Chapter 4

"All rise, the court of the honorable Judge Rose is now in session," said the Bailiff Rudy Thibodaux. The old courtroom was packed with lawyers and defendants ready to enter their pleas. Judge Jude Rose hated Mondays. The filth of the streets oozed into his domain on that day ready to exclaim their innocence for all that would listen. The worst part of the whole ordeal was that the old judge couldn’t tell the attorneys apart from their clients anymore. Jude had watched over the years as petty drug dealers and ambulance chasing young attorneys, waiting to carve out their niche in the law industry, had overrun the city. From his perch high above the fray, he looked out of the big windows onto Tulane Avenue remembering his first time in this courtroom. As a young law student he had come after classes to watch the trial of Clay Shaw play itself out in the national headlines. The building was now full of those who sold nickel bags of crack cocaine, rapist and the big lugs that liked to beat up on their wives.

Seeing the beautifully dressed Serena Ladding with a pile of files on the table made him think that today would be ‘Your honor she asked for it’ day, lovely. "Ms. Ladding what do you have for me today? Do you think we’ll be finished by noon?" asked the judge.

"Forty eight cases your honor, just pleadings so we should be out of here by ten if everyone is present." The first thirty plead guilty having cut deals with the district attorney’s office. No jail time for their crimes, if they signed up for individual and family therapy. Serena wasn’t a big fan of therapy, but it was the best they could offer with the jail-overcrowding situation the city faced. After a few weeks with the shrink these guys come to realize that it was all their mother’s fault that they did what they did. If only mommy dearest had had the foresight to leave dear old dad, then they wouldn’t have learned their behavior. ‘So you see Ms. Ladding, I’m an abuser but I have a good reason, it’s all my bitch of a mother’s fault.’ What a load.

"On the last case your honor, we request that the court remand Mr. Byron Simoneaux into custody due to the vicious unprovoked attack on his wife, Mrs. Desiree Simoneaux. Mrs. Simoneaux had to undergo extensive surgery to repair the damage done to her person by Byron Simoneaux. It is the opinion of the District Attorney’s office that Mr. Simoneaux would pose a threat to his wife if allowed out on bail. Our office plans to move forward with charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon." Serena finished and turned to Byron and his attorney to see what bullshit issued forth.

"Your honor, Mr. Simoneaux is a law abiding citizen that doesn’t even have any outstanding parking tickets. He works hard and is being unjustly accused by a woman who wants out of her marriage, and plans to stick my client with a large alimony tab," started Bradley Blum, Byron’s attorney.

"Mr. Blum have I addressed you?" asked Judge Rose pinning the young with his famous glare.

"No sir," answered Bradley swallowing hard.

"Then why are you talking?" asked the irritated judge.

"I just wanted to explain our position your honor."

"You are talking again. My suggestion to you Mr. Blum is this; you take your cues from Ms. Ladding here and speak only when spoken to. Do you understand me Mr. Blum?" asked Judge Rose. The courtroom fell silent waiting for the explosion that would surely be coming from the bench at any moment. Jude was famous for chewing these young guns up and spitting them out, making their clients question the wisdom of their choice of representation. Two minutes ticked by with no sound breaking except the ticking of the clock over the door. "I’m waiting Mr. Blum, do you understand me?" asked Jude as he reclined back in his leather chair.

"I’m sorry your honor, I thought you told me not to talk," explained the now sweating Bradley. From the prosecutor’s table Serena was trying valiantly to hide her smile behind her hand. She had been in Blum’s place only once, and it had been an experience she never cared to repeat. "I asked you a question you idiot," screamed Jude. "Yes your honor, I understand you," said Bradley.

"Good, now Ms. Ladding what are the extent of Mrs. Simoneaux’s injuries?" asked Jude.

Serena went on to explain the nature and extent of Desi’s injuries, and what Harry had done to fix the problem. She also explained that a baseball bat found in the Simoneaux home had caused the injuries.

"Thank you Ms. Ladding. Now Mr. Blum let’s hear from you." After laying out the reasons for allowing his client to be released on bond, Bradley judiciously fell silent waiting for the judge to rule on bail. Feeling his client fidgeting beside him, Bradley made a mental note to tell Byron that Jude Rose never heard domestic violence cases, so there would be no repeat of today.

"In reference to this being Mr. Simoneaux’s first criminal charge I here by post bond in the amount of three and a half million dollars in cash or property. Thank you ladies and gentlemen, we are adjourned," with that Jude got up adjusted the pistol he wore around his waist under his robes and walked out. Serena felt confident that having to put up four hundred and twenty thousand dollars for his share of the bail, Byron would be sitting in city jail for many days to come.

She walked out of the courtroom through the curses hurled her way by Byron’s family heading toward her office. Serena had noticed the Simoneaux clan when she had gotten there that morning, thinking that Byron and his brother Mike took after their father in looks. His mother looked like a small meek woman that was afraid of the large overweight man sitting beside her. Byron, Sr. is where, Serena was sure, his son had learned how to deal with women.

From her office in the building, Serena called Harry’s house and spoke to Desi about the morning’s proceedings. If Byron’s attorney fast tracked the trial they could be back in court by the end of the month, which was fine with Serena. That would mean that Desi would be sitting up there testifying with a cast on her leg, making what her husband did to her, that much more real.

"Thank you Serena, I appreciate you calling me. Is it all right if I call Harry and let her know what’s going on. She left early this morning but I have her cell phone number in case I have to get in touch with her."

"No, that won’t be a problem Desi. Call her and tell her whatever you want, it will be good for you to have someone to talk to during all this stuff. Cause believe me honey, you will have to deal with Byron’s family, as well as your wonderful husband."

"Yeah, when Byron and Mike get together and start drinking, they are a force to be reckoned with. Do you think Harry will be in any danger?" asked Desi.

"If your in-laws know what’s good for them, they will stay the hell away from Harry. The goddess of the bones is a wonderful healer, but on the flip side of that she can just as easily break every bone in your body. Harry took up martial arts in college, and when you combine that with her medical training, she knows all the places to hit you that will count," explained Serena.

Desi thought about what Serena had said after hanging up the phone. Would Harry hurt her and was she exchanging one bad situation for something worse? She couldn’t fathom Harry ever lifting a hand to hit her, but she hadn’t seen Harry in years. Sometimes things change. She put the receiver in her hand down deciding to wait and call Harry.

Harry wasn’t expected home until eight or nine due to a back up in surgery, so when Desi heard the side door under her bedroom close she wondered who it was. Looking at the digital clock next to the bed, Desi noticed that it was three thirty in the afternoon. She had slept longer than she had planned after her conversation with Serena.

"Hey there sweetheart, how are you feeling?" asked Harry when she walked into the room carrying some shopping bags. "What are you doing here?" asked Desi. "I live here," replied Harry, arching an eyebrow. "I know that smart ass, I wasn’t expecting you until late. Come here since I can’t come to you yet," said Desi crooking her finger toward Harry.

Harry walked over to the bed, leaned down and gave Desi a kiss hello. Having left even earlier than Desi suspected that morning, Harry was able to get through all of her more difficult surgeries by two that afternoon. What were left were cases that they students could do, so she had arranged for another instructor to monitor their progress in the operating rooms. Stopping at one of the local medical supply companies and a few other places, Harry picked up some surprises for Desi and planned on spending the rest of the afternoon enjoying it with her.

"Has anyone ever told you that you look sexy in green?" asked Desi as she eyed Harry in her surgical scrubs. "Don’t try to suck up to me now Thompson. I did bring home a surprise for you but I don’t know if I’ll share it with you now," said Harry as she threw the bags in her hands back out into the hallway. "Awww, come on Harry, I was just surprised to see you is all. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t want to see you. What’s my surprise?" asked Desi. "You are going to have to wait until I change before I give it to you," said Harry.

Changing into sweatpants and a fleece top Harry went out into the hall to retrieve her first set of surprises. Coming back in with the bags, she approached the bed to give them to Desi. "How would you like to go to the park with me and feed the ducks? We could do it right after I run." Harry asked Desi shyly holding out the bags in her hand. "I would love to do that with you baby, but I can’t," said Desi. "I didn’t ask you if you could Desi, I asked you if you wanted to. Now do you want to?" "Yes I would love to," answered Desi.

Handing over the first bag, Harry wiggled her eyebrows. Opening it while looking at Harry, Desi finally peeked inside. She found a sports bra and a nice fleece pullover similar to the one Harry had on. At the bottom of the bag was a pair of jogging pants that had snaps all the way up the sides. They were the kind that were meant to be pulled off once you got to the track. In the other bag Desi found several pairs of cashmere socks and a hat.

"Do you want me to help you put all that stuff on?" asked Harry. "I think I can manage with the top part but I have you here to help with the bottom. Now turn around doctor," ordered Desi.

Harry turned around and waited for the grunting from the bed to stop. Getting the go ahead from Desi she turned around to help her put the pants on. Harry pooled the sheets around Desi’s waist before lifting her a little so that the small woman could pull the unsnapped pants around her bottom. Once she had the uninjured leg all covered up Harry folded the other pants leg so it would touch the sight of Desi’s injury. She then unpacked one pair of the socks and put them on the small delicate feet.

"Ready to go?" asked Harry. "I don’t know what you have in mind but I’m ready to go," answered Desi. Harry picked her up and carried her out of the room down the stairs. "Wanna tour while I have you down here?" asked Harry. "Yeah, I didn’t get to see much of the house when I got here. Let’s take a look at Tony’s handy work." "You can take notes so that you can tell him what you like when they come over for dinner tonight." Harry carried Desi around showing her the main floor of the house, ending the tour at the side door where she had parked the Land Rover.

Putting the small woman in the back seat so she could stretch out her broken leg, Harry jumped into the driver’s seat and headed in the direction of the Audubon Park. The park was one of the nicest spots in the city of New Orleans. It offered a two-mile track around the park for the local runners and walkers, as well as cyclist and roller bladders. As you made the circuit around the park you could watch the golfers that were playing on the eighteen-hole course located in the middle of the park. Numerous ponds situated throughout the property were home to a large duck, swan and turtle population. Accustomed to visitors feeding them, the feathered inhabitants of the park were known to eat right out of your hand.

Pulling into the lot that was located at the back entrance to the park, Harry found a spot that was close to the track. She went to the back of the vehicle and pulled out her last surprise. Locking it in place so that she could retrieve Desi, she almost laughed at the shocked expression on the redhead’s face. It was a variation of a racer wheelchair. Harry had picked it because it absorbed bumps better than the ones the hospital used. Now she could start bringing Desi with her when she came to the park to run.

"Want to go for a ride?" asked Harry. "Harry won’t that hurt your back to stoop down and push me?" asked Desi. "Nope, I got the one with adjustable handles. It will be like running holding on to the bar of a treadmill. Let me get your hat, your blanket and the bread for the ducks. You are going to have to hold that until we are done."

Running at a slower pace than usual, Harry pushed Desi around the track five times. From her vantage point Desi relaxed into the chair and enjoyed the canopy of oaks that completely covered the wide lane they were on. She didn’t worry about her leg that was on a firm support sticking straight out, knowing that Harry wouldn’t let anyone anywhere near them. The cold weather of February had killed off most of the vegetation around them, but Desi still enjoyed being out in the crisp air. With her hands holding the bag of bread and blanket on her lap she was warm and content, letting Harry do all the work.

In the middle of their sixth circuit around, Harry slowed and pulled them off the track and down to the edge of one of the larger ponds. Before the chair rolled to a stop the ducks were heading out of the water anticipating a treat. Harry took the blanket off Desi’s lap and spread it on the ground, then pulled Desi out of the chair and sat her down so she would be closer to the water. Sitting beside Desi they took their time in tearing the loaf into small pieces and tossing it to the now boisterous crowd they had attracted. As the sun started to go down and the temperature was dropping with it, Harry put her passenger back in the chair and headed to the car. As she leaned down to put Desi back in the back seat, Harry paused when she saw the tears steaming down her friend’s face.

