road.

*********************** SET IN THE PRESENT

James walked out on his dad earlier, and when he got back, he hurriedly rushed into his room to shower.

His dad kept banging on his door.

“Will you open up?”

“Go away, dad.”

The furious Amos forced the door open.

He was fixing his belt when he walked in.

“How dare you disobey me again?” The old man thundered.

“In case you haven’t noticed, I stopped following your orders when I fell in love.”

The next thing he knew, his dad landed a slap on his face.

Amos raised his hand for the first time against his son.

“What was that for?”

“For disobeying me.”

“Dad, that family is harmless, so I don’t know why you need me to ruin their lives.”

“You are very gullible, Jam…” Mr. Amos was interrupted by the doorbell.

“We are not done here.” He issued a warning and walked out the door.

James slumped on the bed, trembling.

Mr. Amos got the door opened, and it was Jewel.

He feigned a smile. “We didn’t know you were coming.”

“Yes, I thought I’d surprise James.” “I brought your favorite doughnuts.” She smiled cheekily.

“You do know my taste.” He went on with his pretense.

After a few chit-chats, Jewel left him to check on James.

His door was opened halfway.

She peeped and smiled. “Pennies for your thoughts.”

James sprung up. “Babes. “What are you doing here?”

She closed the door behind her and walked to his bed.

“I’m here to apologize and also do this.” She leaned over and kissed him while holding on tightly.

James didn’t want to go far, so he slowly pushed her away.

“I’m really not in the mood now, Jewel.”

“Okay, but I’m sorry.”

“I understand you love your sister and want to keep her secrets, so I won’t blame you.”

“Thank you so much.”

“But whatever secret kept her away, is it over?”

“Well, yes. “So far as she doesn’t get herself in trouble again.”

“She’s trouble, I guess.” He reached out for her hands.

“Most of the time, she’s the most amazing person I’d give my life for…”

“Ouch, that hurts.” James teased.

“Don’t worry, I love you too, but family first.” Jewel countered.

“How about we have dinner together with your sister?”

“What? I’m not sure Ginger would agree to that.

“Why not?”

“It’s just that sh…”

“She doesn’t like me.” James concluded for her.

“I never said that.” She’s been through a lot, and I don’t want to make her feel left out.

“The more reason she has to go out and have fun,” James said, poking her cheeks.

Jewel mumbled for a while. “Alright, I’ll talk to her when I get home, but for now, I need to go back to work.”

She stood up, stole another kiss, and ran off before he could convince her to stay.