"Are you hurting?" asked the concerned doctor, already fussing at herself for this stupid idea. Desi just shook her head but would not talk. The afternoon spent with Harry and the fact that her old friend had thought of everything that it would take to make her comfortable, made Desi realize something. Her fears after talking with Serena that afternoon were unfounded. Harry would never raise a hand against her, more likely she would spend the rest of her life protecting her and making her happy. Desi felt ashamed for even having the thought enter her mind.

Feeling Harry pick her up and cradle her against her chest, Desi clung to her as if desperate. "It’s ok baby, whatever it is, it will be ok. Just tell me what’s the matter?" asked Harry in a low voice. "Please don’t let me go," sobbed Desi. How could she have traded anything for this? Harry had always been so good to her, and Desi’s gratitude had been abandonment. She should have tried harder to find a better solution for them and not wasted all those years apart. "I won’t let you go baby, but let’s get you in the car, I don’t want you adding a cold to your list of woes," said Harry.

Sitting in the back seat together, Harry put Desi on her lap making sure that her leg was clear of getting bumped on anything. Holding the still crying Desi, Harry just ran a soothing hand along her back trying to get the woman to calm down. "I talked to Serena today about Byron and their appearance in court," started Desi in a small voice. "Was there something that I did to upset you?" asked Harry.

"No, we started talking about you and she told me you took these classes and I thought…"

"You thought that I would come home one day and use you as a punching bag?" asked a surprised Harry.

"Yes, but then you did all this and it made me feel like a real shit for thinking that. I know you Harry, I may not know what you have been up to for the past few years, but I find it difficult to believe that your basic nature would have changed. Can you forgive me for thinking that today?" asked Desi.

"Honey, with the experience you have lived with I don’t blame you for thinking about your safety. In the future if you have any doubts or questions about anything, do you promise to tell me about it? We have a history but in reality we are starting fresh here Desi, so the more we talk, the less chance there will be of getting off track.

Just so you know, I took those classes after Tony, Kenneth and I got to LSU. We were coming home one night when a carload of jocks passed us and saw the guys holding hands. They didn’t get out and they didn’t throw anything at us, we were lucky in that regard. But it made me realize that because of our choices we might not always be so lucky. By learning and training, I at least have given myself the opportunity of a fighting chance if that should happen again. I haven’t hit anything in a while except the bag in the gym and the only fights with people I’ve been in have been in the ring with an instructor near by," explained Harry.

"Harry you don’t have to justify your reasons to me, I know that you would never hurt me. I just wish I could go back and change the past, then maybe I wouldn’t be such a wreck," said Desi. "Nah, you would have hated to be around me in med school, I was a bitch to live with, just ask the boys. You now get to enjoy the mellow Harry." "I would take you in any state Harry, I love you," said Desi.

Harry pulled back and looked at Desi after the words had come out of her mouth. Oh shit that is not a happy look thought Desi. "What did you just say?" asked Harry. "I would take you in any state," said Desi. "After that," said Harry.

"I love you Harry."

"Yeah that. Do you mean that?" asked Harry.

"With all my heart. I always have you know, since that first day you rescued Rachel and I from those bullies. It has been the one constant in my life."

"I love you Desi. God, that felt good to say. Now there is just one thing left to say," stated Harry. "What’s that baby?" asked Desi. "You need an attorney, and now." "Harry what do I need an attorney for?" asked Desi. "You need a divorce and pronto."

Chapter 5

Two weeks later Rachel found herself sitting with Desi in Harry’s waiting room. Harry’s private practice was in the clinic building that was attached to Mercy Hospital. Desi and her sister looked around the room taking in the wood paneled walls, dark brown leather furniture, and the long glass case that bordered the ceiling full of football helmets and baseball caps that had been autographed by the owners. Obviously people broke a large number of bones in the area. A nurse came out of the door that led into the exam rooms and wheeled Desi in inviting Rachel to come along if she wished.

"Can I get you ladies anything? Coffee, a soft drink perhaps? No, well Dr. Basantes should be back from rounds in a minute so make yourselves comfortable."

Desi looked around the exam room noticing one wall was covered with pictures of Harry, all taken with different people. From the youngest to the oldest, every single person in the pictures had their arm around Harry and were smiling like they had won the lottery. When the next nurse came in to check her vitals, she noticed Rachel and Desi looking at the wall of pictures.

"The wall of fame for the goddess of the bones," she commented as she wrapped the blood pressure cuff around Desi’s arm. "Why do people call her that, the goddess of the bones?" asked Desi. "Because the doctor has shown a remarkable talent for orthopedic surgery from the moment she picked up a scalpel. Our own Dr. Basantes is known throughout the country for the miracles that she is able to perform on a regular basis. All the people you see up there, and in every room of this office are old patients that have had their lives salvaged by those talented hands. The nickname came from her professors in medical school and it just stuck. Ask anyone of those people though, and I will be willing to bet you they would agree with the title." The nurse finished up and put Desi’s chart in the bin attached to the door.

When the door opened again, Harry walked in wearing the whitest most pressed lab coat Desi had ever seen. "Remember I told you how sexy you looked in green?" asked Desi. "Yes I believe I recall that conversation," said Harry. Rachel watched them both thrilled to see that their playful personalities had returned. Harry was good for her sister, and if there was one person that deserved some good luck for a change it was Desi. "I’ve changed my mind, I’m thinking white is your color doctor," said Desi. "Once you are on your feet you’ll have to take me shopping. Are you ready for those stitches to come out?" asked Harry. "Kiss me first then you can do whatever you like," said Desi.

Harry walked to the exam table and kissed Desi like she hadn’t seen her in months. They hadn’t taken it any further than the kissing and groping part, due to Desi’s injury but they were still enjoying themselves. Rachel smiled watching her sister act like a teenager again and could see from the movement through the coat where her hands were located on Harry’s body.

"Tell me Dr. Basantes, is this how you treat all your patients? Because if it is I might just go fling myself down the stairs just to get an office visit," said Rachel as she arched an eyebrow. "This is an experimental treatment I’m trying on a test group of one, actually. Next time you will have to notify in advance of interest in my work," said Harry.

Harry kidded around with them while she removed the numerous stitches that she had put in Desi’s leg. She cut through the small precisely put black thread, pleased with the results left behind. There would be hardly a scar left and if Desi wanted, Harry would recommend a plastic surgeon to remove what there was of one. After checking the x-rays Desi had taken while waiting for Harry to arrive, she informed her patient that everything was healing nicely.

"In another week or so, I’ll put you in a cast letting you move around better. For now let’s leave you like this so that your incision can heal up better. You want to be past that itchy stage before I encase it trust me. See all that forced bed rest is paying off for you. You should kiss your doctor for being so smart." Not one to ignore her physician’s requests Desi leaned over and kissed the top of Harry’s head.

"Can I take you lovely ladies out to lunch?" Harry asked taking off the lap coat and draping it over her arm. "You have time?" asked Desi. "Barring any medical disasters, I’m all yours for the next couple of hours." "Just for the next couple of hours?" asked Desi. "For as long as you want me in this lifetime, but I have to work this afternoon. We are teaching the residents some new surgical techniques this afternoon, so I have to be there."

Harry put Desi back in her wheelchair and escorted her and Rachel out to the parking lot. She had made a reservation to have lunch with the two of them at Commander’s Palace uptown. When they were young, Harry’s parents would take Harry and Desi for Sunday brunch in the second floor garden room, it was one of Desi’s favorite memories. The doctor was doing her best to bring back those happy times whenever she had the opportunity. She couldn’t make up for the life Desi had endured without her, but Harry would do everything within her power so that the small redhead wouldn’t have another painful day.

When Harry pulled to the front of the restaurant and turned to face the back seat, she knew that it had been worth the effort of rearranging her schedule. Desi’s eyes were misted over telling Harry that she remembered their times spent here. The valet opened the door and greeted Harry by name. "Hello Charlie, how’s school?" asked Harry. "Ok Dr. Harry, I could use some extra tutoring sessions in chemistry but besides that it’s going all right," replied Charlie. "Charlie could you or one of the guys carry the chair that’s in the back upstairs for me?" asked Harry. "Sure, but who’s gonna carry the person in it Dr. Harry?" "Don’t worry about that Charlie, I could use the workout."

Harry greeted the maitre’ d with Desi in her arms and asked to go up the stairwell located in the kitchen. The famous restaurant had another set of stairs in the main dining room but they were steep and narrow, and Harry didn’t want to take any chances with her passenger. Going through the kitchen they had to stop and talk with the staff for a minute, they loved when Harry came in especially with Butch. They all greeted Desi and promised to send up some special treats in honor of her return to the New Orleans landmark.

"It is so beautiful up here," said Desi as she looked out the wall to wall windows that overlooked the courtyard outside. Harry had requested a corner table so that Desi would be out of the passing traffic of service staff. They were surprised to find Serena having lunch accompanied by a young beautiful woman.

"Harry, Desi what a pleasant surprise. I would like you to meet Brenda Bourgeois, she’s a local law student here in the city," said Serena. She wanted to go and sit down again after noticing the look in Harry’s eyes. It was a new relationship and Serena didn’t want to expose Brenda to Harry’s form of teasing. "Pleasure to meet you Brenda. This is Desi and her sister Rachel. I’m Harry by the way, an old friend of Serena’s."

"Oh yes, I’ve heard all about you from Albert. Can’t seem to get him on any other subject but Uncle Harry when I’m around," said Brenda as she held out her hand.

Serena cut in before anyone else said anything, "Desi, have you heard from Byron or his family since the hearing a couple of weeks ago? I understand that he is still in central lockup so you shouldn’t have any problems."

"No they haven’t bothered me but that could be because they don’t know where I am. Harry got me in touch with a good attorney that’s working on a divorce for me, so I will at least know where to find Byron when it comes time to serve him with papers," said Desi smiling up at Harry’s friend.

"Call me if you need anything or if you have any problems. Harry and Rachel it was nice seeing you both again," said Serena as she took Brenda’s hand and returned to their table. Harry had to laugh a little when they departed thinking that maybe Serena had found someone worthy of her, since the young woman seemed so possessive.

"You are bad Dr. Basantes," said Desi. She had noticed the mirth playing in Harry’s eyes and the panic in Serena’s when she came to the table. Knowing that Harry had had a relationship with the attorney caused a streak of jealousy to course through Desi every time she saw her. The comforting hand over hers on the table was doing wonders for that as she teased Harry. "I’m only bad when provoked sweetheart, don’t ever forget that."

They enjoyed the lunch that was served and the atmosphere of the restaurant. Desi was amused by the number of people that came to their table and thanked Harry for the fixing of some ailment or another. She had never seen so many pantomimed golf strokes or tennis serves in her life. Harry took it all in stride, listening to what they were saying while she held Desi’s hand. Desi couldn’t remember ever being the center of so much attention, and being regarded with such respect as Harry gave her whenever she introduced her to the next person that came to the table. Harry was proud to have her sitting there; Byron had never shown this much interest in her. To him she was the person that kept his house clean, cooked his food and was the body that he could use for sex.

Desi noticed the envy in some of the women’s eyes as Harry swept her up into her arms again when it was time to go. It was as if they knew by some secret tally that the name of Dr. Harry Basantes was taken from the available slot and slid over to the taken side. Harry’s car was waiting for them when they got downstairs allowing the doctor to put Desi back in while the valets put the wheelchair in the back. As she tipped the guys for their assistance, neither Harry nor her two passengers noticed the man down the block attaching a car to the tow truck he was driving. He had stopped what he was doing when he saw the person carrying a woman out of the restaurant thinking that it wasn’t a common sight. That’s when he noticed whom the person being carried was.

Dialing the portable phone in the cab of the truck Mike called the local jail and asked for his brother Byron. Forgetting about the car he had been sent to collect, Mike jumped up into the truck and drove off following the Land Rover while waiting for Byron to come to the phone. Missing the traffic light once the suv turned onto St. Charles Avenue, Mike had to wait hoping that the driver would get stopped at one of the other lights along the way. He at least knew she was headed uptown.

"Yeah, this is Byron," the gruff voice said into the phone.

"Byron this is Mike, guess who I found?" "Tell me little brother it’s that bitch I’m married to," said Byron. "Yep, just saw her and some tall bitch coming out of that fancy restaurant Commander’s. Desi’s sister, Rachel was with them too," said Mike as he turned in the direction Harry had headed in. "Don’t lose them Mike, I want to know where she is staying. Daddy said he has the bond almost raised so I should be out of here by the end of this week. I want to pay my dear wife a visit so that I can see how’s she’s doing since her tragic accident of falling in the kitchen. Didn’t think you could get hurt that bad tripping over a chair." He hung up after getting Mike to promise that he would get all the information Byron would need to find Desi once their father posted bail for him. Talking to his brother Mike never noticed the suv turn off before reaching Harry’s house in the direction of a specialty store in the uptown area. Harry had promised to cook dinner that night so she made a detour to get some of the ingredients she would need to make what she had in mind.

"When did you learn how to cook?" asked Desi. She was suspicious since Harry hadn’t known how to boil water all through school. She had never seen anyone so inept in a kitchen in her life.

"Tony and I took a class in college, so that we wouldn’t get rickets from eating each other’s cooking. Kenneth, lucky bastard, grew up with a set of parents that were gourmet cooks and made it fun for him to learn so he didn’t need any help. Don’t laugh, I bet I can debone a chicken better than you can," said Harry. "I bet, considering you are a surgeon. It’s the whole fire and seasoning concepts that I am worried about," explained Desi. "I could always just go and buy a pizza," offered Harry. "I’m sorry baby, if you want to cook for me I’ll eat it no matter what it tastes like," said Desi.

Harry left in the car while she ran into the store. Rachel had taken the day off so that she could bring Desi to the doctor and was enjoying her time with the two of them. "Desi girl, don’t you do anything to mess this up this time. That woman loves you like there is no tomorrow and I will not sit and watch you walk away again. Hell if you do walk away I might just make a play for her myself, just so you know. I love you Des for wanting to stay with me way back when, but this is the here and now. Let me help you build some happiness for yourself this time," said Rachel. She had turned in the seat so she could look Desi in the eye while she said what she needed to. "Don’t worry Rachel, they will have to remove me from Harry’s life kicking and screaming now. There is a God and He loves me because after all this time she waited for me. There have been some love affairs along the way but none of them have stuck, this one will I just know it," said Desi.

"All set my beauties?" asked Harry when she got back in the vehicle. "What’d you buy Dr. Harry?" asked Rachel. "Something that will show my insensitive side squirt, but I’m such a hedonist that I don’t care," answered Harry. "What in are you talking about honey?" asked a confused Desi from the backseat. "Veal. I bought veal, and I am gonna enjoy every milk fed moment of it."

Turning back onto St. Charles again Harry was singing with the radio when she noticed the two women in the car stiffen. Thinking that her singing wasn’t that bad she asked, "Hey what’s wrong?" "That’s the tow truck from Byron dad’s garage," said Rachel pointing to the truck that was right in front of them. Given that the man driving was going so slowly, Harry gave him the benefit of the doubt in that he was looking for the address of where he was picking up a vehicle. That notion quickly died when she noticed him look in the rearview mirror and suddenly slam on his brakes when he noticed who was following him.

"Hang on ladies, let’s go home the back way shall we?" said Harry as she turned on the next cross street, making sure that the truck ahead of her had passed it already. Taking a look behind them, Harry could see that he had put it in reverse and was able to make the turn. Making a quick decision after noticing where they were, the doctor pulled into the driveway and put the Range Rover in park. Getting out of the car and slamming the door shut, Harry stared at the tow truck as it slowly pulled passed the house. Mike just glared back at her and took careful note as to the address on the house so he could tell his brother.

Looking down the street to make sure that he was now out of sight Harry got back in the car with Desi and Rachel. "He was looking for us wasn’t he?" asked Desi. Half of her was scared and that part was warring with the part that was really pissed. What if they do something to Harry, thought Desi. "Looks like it honey, but none of the Simoneauxs will ever get anywhere near you. Come on let’s get you two home and then let’s make a phone call to Serena and Detective Landry," said Harry.

Serena promised them that she would meet with Desi’s divorce attorney and start the process of getting a restraining order for Byron and his family, to keep them away from Desi and Rachel. It took some calming maneuvers on Serena’s part to get Harry to stop screaming at her on the phone. She agreed with the surgeon that there should be something else they could do, but legally their hands were tied.

Changing into her scrubs and waiting for the security guard she ordered, Harry left the house after Desi promised to call her every so often throughout the day to make sure she was all right. Harry thought that the jail time Byron had already pulled would be enough to convince him that it wasn’t a place he wanted to spend years in, but she had given him too much credit. Revenge was a much more important factor to him than was his freedom. That was what scared Harry.

"She’s got a big house off the avenue daddy. I don’t know who the big butch is but she stared me down as I drove by, so now they know we are after them. It might be a good idea to lay off the plan for now," explained Mike. He had come back all full of bravado and told his father he had found Byron’s wife. What he hadn’t counted on when he found her was that she had acquired a new watch dog that looked fairly scary in her own right.

"We have to teach that little slut a lesson Mike, and you are part of this so show some balls and shut the fuck up. I had to put up my business to get your idiot brother out of jail so the sooner we get Desiree back here, the sooner this will all be over. If you two listened to me more often and treated your women accordingly then we wouldn’t be in this mess in the first place," yelled Byron, Sr. He wanted his son out, his daughter in law to drop the charges and the bail bondsman to give him his deed back. Hell for all the trouble she had caused, the old man thought about whacking the girl a couple of times himself.

"I’m sorry daddy, it’s not that I don’t want to help out, it’s that no telling who this woman is and what relation she is to Desi." Mike was resigned to the fact there was no way he could tell his father no when it came time to go and collect Desi.

"Come on let’s go and see about getting your brother out of that place. Lord knows what will happen to him if he’s stuck in there much longer. And keep your mouth shut once we get there. I’ll do all the talking." They left and drove over to the city jail located right behind the courthouse on Tulane Avenue. The two men waited in a sterile looking room as the police finished processing Byron’s paperwork. They shared the area with some other beleaguered looking people that were either waiting for the release or visitation of their loved ones. No one in the room made eye contact with anyone else, and if a vote were to be taken no one would vote to be there given a choice.

When the door clanged open everyone looked up to see if it was the person they were waiting for. Byron stepped out having traded the orange jumpsuit for the clothes he had been wearing the day he had been arrested. Besides Mike and their father, one other man got up and walked toward the newly released prisoner.

Holding out his hand the young man wearing the suit asked, "Are you Byron Simoneaux?"

"Yeah," answered Byron.

"Byron Simoneaux that is married to Desiree Simoneaux?" asked the young man again, his smile never faltering, he waited until Byron nodded yes. "These are for you sir, have a nice day."

"Wait, what the fuck is this?" asked Byron holding the envelope the guy had given him out in front of him.

"You have been served sir. Those are divorce papers and a restraining order from Desiree Simoneaux. You and your family members are ordered to stay a minimum of five hundred feet from Ms. Simoneaux or face legal consequences." That was the only explanation that the clerk for Desi’s attorney was willing to provide. After getting the file ready for the judge’s signature he had gotten a look at the pictures of the young woman’s leg and the thought of this guy spending more time in jail didn’t bother him.

"That fucking bitch. That lying, cheating piece of shit," screamed Byron when he realized what the guy had handed him. There was no way that Desi was leaving him, no fucking way. All he needed was some time to explain to her that he was sorry for what he had done and that they had made a commitment to each other. One that he had no intentions of breaking.

Byron listened as his brother explained what he had seen the day that he spotted Desi, Rachel and their new friend. Driving by the house that night Byron saw the upstairs lights on and someone moving around. Ready or not Desi, it’s time to come home. I’m your husband and there isn’t anything in this world that will make me give you a divorce baby. Until death do us part is what the guy said and that’s how it’s going to be. "We’ll wait until she isn’t expecting us, then we will come back and bring Desi home. What’s a couple of weeks more to wait," said Byron looking up into the window.

Harry moved around the room getting ready for bed. It had been a long day in surgery trying to get the residents to get their minds around what she was trying to teach them. They could cut up on those cadavers all day long, but it was a different landscape when you had living tissue under your fingertips. She was glad that the patients were asleep during those little learning sessions, if they had been awake they could have added nervous condition to their diagnosis.

"Come over here and lie down baby. You are making me nervous. I can’t wait until this leg heals and I can kneel down again, that way I can give you a nice message," said Desi patting the bed beside her. Mona had just left after bathing her and changing their bed linens. Her sister and the maid had come up earlier and had dinner with her since Harry had called and said she was running late. Desi had laughed when while waiting for Harry to come to the phone, her surgical nurse Sam had told her that if one more resident asked Harry a stupid question the tall surgeon was going to stab someone in the neck with a scalpel before the night was over. Sinking into the warm good smelling body next to her, Desi sighed with contentment. "I just brushed my teeth, wanna take my mouth out for a spin?" she asked Harry finally getting a smile out of her.

"Desiree are you making a pass at me?" asked Harry. "Well if I have to spell it out for you then no, I’m not." Desi told her pouting. Harry pushed the bottom lip back in with her index finger and leaned over to finish the job with her mouth. She had wanted to come home for hours so that she could hold Desi in case there was any residual fear from what had happened earlier in the afternoon.

Pulling away from the kiss she had started Harry told her, "I missed you today. I’m thinking that one weekend soon we should go somewhere special. How would you like to go and visit my parents?" "I don’t know sweetheart, won’t they be mad at the fact that you are with me again? I can just about imagine that I’m not exactly their favorite person," said Desi. She twisted her fingers into Harry’s shirt at the thought of facing Harry’s parents again. "Don’t worry so much baby, they loved you before, they will love you again." "Ok if you think it will be ok I’m game. Now doctor why have you come to bed with a wet head?" asked Desi.

"Because your darling sister is going to cut her hair," answered Rachel from the doorway with a pair of shears and a towel in her hand. "I’m trying to build a new clientele in the medical community and I’m starting with that one there," said Rachel pointing to the woman under Desi. The doctor just smiled at both of them and relaxed back into her pillow. "But I like her hair just the way it is," complained Desi. "Sorry sister I called dibs, so unhand her and let me get started. Come on Desi, would you want your surgeon’s hair falling in her eyes when she was giving you a spine transplant or something?" asked Rachel. "No we wouldn’t want that. Your knowledge of new and innovative medical procedures is astounding by the way," said Harry as she got up from the bed and headed into the bathroom with Rachel following closely behind. "I want to come too. Just to make sure she doesn’t cut off too much," cried Desi. That got Harry to double back and pick her up. For the next hour Harry sat in a chair in the middle of the bathroom waiting for the three women around her to decide just how much of her hair should go. At one point she thought she would have to separate Mona and Rachel when the young woman had suggested Harry color away the white hair. Mona won the argument only because Desi said she thought the way it was looked sexy.

Chapter 6

"There you go Desi. I’m sure that you will find this much more comfortable and it will allow you to move around better. If you wait a moment, I’ll run and get you some crutches to go with the beautiful brace you got today," said Beth, one of Harry’s private practice nurses. It had been two months since the accident and the incision had healed fairly well so Harry was cutting down the size of the removable cast Desi had to wear, giving the young woman her freedom for the first time in what seemed like forever. Harry had been a mother hen with Desi, making sure that she didn’t take any unnecessary chances that would put back her recovery time. Desi was grateful now since the report she got today said that the bone in her leg was almost healed, just a few more weeks and her amorous doctor would let her put weight on it.

"Thanks Beth, is Harry around?" asked Desi. "Yes ma’am she is, she’s filling out your paperwork in her office. I made her go do something before she drove me and the rest of the staff to drink with all that hovering." "If you get me those crutches I can go in there and surprise her," said Desi. "That my dear sounds like a wonderful surprise. The girls and I want to thank you," said Beth. "Whatever for?" asked Desi. "Well not that Dr. Harry wasn’t nice before, but being in love has sure mellowed her out. Believe me she needed some mellowing out." Desi blushed at the complement and felt the warm glow that had settled in her chest because of it.

Life was so good, Desi hated the fact she was always waiting for the bad news to come around the corner and blindside her. She hadn’t heard from Byron since his release, nor had they seen him and his family in the neighborhood again. Jerry Castle, the attorney Harry had gotten her had called to tell them that the divorce was going smoothly and Byron had not put in a counter claim, but was having trouble getting the other attorney to return his calls. As much as Jerry wanted to ask for spousal support, knowing that Desi was entitled to it, she and Harry had said no. After a long talk together one night while they were in bed, Harry had explained that she made more than enough to support all of them. What she wanted was for Desi to take time to decide what she wanted to do, without any ties to Byron or his family. Desi had to agree that it would make the whole thing go faster and take away Byron’s defense at trial that Desi was only a disgruntled woman wanting a lot of alimony out of him.

The only thing that was missing was the intimacy that she wanted to share with Harry. Because of her injury Harry had put the breaks on their love life, but after some of their late night make out sessions Desi was about to explode. With the clean bill of health and the newly given freedom she had been given, she set out to seduce the good doctor as soon as possible. "Hey there doc, can I come in?" asked Desi. Harry looked up from the files she was writing in and smiled at her visitor. She knew that Desi would take immediate advantage in walking around, even if it were with the assistance of the crutches. She had a surprise waiting for her at home too; one that Mona promised would be set up before they got home.

"Hey you, I see that Beth set you up," said Harry as she leaned back in her chair. "Yeah, you have the nicest people working for you honey. Give me a few weeks and I will demand a night on the town. A little dinner, a little dancing and you, that would be my idea of heaven," said Desi. "You need a little more than two weeks before you get to go dancing Desi, but I promise as soon as you can I’ll fill up your dance card. To make it up to you how about I take you out to dinner tonight?" asked Harry. "As in you are taking me out on a date?" asked Desi. "As in I am taking you out on a date. I don’t date much and I might be a little out of practice, so if you can stand my company I would be honored to escort you tonight Miss Desiree." "It would be my pleasure," replied Desi.

She rested her crutches on the side of Harry’s desk and sat in the tall woman’s lap. Desi was still asleep when Harry had left that morning and the more time they spent together, the more she missed her when she left for the day. To fill up her own day, Desi had been helping Tony finish the few rooms left in the house. Harry had left instructions with their moody decorator that if Desi wanted the rooms that were already finished redone, then to go with whatever the small woman wanted. Leaning over to kiss Harry, Desi ran her fingers through the thick curly hair making Harry instantly relax. Maybe Beth was right, Harry was more content since they had gotten back together.

"Any requests on where you would like to go?" asked Harry as she pulled back to look at Desi. "It doesn’t matter, as long as I’m with you honey that’s all I care about. I know this isn’t the best time to bring this up, but Jerry called today," said Desi.

Harry went back to nuzzling Desi’s neck. She had bullied Serena into looking into every divorce law in the state of Louisiana to see if there was any way into speeding the process up. The only good news she got was that the law had been changed from a year and a day of living separate and apart, to six months. Four months to go then Desi would finally be rid of the bastard she had been saddled with.

"What did he want?" asked Harry.

"He said that Byron’s attorney never wants to call him back about all this because Byron won’t return any of his calls. Keeps telling his attorney that we are working all of this out and there won’t be any divorce. I’m getting kinda worried Harry. What if he decides to come after you and hurts you? I don’t think I could stand the thought of you getting hurt," said Desi. It was true that she hadn’t heard from her soon to be ex-husband, but it didn’t mean that Byron had forgotten about her.

"Trust me sweetheart, you have seen the last of Byron and his clan. The next time you lay eyes on him will be either at his trail or your divorce proceedings. I’m getting pissed that this whole thing is taking so long but Serena tells me that his attorney has filed everything he can think of to keep this out of court. I promised her that if he gets away with what he did to you, I’d teach him a lesson with a baseball bat that he won’t soon forget. I just want you to promise me that you will be careful until this is all resolved. Don’t go anywhere without that security guy I hired and stay vigilant of your surroundings," said Harry.

"I promise. Are you ready to go, or do you have anymore patients?" asked Desi.

"As a matter of fact I have one more patient for today then I will treat my best girl to dinner. Want to come meet him? He’s one of the players on the Saints. They had bad luck with broken ankles this past season that ruined their playoff hopes, but we will always hold out hope for the boys in black and gold." Harry helped Desi onto her feet then stood up to join her. "That sounds fun. Are you sure he won’t be upset that I’m in there with you?" asked Desi. "Unless he’s modest about showing off his foot I don’t think so," replied Harry. They entered one of the exam rooms where one of the largest men Desi had ever laid eyes on was sitting up on the exam table. It was exciting meeting one of the players she saw on television quite often, but it was a bigger thrill when Harry introduced Desi as her girlfriend.

Assuring Desi that they didn’t need to go home and change to go to dinner, Harry headed in the direction of one of her favorite restaurants. Before arriving she asked Desi, "You do like Chinese food don’t you?" asked Harry seriously. "Yeah it’s one of my favorites." "Good I would hate to have to end this relationship before it got off the ground. I love you but I’m not giving up Chinese food for you," explained Harry. That got her a laugh out of Desi as Harry pulled into the parking lot of the Five Happiness Restaurant.

The owner, an attractive oriental woman, came out from behind the podium and hugged Harry the minute she saw her. Desi wondered if there was a woman in the city that didn’t find themselves not comfortable within the circle of Harry’s arms. After seeing the arched eyebrow on Desi’s face, Harry introduced her to the woman and her husband that was still behind the desk. Before they were even seated at their table, Desi noticed an assortment of appetizers awaiting them. It was obvious that this was one of the doctor’s favorite and frequent haunts.

After swallowing the piece of eggroll in her mouth Desi decided to start the conversation that she had been putting off with Harry. Desi didn’t want to assume anything about their future but she was afraid of the answers she might get to the questions she had.

"Harry?" began Desi.

"What, don’t you like your food?" asked Harry.

"No, I love the food I just want to talk to you."

"I’m all ears sweetheart so shoot."

"Harry when do you want me and Rachel to move out? I don’t want to overstay our welcome but I need some time to find a new place and a way to pay for it. Now that I have a little mobility back I can start looking for a job. That might take a while too since the only job I’ve ever had is working as a cashier in grocery, but I had to quit that when Byron thought no wife of his should be working," Desi fell silent as she thought about the door she had just opened. Harry had been quite candid up to now and she expected that her friend would be so now.

"You aren’t moving out and neither is Rachel. Well Rachel is free to go whenever she finds someone special that she wants to live with but you are stuck with me. In the mean time if you want to find a job because you are bored sitting at home and want something challenging to do, then go for it. I just ask that you wait until that leg is completely healed, especially if it is something that would require you to move around at all."

"But Harry I just can’t stay with you and live off you. It isn’t right and I can’t ask you to do that for both me and my sister."

"God you are stubborn Desiree, that has not changed one bit since we met. You didn’t ask me, I offered and there are no strings attached. I want to live with you and I know your sister comes as part of the package. That’s why I bought a big house. Don’t you want to live with me?" asked Harry. Desi noticed the fingers running through Harry’s hair and knew Harry was nervous about their leaving.

"Yes I do, but I want to contribute something into this. You took care of us growing up and it shouldn’t always fall to you honey to do that."

"What are you talking about Desi, you and Rachel do plenty for me. In school you were both there all the time cheering me on when I was playing whatever and you took care of me all the time. My mother always laughed when you picked up the Spanish habit of serving me dinner of whatever we happened to be eating. You made sure that I took care of myself and you loved me. That has been payment enough for me and it would be no different now.

I love you Desi. I want you to be happy and find the things in life that will keep you that way. Just lean on me now when you need it and that will make you strong enough in the future for me to be able to do the same in return. Think of it as a loan, not a monetary loan but an emotional one. I plan to collect for the rest of my life if you will have me. Life has been cruel enough to us baby, don’t make it any harder by trying to separate us again. Unless you find my company horrible, I want you to stay. Besides, Mona would never forgive me if you left. She would find some way to blame it all on me and I know you don’t want that." Harry reached over and took Desi’s hand trying to convey the truthfulness of what she was saying.

"Your right of course, I don’t want to leave, but I don’t want you to think that I was taking advantage of you. Did you really mean that I could get a job?" asked Desi.

Harry could see that it was going to take some time for Desi to come to think of herself as a useful person. To see herself as someone that had something to offer the world around her, it was something that son of bitch had obviously taken away from her. No matter how long it took her, it would be the one thing that Harry would try to build back in the young vibrant woman.

"Honey that’s up to you, just because you live with me doesn’t mean that I own you. If you really want a job then go out and get one. What do you want to do?" asked Harry.

"I don’t know, I don’t have any experience doing anything," said Desi in a dejected voice. Besides graduating from high school, she had taken any other form of training or continuing education.

"Why don’t you give some consideration to going back to school? It would take some brushing up on the basics, but you could do it if you really want to do it. That way I can brag around town that I’m going out with a coed. It doesn’t even have to be college if that’s not what you are interested in. You could go to work with Rachel for instance. Just think about it, you don’t have to decide this very minute, but you do have to decide this very minute what you want to eat I’m starving," said Harry. The more they talked the bigger the smile on Desi’s face got. That fact lightened even Harry’s spirits knowing that the Desi she remembered was still buried under the abuse that Byron had subjected her to.

The drive back to the house reminded Desi of their days in Harry’s old two-seater. With the new brace on Desi’s leg she was able to ride up front with Harry and they took advantage of the fact by holding hands. They had made plans to fly to Florida the next weekend to visit Harry’s parents and her brother, Raul who was practicing medicine in Fort Lauderdale. The fact that Raul lived so close to their parents made Maria happy since she got to see her three grandchildren all the time. Desi was apprehensive about the trip but Harry had assured her that her family held no ill will toward her in any way.

Holding the door for Desi to enter the house, Harry led the way to the stairs and the newest piece of equipment she had Mona install that afternoon. It was a motorized chair that would carry Desi to the second floor so she wouldn’t have to maneuver the steps with her crutches. "You do think of everything don’t you honey? Are you tired of carrying me up the steps?" asked Desi. "No, that would be one of the most favorite parts of my day, but for when I’m not around you can use this. I promise one more month tops and you will be getting around just like before, it’s my money back guarantee."

Leaning Desi’s crutches against the banister, Harry lifted her up into her arms and started the trek up to their bedroom. It had become just that in the past month, with the changes that Tony and Desi had made. Tony explained to the doctor that since Desi was living there now and it would be technically Desi’s bedroom, so she was allowed to redecorate. Gone were the blue walls and comforter on the bed, replaced by light cream walls and a silk matching comforter. They had added an antique dresser for Desi, and with the help of Mona, rearranged the closet to accommodate the room’s new occupant. Harry had taken the changes all in stride not carrying what they did, just as long as Desi was happy with the outcome. Passing in the hall in the morning Harry noticed that their room wasn’t the only one that had been redone. Rachel’s was sporting a new look that suited the girl better and giving Harry the impression that Desi’s little sister was in for the duration.

"Sit for a minute and I’ll run down and get your crutches. Do you need anything while I’m downstairs?" asked Harry.

"Yeah, why don’t you bring back a bottle of wine and two glasses? We could relax a little and let that meal go down before we go to sleep," answered Desi.

"Excellent suggestion honey. I’ll be right back."

Harry walked out of the room and headed down the stairs into the kitchen where she found Rachel eating a sandwich. "Rough night squirt?" asked Harry. "No, the night’s looking up, it’s just been a bitch of a day. If I have to look at one more strand of hair I’m going to scream. What are you doing down here?" asked Rachel. "I’m getting some wine for your sister and I, so enjoy your evening. We are retiring for the night so unless you fall in the tub and break your leg, I don’t want to hear from you until the morning. Good night," teased Harry as she removed one of the bottles from the rack in the wine cooler. "Good night Harry and good going," said Rachel as she laughed at the retreating back.

Walking back into the bedroom, Harry almost dropped the wine bottle when she looked at Desi sitting on the bed. Their latest shopping trip had obviously taken Desi and Tony to other places besides the paint and fabric store if the nightgown she had put on was any indication. The navy blue silk material hugged all of Desi’s curves in the right places and the thin straps that held it up where begging to be pulled down. Although Harry had been waiting years to come into a room and find Desi in this position, it seemed her feet were glued to the floor and her brain had seized up. Standing there opening and closing her mouth like an out of water trout, Harry was frantically trying to get her body to cooperate with the part of her brain that was screaming at her to run over to the bed.

Desi sat there amused at the reaction she was getting. She was fairly certain that the look Harry was giving her was one of wanting and not of repulsion. It had taken some persuasion on Tony’s part in getting Desi to purchase the sleepwear, but now she was glad their friend had been so persistent.

"Come see honey," said Desi from the bed. Harry could only nod her head and stare. If she raked her eyes over Desi’s body one more time she was going to get dizzy and fall on the floor. With one quick shake of her head, Harry was able to move forward until her knees were butted up against the mattress. Desi never broke eye contact with her as she removed the bottle and glasses from Harry’s hands. "Sit with me for a minute?" asked Desi. Harry was now grinning and nodding like an idiot, making Desi want to break out in a deep laugh.

"I think that we have waited long enough don’t you Harry, for the things we really want? Those nights spent on my front porch swing were nice, but I think it’s time we took things a little further. Would you like that?" asked Desi. As she had been talking she had been running her nail along the fabric of Harry’s shirtfront, listening to the scraping sound it was making on the cotton material. When Desi reached the collar she slipped her fingers into touch the skin on Harry’s neck, watching intently as the taller woman’s eyelids fluttered closed at the first contact.

"Are you sure Desi? I don’t want to hurt you, you are too precious to me," said Harry in a whisper. The look in Desi’s eyes was driving her libido into overdrive. "Touch me Harry, I want you to touch me right now. I want you to erase the memory of all those years apart and I want to start on the life you promised me," Desi said as she tugged Harry closer.

The first touch of their lips was electric, so different from all of the other kisses they had shared up to now. Harry scooted closer making sure not to bump Desi’s leg as she went. She ran her long fingers across the skin that was exposed on the low cut negligee watching as Desi’s nipples got hard. "Your hands are so soft baby," said Desi in a low voice. "No manual labor will do that for you," answered Harry.

Tugging on one of the loose straps, Harry watched it fall exposing more of Desi’s chest. For a split moment fear crossed Desi’s face and Harry stopped all of her advances thinking that the small redhead had changed her mind. "What is it? If you want to stop that will be all right Desi. Hell I waited all this time; I can wait some more. Don’t think you owe me this, I want it to be good for both of us."

"No, I don’t want to stop but I’m just afraid of what you’ll find once you take this thing off. I’m not a young girl anymore Harry, and I don’t want you to think I look eighteen anymore." Desi’s face turned red at the omission. She had never thought of herself as beautiful but if she had given herself to Harry back then, Harry would have gotten the best she had to offer.

Harry thought that the best way to handle the situation and put to rest Desi’s fears was not through words, but through action. Taking her eyes from Desi’s for a moment she lowered the other strap and exposed two perfect breasts with rosy pink nipples that were now standing at attention. Easing Desi back onto the pillows lying across the headboard Harry took her time and looked at Desi’s half naked body. Her skin was soft and smooth to Harry’s touch. Leaning over her with a straight arm, Harry took her other hand and ran her fingers down from Desi’s throat to the undersides of her left breast leaving goose bumps in her path. Before she went any further she silently requested for Desi to lift her bottom a little so she could slide the garment all the way off. Getting the full picture, Harry was anything but disappointed.

Standing next to the bed Harry pulled her shirt out of the waistband of her pants and slowly started to unbutton it. When she went for the button on her pants she started talking to Desi again. "Honey, you are so beautiful. I want to touch you so bad right now, and have it feel good to you." She stepped out of her pants as they hit the floor and bent to pull her underwear off. With the last of the clothes she had on now on the floor, Harry stood there giving Desi the same opportunity to look at her.

"Make love to me Harry."

Lowering herself slowly to the bed, Harry felt the flood between her legs intensify once the length of her body pressed down on Desi’s. Holding her weight off of her smaller bedmate by her forearms, Harry ducked her head down and kissed Desi. They kissed for a long moment giving them the opportunity to get comfortable with the fact they were naked. Harry was the first to pull away drawing a disappointed moan from Desi. Carefully nudging Desi’s legs apart with her knee, Harry pressed their sexes together. She could feel the heat and wetness that was coming from Desi’s most private area and she took a moment to relish the fact that she still had this affect on the small woman beneath her.

"You feel so good baby, I’ve dreamed of this for so long. I had given up on ever having you on me like this except in my dreams. I would have thought you would have found someone else by now," admitted Desi. She ran her hands up and sown Harry’s back, loving the feel of the firm smooth skin.

"No one else was you honey," Harry told her. She sucked Desi bottom lip into her mouth cutting off any other conversation for the moment. Harry had waited almost twenty years; she was tired of waiting any longer.

Harry pushed the top part of her body up a little so that she could bend her head down and look at Desi’s chest. All the while they had been kissing Desi’s nipples had been pressing up into her chest driving her mad. When Harry pressed up on one arm, the muscles along her chest and arms stood out in relief catching Desi’s attention to the perfection of Harry’s body. Before she could admire the doctor’s physique anymore, a persistent mouth latched onto one of her nipples and the instant pleasure the sensation brought made her eyelids flutter close. Harry wasted no time in giving both nubs equal attention before her attentions turned to points further south.

The loud "HOLY MOTHER OF GOD," that came from Desi’s mouth when Harry’s lips closed around her clitoris brought a smile to her sister a couple of doors down from their bedroom. "You go Harry," Rachel said in a soft voice as she pumped her fist in the air for encouragement.

Harry had gotten a pillow for Desi’s injured leg before getting comfortable at the end of the bed. Taking her two index fingers she spread the wet lips of Desi’s sex, noticing right off that she could have taken Desi’s pulse by putting her finger on the protruding nub. Not making her wait any longer Harry closed her lips around it and sucked in, almost falling off the bed when the exclamation came out of Desi’s mouth in stereo. Two small hands came down and grabbed two fists full of hair keeping Harry in place, so if she had wanted to come up and make a smart comment it wasn’t going to happen.

Putting her hands under Desi’s bottom, Harry made it easier for her to move her hips to the suction she was creating without Desi having to put stress on her leg. "I need to feel you inside me Harry please. Please make me yours," panted Desi. Harry was taking her up so high and so fast that she didn’t want to come without feeling everything that Harry could give her. Without breaking away her mouth, Harry pulled one hand free and slid one long finger in slowly. "Uh, yes baby yes. That feels so good," Desi was able to get out. Harry kept moving her finger in slowly as she changed what she was doing with her mouth trying to extend Desi’s pleasure. As Harry started to move her finger in and out she formed a point with her tongue and circled Desi’s clit with it, coming close but not touching it.

"Baby please don’t tease me," begged Desi. "Relax honey and go with it. Feel me loving you," Harry said as she moved up the bed to lie next to Desi. Putting her thumb where her tongue had just been, she started whispering in Desi’s ear. "Let yourself go honey, you are safe here with me. I love you and that will never change. You belong with me Desi. You own my heart and my love," Harry confessed. Desi grabbed her by the hair again and pulled Harry’s mouth down to hers kissing her in a way that would show Harry how much she loved her. The taste of her own juices on Harry’s mouth sent her flying even higher. When the feeling welling up in her was too great, Desi let her head fall to the pillow as she grabbed onto Harry’s shoulders to keep her anchored to the bed. It felt so good, the hand between her legs, the feel of Harry’s breathing in her ear and the feel of her solid body pressed to hers. Desi did what the doctor ordered, she relaxed and let go.

The orgasm took her by surprise and she just stopped moving for a second to let the sensation wash over her. Desi had never felt something so intense and so good. Harry had given her something that Byron had never even come close to. It seemed to be over in a moment, but when the tremors stopped they were both covered in a light coat of sweat and Harry was sporting a fresh set of nail marks down her back. Reduced to a mass of panting quivering flesh, it took Desi a long while to get her ability to form coherent sentences again, and Harry was happy just to hold her.

"That was, well I don’t really know how to describe it," started Desi.

"Did it feel good?" asked Harry.

"Yes doc it felt good, but I think we need to try that again real soon just to make sure that it wasn’t a fluke," teased Desi. She had turned a little so that she could lie on Harry and felt the strong arms hold her tight. Through their teasing Desi had run a hand down Harry’s body and was stroking through the curly hair of Harry’s sex. She was dying to try and please Harry, Desi only hoped that she could deliver the kind of bliss Harry had. Sex had never before this night been one of her favorite things. It was something that Byron expected of her and not something that she looked forward to or savored. After what had just happened between them, Desi was seriously contemplating buying some handcuffs and keeping Harry prisoner in this room.

Feeling brave Desi slid her hand further down and parted the wet folds she found. Sucking on the strong column of throat under her lips, Desi started a steady stroking motion from the top of the curly patch down to the opening of Harry’s sex. Her stroking got more concentrated until her fingers were only on the hard nub that was the center of Harry’s need. Desi’s fingers were so slick from the wetness between Harry’s legs that she pressed down on the nub and Harry’s hips rose off the bed causing her fingers to slide downward again. She knew better this time to move with Harry so that she could keep her fingers where she wanted them.

"Does that feel good baby?" Desi asked. "Yeah don’t stop Desi," Harry told her. Desi kept her hand in place but moved so that she was lying on top of Harry, wanting to feel the heat of the doctor’s body under hers. Without missing a beat Harry latched onto one of the breasts that were swaying in front of her face causing Desi to jerk her hips dragging herself along Harry’s hip. The sharp intake of breath told Harry all she needed to know, Desi’s libido had awaked again and this time they would come together.

"Move your hand a second baby," Harry requested. When Desi looked up with a sad face thinking she had done something wrong, Harry quickly remedied the situation by sliding a long leg in between the redhead’s thighs doing the same with Desi’s leg. Bending her leg up took the pressure off Desi’s knees and with a quick thrust Harry pressed up and encouraged Desi to come down. It didn’t take much stimulation to reach their goal and they swallowed the sounds of their climaxes in the kiss they were sharing. When Desi went to move off of Harry, Harry kept her in place with the hand she had on Desi’s back. Not really wanting to move, Desi sunk back into Harry’s embrace and she relaxed as Harry drew figure eight’s on her back.

"What are you thinking about?" asked Desi.

"That I need to turn down the heater if this is going to become a habit," answered Harry.

"Do you want it to become a habit, or was this a one shot deal?" asked Desi, almost afraid of the answer.

"Yes I want this to become a habit, and yes this was a one shot deal," said Harry only confusing Desi more. "We are going to engage in this behavior every chance we get and now that we have there is no turning back for me Desi. You are the one I have always wanted and now you are stuck with me so I hope you liked it. You aren’t going anywhere now."

"Oh, trust me on this one baby I’m not going anywhere. I love you Harry."

"I love you too baby, now go to sleep."

Across the street from the now darkened house, Byron and Mike sat in the car biding their time waiting to go in and get Desi. Since his release from jail, Byron had been a model citizen awaiting trail, lulling Desi and whomever the woman she was staying with into thinking that he had forgotten about his wife. It was now time that Desi came home and forgot about the charges and dropped the divorce proceedings. There was no way that he was going to give Desi her freedom, she belonged to him and it was time she started to realize that.

"Looks like everybody is finally down for the count," said Mike. He had a bad feeling about this but his father had sided with Byron on this issue and he had no choice but to help his brother collect his wife.

"Let’s wait another hour and then they should all be asleep. I don’t want that tall bitch calling the cops until we are back home and I’ve had a chance to talk to Desi. Once I’m done with her, I won’t have any more legal problems, and she’ll forget about whoever her new friend is. It will take me awhile to forgive that stupid bitch wife of mine for the days I spent sitting in that jail with all those animals, I have something special in mind for that," said Byron. He had yet to see either Desi or the tall woman his brother had described coming or going from the house, but from the movement inside he knew they were there. It was a given that Rachel was probably staying there too, but he hadn’t seen her either.

"Ok, it should be all right to go in now. Just follow close behind me and get ready to carry Desi out once we find her. Don’t stop to ask questions, just grab her and get moving before the cops get a chance to respond to any calls anyone in the house makes. Got me?" asked Byron. Mike nodded his head in understanding as the acid in his stomach increased. Even though he had done some stupid shit in his life, none of them had landed him in jail, but this might prove to be the one that did.

Cutting the main electric feed going into the house Byron waited until he saw the green light on the alarm panel near the back door go out, signaling that it was ok to enter. Breaking one of the old leaded panes of glass on one of the downstairs windows, he reached inside and unlocked it and slid it open. Listening for any signs of life coming from anyone in the house, Byron motioned for Mike to follow him once he crawled through the window.

Looking around he noticed that they were in a study of some sort, from the books that lined the shelves in the room. I always wondered what the inside of all these big houses looked like, thought Byron as he moved from one room to the next looking for the stairs.

Upstairs one of the sleeping bodies rolled over hearing something out of place deep in her subconscious. Was that the sound of breaking glass, the woman asked herself. "Honey wake up I think that there is someone downstairs," the small woman said as she tried to rouse her sleeping companion. "There isn’t anyone downstairs sweetheart, I set the alarm myself before we went to bed," answered the deep voice close to her ear.

Before heading up the stairs, Mike made a quick detour into the kitchen to open the back door for a quick getaway once they found Desi. Stepping onto the first step he prayed that they old staircase didn’t creak, waking anyone up. Reaching the second floor they paused to let their eyes adjust to the minimal light in the long darkened hallway, trying to figure out what room Desi was in. The easiest way, they figured, was to start at the end and work their way back to the stairs. The two brothers moved quietly to the large room on the end.

Standing in the middle of the room, Byron looked down on the bed and let his anger wash over him. There were two naked bodies lying there and it became quite clear why Desi wanted a divorce, she had found some rich sugar daddy to keep her in style so she didn’t need him anymore.

"YOU FUCKING BITCH!" he screamed at the top of his lungs causing a flurry of motion to come from the bed. Without another thought to keeping quiet, the furious man stepped forward and threw the sheet over the small woman on the bed. He tried to ignore the obvious smell of sex that wafted up when he pulled it from the bed; there would be plenty of time to think about that later. Throwing the small woman over his shoulder Byron headed toward the door but shouted out another threat as he crossed the threshold, "Stay the fuck away from my wife asshole."

"What in the hell are you talking about? Come back here you idiot, do you know who you are dealing with," shouted the man running naked after the two men that had broken into his bedroom. None of the lights in the house would work as he flipped switches and he ran after the two down the stairs, desperately trying to reach them before they ran out of the house with his wife. Passing the tray where he put his wallet, keys and cell phone the man grabbed the phone as he ran out of the kitchen into the night after his wife. Not stopping to think that he was naked and shouting outside of his house, he switched the phone on and called 911.

"911 operator how can I help you?" asked the tired voice on the other end once the call went through.

"This is Judge Jude Rose, I need the police sent to my residence immediately. Two men just broke in and kidnapped my wife. Their license number is NIC 224. It’s a late model blue Buick I think and they are driving away now. Tell them to step on it, they are headed toward St. Charles Avenue," the judge yelled into the phone.

"Judge, what is your address?" asked the operator.

"4534 State Street."

"Ok there are units heading toward you now your honor, and the units cruising the area have been dispatched toward St. Charles in search of the vehicle you described. Do you have any idea who the two men were sir?"

"No but one of them sounded vaguely familiar," commented the judge as he headed back toward his house to get dressed. Every fiber in his body wanted to jump in his car and go after the two that dared come into their home and do this, but he waited by the phone in case there was any word on his wife. "Can you send someone out from the utility and phone company, I think the two idiots cut through some of my wires outside. I don’t have any power or phone but my neighbors do," Jude said looking at the lights coming on in the house surrounding his. They must have heard him screaming down the street.

"Sure thing Judge Rose, there are two units just a block from your house but I would like for you to stay on the line with me until they arrive," said the operator. "Ok, what’s your name?" asked Jude. "Lee Smith sir." "Thank you for your help Lee, I’ll make sure to call your supervisor once this is all over," said Jude. He remembered his manners his mother had pounded into him as a child even in the face of a crisis. "Thank you sir, that’s not necessary, I’ll let you go since the police are in your driveway. Good luck and I hope that Mrs. Rose is all right," said Lee before disconnecting the call. "Thank you Lee and good night."

"I said shut up or I’ll pull over and make you shut up," screamed Byron. He still had the image of Desi in bed with that old creep and it was making him madder by the moment. "What in the fuck were you thinking Desi? Didn’t you think that I would find out that you found some old geezer to keep you in style uptown? Start praying now that I don’t kill you when we get home." Byron gripped the steering wheel of Mike’s car and tried to fight the urge to pull over and pummel the crying woman covered in a sheet sitting in the back with his brother.

"Who is Desi?" asked the muffled tear-wracked voice from the back seat. Victoria Rose was trying to figure out who these two men were and what in the world they wanted with her. After agreeing to marry Jude after clerking for him out of law school five years prior, she was afraid that one day one of the nuts he sentenced would come after them, but she wasn’t prepared for the actual event.

"Don’t play stupid Desi, you are coming home and there ain’t nothing you can do about it now. We are going to have a little talk about the charges you filed against me and the divorce papers they hit me with before leaving jail," said Byron.

"Sir I’m sorry you are having trouble with your spouse, but I can assure you I’m not her. My name is Victoria Rose and I would appreciate if you were to stop and let me out of this car before this situation gets any worse for you than it already is," said Victoria. She was trying to sound calm and confident hoping that this guy would listen to reason and not just kill her once he figured out he had the wrong person.

"Holy shit Byron we grabbed the wrong person. We are going down for this I just know it. Pull over and let her out, then we can think about what we need to do next. I’m sorry lady we didn’t mean any harm," said Mike. I should have listened to that voice in my head that said this was a bad idea he thought, as his brother made no attempt to pull over.

"Get a grip brother before I let you out of the car too. Let me just think," said Byron as he continued down St. Charles heading toward the interstate. "I know there is some fancy hotel up here on the left, we’ll leave her there and head home. She doesn’t have any idea of who we are and Pop will be our alibi that we were home all night." Byron concluded as he made a U-turn and pulled up in front of the Ponchatrain Hotel yelling for the woman in the back seat to get out. As soon as Mike had slammed the back door shut he sped off around the corner heading back toward the interstate down one of the side streets. Looking in the rearview mirror he noticed that no one was following them which make him slump in the seat with relief.

"Sir there is a call for you from your wife," said the police officer standing in the judge’s den. He handed the man the phone and stepped back to give him some privacy.

"Sweetheart, is that you?" asked Jude. Relief washed over him when he heard that sweet voice answering him. She was all right and she was coming home. "I’m ok baby, just hang on there and one of these nice officers will give me a ride home. Seems this was all a big misunderstanding on the part of our two kidnappers," said Victoria.

When he hung up from talking to his wife the police captain standing in his den started explaining what they had found out so far. "The license you reported to the emergency operator is registered to a Michael Simoneaux residing in the ninth ward. We tried to ascertain why Mr. Simoneaux would want to break into your house and kidnap your wife, the only connection we could find sir, is his brother."

"His brother? Who is his brother captain?" asked the judge.

"His brother is Byron Simoneaux who was recently before you in a domestic abuse case. The only thing I can figure is that he somehow got the idea that his wife was staying with you, so he decided to break in here to get her back. I have units waiting to apprehend he and his brother when they get home, they are also under orders to look for his brother’s car along any route back to either his or his brother’s house. The brother, Michael, still lives with his parents so it’s my guess that’s where they’d be headed," explained Captain Simmons. When he heard over the scanner who was calling in a kidnapping he had headed out to the scene immediately. The mayor would have his head on the chopping block in a minute if the police department didn’t appear to be doing all it could to get Mrs. Rose back.

"Thank you captain, now if you would excuse me, I see that my wife is back." Jude walked out of the back door to greet Victoria, pulling her into a hug while trying to keep the sheet in place. The officers at the house tried not to notice the judge’s beautiful wife and the fact that there was nothing on under the designer sheet. If Judge Rose was a legend in the law enforcement circles before because of his tough sentences, this would only add to the mystique.

"They didn’t touch you did they sweetheart?" asked Jude. "No baby, just took me for a little ride, then dropped me off at the Ponchatrain Hotel down the street. The one named Byron kept calling me Desi, and thought I was having an affair with you," said Victoria. Now that she was home the reality of what happen hit her and she broke down into choking sobs when Jude explained who Desi was. He tried to remember all the facts as they were relayed to him by Serena in court that day, and the passionate way she had presented them. If Serena was that involved in a case considering her workload, and this idiot thought his wife was staying with him taking into consideration where their house was, there was only one plausible explanation. After getting Victoria calmed down, Jude picked up the phone in their room and dialed the number without having to look it up.

"Hello," the sleep rough voice answered. "This had better be good because I’m looking at my clock and it says four thirty in the morning," Harry said, now that her bearings were better.

"Good morning sunshine. I have only one question for you," said Jude. Even though he was furious, his voice sounded deceptively calm and sweet.

"Uncle Jude is everything all right? Are you or Victoria hurt?" asked Harry. "Funny you should ask me that Harry because no I’m not all right, and I have a sinking feeling that I have you to thank for that. Is there someone there with you Harry?" asked Jude.

Not realizing the consequences of her answer Harry just responded honestly. "Yes I have someone staying with me. My houseguest’s sister is staying with me too, is there a crime against having guests that I don’t know about?" asked Harry.

"No honey there isn’t, but I do have some news for you. Tonight Byron and Michael Simoneaux broke into my house and kidnapped Victoria," Jude started. "Oh my God Uncle Jude, is she all right?" asked Harry as she sat up on the bed and swung her legs over the side. That woke Desi making her roll over and rub Harry’s back in a soothing motion.

"Calm down Harry, she’s all right and she’s back home. Vicki’s just a little shaken up is all, but they were smart enough to let her go and not harm her in anyway. There would be no escape for them if they had. For some strange reason though Harry, they thought that Desi was living in this house. Care to enlighten me?" asked Jude.

Harry explained why the brothers might have mistaken his house for hers after she had pulled into his driveway the day that Michael had spotted them coming out of Commander’s. She apologized, thinking that Byron might only go over and scream at them from the front yard. Once the idiot figured out Harry had tricked them, and it was the judge that had arraigned him who lived there, he would have just left them alone. She had no way of knowing that he would try something so stupid. For a brief second she felt ashamed that it had happened to someone else and that Desi was safe. Her parent’s would never forgive her for putting their dearest friend’s spouse in danger. Jude and Raul had known each other since college and he was godfather to both of the Basantes children.

Jude couldn’t stay mad at Harry long. He never could look into those blue eyes always so full of mischief and hold any animosity toward the girl he had held as a baby and watched grow into one of the most respected surgeons in the country. Hell she had even done his knee replacement surgery, which let him enjoy his golf game every Tuesday afternoon with his wife.

"Harry don’t worry about it, I understand why you did it. You might just have to take Victoria to lunch and introduce her to this wonderful girl you are so willing to protect. I might come along so that I can tell Maria I got to meet the one that has finally managed to capture New Orleans’s most eligible bachelor and take her out of circulation. Tell Desi that I will take care of this in the morning and she won’t have to worry about the Simoneaux brothers for long while. Good night Harry," said Jude before he hung up.

Harry had to take a moment before she could think of the best way to tell Desi of her husband’s latest stunt. The small hand rubbing circles on her back was so comforting; it would be so hard to live without this woman now. The thought of someone like Byron harming Desi made her nauseous. Turning her body to face Desi, Harry thought the blunt honest approach might be the best course of action given the circumstances.

She lay down again and gathered Desi into her arms and started explaining in a low tone. Desi winced when she got to the part of Byron and his brother actually taking the woman out of the house. Desi could only imagine what Byron would have done if he had walked in and found her naked in bed with Harry. Knowing his bigoted views, she was certain that he would have killed both of them for engaging in what he considered perverted acts against nature.

"I’m going to have to leave you Harry," Desi said in a sad voice. She had to give up her happiness to keep Harry safe. It was better to live like she had been than to take the chance and lose Harry to the maniac that she would never be rid of.

"Do you want to leave because you don’t love me, or do you want to go because you are afraid?" asked Harry.

"You don’t know him like I do Harry, I couldn’t live with the fact that I would be responsible for getting you hurt. I love you too much for that. Don’t you see that? How could I ever possibly find happiness again if something were to happen to you?" asked Desi.

"You live life one day at a time Desi. Before you know it you have built a life. I never thought that you would come back to me so that’s what I did. I got up every morning and I went to class, I studied and before I knew what was going on I was standing on a podium in Baton Rouge and they were handing me a diploma. After that came medical school and then a career, but in all that time I couldn’t stop thinking about you. There was always the hope in the back of my mind that I would run into you one day and you would explain what had happened. After I passed my boards, I went to your house thinking that maybe you would come and celebrate with me."

"What happened?" asked Desi. She was shocked to hear that Harry had made the effort to contact her even after all the unanswered pleas that had come before it.

"Your father explained to me that you were married and happy with your life. He told me that I should just leave you alone and get on with my own. I sat there with him on our swing as he slapped me on the back and congratulated me on my accomplishments. He said your aspirations weren’t so grand, just to be a good wife and mother. I asked him if you had kids, and he told me no but you did have one on the way. That statement that he delivered with such a straight face put a knife through my heart. I left there and just buried myself in work. I worked, I built up my body and I fucked around. That was my life Desi, and that is what you are asking me to go back to. The truth of who we are is that we are better off together than apart. We are happy because the love we share is real. I’m asking you not to throw that away. Not again Desi, take a chance this time. We have paid our dues and it’s time to collect for our suffering." Harry finished and bent to kiss Desi. The lips Harry touched opened immediately drinking in what the doctor had to offer.

Desi pulled Harry on top of her, trying to remind herself of what she had to lose. She wanted this and Harry was right, it was time to put fear aside and take the things she wanted out of life. Desi wanted to be happy. Harry was the one that brought her that feeling and more than that, Harry loved her. She welcomed the kiss and the hand that had found itself back between her legs awakening her desires. As long as they were together it would always be this way, Desi was certain of it.

"Yes Harry touch me baby. I want you, only you," Desi said as her hips started to buck. Harry wasn’t interested in finesse nor in going slow, she wanted Desi in the worst way and she was going to have her. If the small woman would have complained or said it wasn’t what she wanted Harry would have stopped, but Desi was as turned on as she was. She could feel it in the way Desi was getting wetter and her movements were becoming more frantic. "God baby, make me come," panted Desi. Harry shoved to fingers inside the wet canal and latched onto a hard nipple sucking in with gusto. As Desi crested a new set of scratch marks graced Harry’s back and the redhead was left panting. When Harry pulled out she painted Desi’s breasts with the product of her desire sending Desi into overdrive.

Forgetting about her leg Desi pushed Harry onto her back and maneuvered around so that she was facing in the opposite direction. Lowering her head between Harry’s legs, Desi had to pause a minute to concentrate on what she was supposed to be doing because of what Harry was already doing to her. Once she grabbed hold of the slick nub with her mouth, Desi gave Harry the same pleasure she was receiving from the doctor. Desi had to stop as the second orgasm Harry had given her since she woke up raced through her. When the after tremors started was when she went back and brought Harry over with her.

Back in Harry’s arms she laughed as the deep voice in her ear told her, "I think we should discuss your leaving at least once a week from now until I die. If these are the results I’m going to get then I’m all for it." "But doctor we have so much lost time to make up for, just once a week is all your willing to commit to?" asked Desi. "Thank God I work out and I’m relatively healthy, you could kill me if we did this every night. On the other hand, what a way to go."

"You really want me to stay?" asked Desi.

"I really want you to stay Desi. I love you and your little sister too," teased Harry. "Isn’t that suppose to be your little dog too?" asked Desi. "Well I happen to think Rach is cuter than a dog, but you’re the one related to her," explained Harry.

"Harry I sure have missed you." "So have I baby, now go to sleep, tomorrow’s a school day for me, literally."

Chapter 7

Desi rolled over to find the other half of the bed empty, scowling that Harry would have gotten up without waking her after the night they had shared. She noticed that it was still dark outside and was about to call out for her lover when she felt the bed move with Harry’s return. "Where’d you go?" asked Desi. "I had to pee honey, sorry I woke you up, go back to sleep."

Desi moved until she was lying on top of Harry, loving the feel of the tall woman’s skin under hers. After the phone call they had gotten just hours before she had trouble going back to sleep knowing that Byron would go through all that trouble to get her back. Trying to take her mind off of what he had done, Desi turned her thoughts to what she wanted to do with the rest of her life if she was going to stay with Harry. She really didn’t want to just stay home and wait for Harry to get back from work, and she hoped her partner wouldn’t laugh at what she had come up with. It was a craft she had learned as a child and after browsing through some of the shops on Magazine Street she knew that there was a market for it. Sprinkled throughout what was known as New Orleans’s miracle mile of antique shops, was designer pottery. The shop owners told her that they were always on the lookout for new artists since they couldn’t keep what was on the shelves there for very long no matter what the cost was. Taking a deep breath she decided to broach the subject with Harry.

"Baby are you sleeping?" asked Desi in a soft voice. "No just enjoying holding you. Something on your mind honey?" answered Harry as she ran her hands up and down Desi’s naked back.

"I’ve decided what I want to do." There that wasn’t so hard, just remember Desiree this is not Byron the small woman thought.

"Well that’s a good thing. That’s a good thing isn’t it honey?" asked Harry as she waited to hear what Desi had to say.

"I want to be a potter." "A potter?" asked Harry lifting her head up a little trying to look into Desi’s eyes. "Yeah you know a potter, as in a person that makes pottery. Do you think that’s a stupid idea?" asked Desi. "Nope I don’t, Tony will be your biggest customer once you get started. I’m happy for you honey, just don’t forget about me once you become famous in the city and your stuff is collectable. We’ll put our heads together and think of the best way to get you started," Harry promised. She rolled Desi over onto her back and spent some time just slowly kissing her. Their talk turned to how best to get Desi started on her new career that Harry figured she could do from home.

Across town as the sun started to come up over the dumpster that contained two wet and tired brothers, as the police continued their search. When they had driven up the back street to their parent’s home the night before they saw the number of police cars parked along the block with the officers sitting inside waiting. They parked the car and set off on foot deciding on their current hiding place because it was full of just cardboard boxes until they could figure out what they were going to do.

"Wake up Mike, we gotta get a move on and find a way back into the house without the cops seeing us," said Byron. He was trying to stretch out his back from the uncomfortable sleep he was able to get.

"We are so fucked Byron. I told you that was a stupid idea," whined Mike. "Who was the asshole that got the wrong house, so just shut the hell up before I do it for you," answered Byron. "Don’t forget brother, I am not Desi. You try and hit me and they’ll have to scrape you off the floor," Mike told him as he got up and jumped over the side of the dumpster.

Walking back the way they had come the night before, Mike was the first one to notice the group of uniformed police officers surrounding his car. This would effectively cut off any chance they had of getting back into the house where their alibi was. "Fucking great, there goes my ride and there is no way we’re getting past all those cops," said Mike as he stepped behind a large group of bushes in someone’s yard.

"Don’t panic, we’ll just say that we were out last with friends. It’s not like I’m jumping bail or anything. I’m not due back in court until the end of the month according to my attorney, so we’ll just lay low for awhile and let things cool down. Come on let’s call Pop and see if he’ll spot us some money and lend us a car," said Byron. He was betting that the people they had broken in on last night wouldn’t have a clue as to who they were. The only reason the cops were looking at his brother’s car was that the old guy had gotten lucky with a couple of letters off the license plate. They had left behind no evidence of their identity, so the only mystery left here was where Desi was really staying.

By ten that morning the two brothers were headed toward the Florida panhandle in a borrowed car and five hundred dollars their father had lent them. They would stay in one of Pensacola’s cheaper hotels for a couple of days and then return to answer any questions the police might still have for them. Byron was glad that he, unlike women, did not panic in any given situation leaving him open for reasonable solutions to any problem. They agreed to not call and tell their father where they would be staying, only that they were taking a couple of days off in the off chance the police questioned the couple. The only thing Byron, Sr. would tell the police was that the boys had left two days prior, making it impossible for them to have been the two that the police were looking for.

At ten thirty that morning Jude’s clerk informed Bradley Blum that he was expected to appear in court that afternoon. He was to appear with his client so that the judge could rule on all the motions the attorney had filed with the court. The order came after the police informed the judge that the Simoneaux brothers were no where to be found. After their stake out of the night before and throughout the morning, the only thing they had come up with was the car the two were driving. Still a little miffed over the abduction of his wife, Jude knew that the two would not resurface anytime soon without motivation. They would soon find out that the incentive would come in the form of making Byron a fugitive from justice.

"Let me get this straight. Your godfather is Judge Jude Rose?" asked Serena. The clerk had made two phone calls that morning, one to Bradley and the other to Serena. He informed the assistant from the district attorney’s office that the judge was ready to rule on the motions and the trial would be set for the following morning. She had put her phone down and driven uptown before Harry had gone to work to find out exactly what had happened that put this trial on the super fast track.

"Yes, it’s not something I really tell people, but Uncle Jude and my parents are old friends. This won’t be a problem will it? It’s not like he is going to hear the case is it?" asked Harry. She was free for the morning after a Herculean effort to clear her schedule, so that she could be there for Desi when Serena said she was coming over.

"No Harry, he plans to pass it on to one of the other judges with directions on how it’s going to go down no doubt. He doesn’t want to comprise Desi’s safety by allowing this guy to go free on some technicality. After hearing what Byron did last night, Jude Rose will be the least of his problems. Victoria Rose is a partner in one of the most ruthless firms in the city when it comes to civil litigation, so Byron better pray he doesn’t own tons of property.

I just wanted to come over and let you know what to expect. This afternoon after looking in my crystal ball, all of Bradley’s filings will be shot down and not worth the paper they are written on. Tomorrow morning bright and early we will go to trial on the charges Desi filed against this asshole, and when said asshole fails to appear his problems will multiple. Unless his father is lying and really does know where he is and can get him there, Byron Simoneaux will have officially jumped bail. For his father who posted his bail with a property bond, this will translate into having one of the local bail bondsman crawling into his back pocket util Byron resurfaces.

What lesson should we all carry away from this you ask? Never, and I mean never piss off one of the most powerful people on the bench in this city. Unlike all the famous witches and voodoo priests that New Orleans is famous for, Jude Rose can really make it rain misery in your life with a nod of his head and a wrap of his gavel." Serena smiled at the two women sitting across from her and took another sip of her coffee. Something had changed since the last time she had been over and she wasn’t leaving until she knew what that was. The clues were there in how they sat close together and the fact that Desi couldn’t keep her hands to herself any more than Harry could. Serena’s smile only faltered a little when the pain of knowing Harry would never look at her that way popped into her head, but for the most part she was happy for her friend. She only hoped that Desi realized just how lucky she was. To Serena, from the day she had met the tall good-looking doctor, Harry had epitomized everything she wanted in a partner.

"So tomorrow it will all come to an end?" asked Desi.

"No not really, tomorrow we will begin again in a way, but for Byron it will be the beginning of the end. After the smart move our friend here pulled off by parking in front of the judge’s house, there is no way possible that I see for Byron to get anything but a long jail sentence. That may not be fair and as an officer of the court if you repeat what I just said I’d deny it, but that is the reality of the situation. Then again you didn’t ask to be brutally beaten with a baseball bat, but you did and he deserves to be punished for that. The fact that he decided to compound that punishment by dragging a naked Victoria Rose out of her bed in the dead of night is just what’s called lagniappe. You know, a little something extra. From what I hear if she asked Jude to stand on his head for a whole trial he’d do it he’s so crazy about her, but you didn’t hear that from me either. Well ladies enjoy your breakfast and I will call you this afternoon with the details." Serena kissed them both before following Mona to the door. The maid gave her a sympathetic pat on the back as she saw the attorney out to her car.

"Not much longer now honey, then you’ll be rid of these people forever," said Harry as she leaned over and kissed Desi. With still a few hours of freedom Harry decided to try and get the small woman’s mind off the upcoming events. "Yeah I guess. Harry I just want to apologize for dragging you into all this. You shouldn’t have to be made to suffer for all my past mistakes, and believe me baby Byron was one big mistake. I hope God has forgiven Clyde for getting me into that marriage, because I sure in hell am not going to anytime soon. But you know something baby? Even after all I’ve been through, I would do again in a heartbeat if at the end of the road you would be waiting there for me. I love you." Desi leaned further into Harry’s embrace and kissed her back.

"No more long hard roads for you my love, come on grab your crutches and walk with me. It has come to my attention that you have lived here for over two months and you still haven’t seen the whole spread yet. And since you are to be the lady of the house, it seems only fitting that the house meets with your approval. If not, we sell and find one that does." Harry stood up from the table and bowed deeply from the waist. She had wanted to show Desi something on the property ever since the redhead had told her what she wanted to do with her time. Slowing her gait down to accommodate Desi’s pace, Harry showed her parts of the garden that were coming to life with the onset of spring, or what passed for spring in the humid city.

As they continued their leisurely stroll, Desi realized that the house actually took up a whole block along the avenue it faced. In addition to the big house and gardens, the property had a pool with an outdoor kitchen and bathhouse, and a large hot tub. Harry walked them in the opposite direction of the pool to where another little house stood. It seemed ironic to Harry now that the wife of the couple she had purchased the house from was an artist. The place she was walking Desi to was the studio her husband had built her as an anniversary present after the sale of some of her paintings. The woman had given Harry one of her canvases as a housewarming gift after the doctor had admired it. Harry had been drawn to it when she went out to look at the studio when she was considering purchasing the house, because the vivid watercolor brought back a flood of memories. She had had it framed and left it out in the studio and hadn’t really looked at it again until now.

When Desi stepped through the doorway it was the first thing that caught her eye. The painting in the old cypress frame Harry had gotten for it was a depiction of the front of a house in New Orleans and it’s small yard. It could have been any house really since so many of them looked like that, but this one had a big swing hanging from the end of the porch in front. If you replaced the azalea bushes the artist had put in front of the railing for daylilies it could have been the house Desi grew up in. She knew immediately why Harry had kept this out here and not in the house where it really belonged. Looking at it everyday would have made it impossible to forget what they were on the cusp of all those years ago and then lost.

"The lady that spent so many days out here creating things like that told me this part of the garden was home to a special muse that was her friend and companion for all the work she created. Her hope was that I find someone that would keep this special spirit happy and give it company. The only reason she left her behind was because of her age, her arthritis wouldn’t allow her to hold her brushes long enough to finish anything else.

This is my gift to you Desi. You can work out here and create whatever Francine’s muse will help you with. It needs a little work but I happen to know a good decorator that will help you make it your own space. I hope that you are as happy here as Francine was, and for just as many years." Harry walked up to Desi and wiped the fat tears that were rolling down her face. For once the doctor joined her in a good cry and they just held each other in the sunny room that overlooked the back garden. It felt good to just be happy.

Chapter 8

"All rise," said the bailiff as Jude took the bench. They had gotten through most of their business that morning so that the courtroom wasn’t that crowded that afternoon. For a brief moment a brilliant smile broke out on the judge’s face, but it disappeared before anyone really took notice of it. The thing that had brought Jude such pleasure was the sight of Bradley Blum sitting alone in the first row of seats just behind the low railing that separated the attorney’s table from the courtroom’s spectators. The young attorney looked a tad bit red in the face as if his tie was pulled too tight.

"Your honor we are set to hear the defense motion filings for docket number LA6689. There are twenty eight in all unless Mr. Blum has anything else to add," said Rudy the bailiff. After working for the judge for years, Rudy could tell that this was one of those Jude moments that made all the long hours and low pay worth it.

"Mr. Blum are you and your client ready?" asked Jude. He leaned back in his chair and looked at the bumbling attorney from over the rim of his glasses.

"I was unable to get in touch with my client sir, his father has informed me that he is out of town on vacation for a couple of days and can’t be reached. If your honor would be so inclined, we would ask for a couple of days delay so that we can be better prepared," tried Bradley. He smiled at Serena when Jude leaned forward and didn’t say anything for a long while. To Bradley’s untrained eye the judge seemed to be contemplating his request, and he was certain the old bulldog would grant his motion.

"Mr. Blum are you aware of the fact that because Mr. Simoneaux is out on bond, the court has a right to know where he is at all times. It would not be my problem that he is facing charges and in light of that has decided to take a vacation. It is a courtesy to your client to be here for all proceedings that take place in his case, and it also his problem that he has ignored my order to appear today. What does all that tell you Mr. Blum?" asked Jude who was now pinning the man with a deadly stare.

"That we will proceed without him?" Bradley stated it more as a question than a response. Despite the air-conditioning in the room sweat was trickling down his face, and Bradley kept sticking his finger in his collar to try and loosen his tie.

"That is correct Mr. Blum, we are proceeding without him. If Mr. Simoneaux doesn’t agree with me there is always the state appellate court, they might be more compassionate towards his plight. Now Mr. Blum twenty-eight motions on this case, I’m impressed. Shall we begin?" asked Jude.

"The last motion is denied," Jude said ten minutes later. As Serena had predicted all of Byron’s motions filed by Bradley were shot down in short order, now came the killer and she had another premonition that Jude’s clerk hadn’t shared with Bradley this next little tidbit of information. Jesus loves me this I know because I’m not Bradley kept ringing through her head with more delight than she should be feeling for the poor man’s plight, but hell it wasn’t her.

"Ms. Ladding I want to thank you for appearing here today on such short notice. I take it that the people are ready to proceed with their case against Mr. Simoneaux?" asked Jude. His demeanor completely changed when he looked away from Bradley and looked at Serena. He never could figure out why his goddaughter never ended up with this beauty. Rising out of her chair Serena graced him with a smile of her own.

"Yes your honor, the people have been ready for weeks now, had it not been for the mountain of filings brought forth by Mr. Simoneaux’s attorney. Whenever your honor would like to put it on the docket for trial we will be ready." Serena finished by batting her eyelashes in Bradley’s direction. She swore that if the man pulled on that collar anymore they would have to call in paramedics.

"You are set for trial starting at eight tomorrow morning in Judge Carleton Reaper’s court. If there is nothing further we are adjourned. I trust you have nothing further Mr. Blum?" asked Jude. The look on the older man’s face told Bradley to just say no sir and get the day over. Any other motions or requests for delays would surely land him next to Byron in central lockup with a contempt of court citation.

"No sir," answered Bradley with a confidence he didn’t feel. "Good, remember eight tomorrow morning across the hall Blum, don’t be late."

When Jude had cleared the door that led to his private offices Bradley turned and glared accusingly at Serena. "The Grim Reaper is going to hear this case Serena? What did you have to do, sleep with the old bastard to get that?"

"Why Bradley haven’t you heard? Judge Rose is married and I’m gay so it was the sheer will of my personality that got me the Grim Reaper. But the next time I’m having lunch with Jude, I’ll make sure and mention to him that you think so highly of his sexual prowess. See you in court Bradley," said Serena in a sugar sweet voice. All Bradley could do was watch the sway of her butt encased in the sleek black suit as it left the courtroom. Now all he had to do was find Byron before eight the next morning.

"You know, anymore days like today and I might find myself unemployed," said Harry from the floor of the studio. After giving Desi her surprise, Desi had decided to thank Harry in a way that only she could deliver. They were both naked on the floor by the big windows that overlooked the gardens and both were smiling despite the hard wood floor beneath them. "Then I could spend all day with you, so that is not an incentive to make me let you go Dr. Basantes," answered Desi. Harry rolled over and hovered over Desi a moment looking at the young woman’s face before kissing her. She would never get tired of looking at Desi’s beautiful face and took every opportunity to do so.

"I think that tomorrow you should call Tony and go shopping for all the stuff you are going to need to get started. Then get Mona to get the cleaning service out here, there has to be two inches of dust on everything in here including me." Harry pecked the lips under hers one more time before getting to her feet and walking across the room to retrieve her pants. Desi just sat up from where they had been lying and admired Harry naked form, and let a bit of pout form on her face when she saw the cell phone materialize in Harry’s hand. Maybe this is what it meant to be a medical widow.

Harry punched one of the numbers on the memory pad and spoke for a few minutes looking back at Desi’s miffed expression. "Yes I realize there were surgeries scheduled for today but I had something come up, and besides nothing was earth shattering enough that I can’t take care of it this afternoon. Just make sure that the OR is ready to go when I get there and go ahead and work up Mr. Benson. He wants to get back to his golf game and needs some new knees to do so, see you in a few."

Harry walked back to where her lover was now glaring at her, but with the sun streaming in from the window Desi still looked like an angel. "I’ll only be gone for a few hours my love. Only two patients and they are right down the street, so no catastrophic emergencies waiting for me today. Come on Des; cut me some slack here. I’ll make it up to you," said Harry in a sweet voice. She walked around Desi’s and came to sit behind her making it easier to pull the smaller body against her.

"I just want to spend time with you baby. Is that selfish of me? I mean I have you to thank for my own recovery." Said Desi as she reveled in feel of Harry’s skin behind her. It was so easy to be intimate with Harry, so easy to get lost in the feelings the tall doctor had awoken in her.

"Nope because that is how I feel about you. Now that you are here with me maybe I’ll even consider early retirement. Don’t you want to hear how I’m going to make it up to you?" asked Harry as she folded her body around Desi’s. She felt Desi nod her head yes. "I am going to take you out to dinner tonight with no beeper, no phone and no distractions. I’ll get someone else to take my calls and that way you won’t have to share me for the evening. How’s that sound?"

"Like heaven, and you can’t retire early baby. Too many people need you and I was just being silly. Get going Harry, the sooner you start the sooner you finish." They shared one more long kiss before getting up and getting dressed. Walking back to the house Harry bid Desi goodbye before jumping in the Land Rover and left for the hospital.

While waiting for Harry to come home, Desi decided to try out that big claw foot tub in the bathroom upstairs. Her date for the evening didn’t tell her where they were going but did say that jeans were out. Sitting in the hot water Desi mentally went through her wardrobe and tried to pick something that Harry would like. The soft knock on the door broke her thoughts away from her closet and Harry to Mona. She was the only other person in the house and she hoped everything was all right, knowing that the older woman wouldn’t disturb her without a good reason.

"Yes Mona what’s up?" asked Desi.

"Sorry to bother you sweetie, but Serena’s downstairs and she wants to talk to you. Said to tell you that it’s important."

"Thanks Mona. Tell her that I’ll be downstairs in a few minutes," said Desi. She was already regretting having to cut her bath short, but if Serena came over it must have something to do with Byron and his legal troubles.

Desi threw on her jeans and a shirt Harry had tossed across one of the chairs in the room and headed downstairs on the electric lift Harry had installed. Serena was waiting for her in the sunroom with another visitor Desi didn’t expect, but was happy to see.

"Desi hey, is my Uncle Harry here?" asked Butch. The little boy came over and hugged her good leg looking up at her with his big blue eyes. If I didn’t know any better I would have to say that Harry fathered this kid, thought Desi as she smiled down at Harry’s biggest fan. "Sorry Albert, but Uncle Harry is working today."

Serena looked on with an amused look on her face. Desi looked different every time they talked, it was as if someone had removed a large weight off the young woman’s shoulders making her look lighter and younger. Desi was starting to show more confidence and the fear in her eyes that had been there before was gone. The attorney could see that this young woman that Harry was in love with was both beautiful inside and out. It definitely softened the pain of losing.

They sat together while Serena told her of the day’s events and what had been scheduled for the next morning. Serena could see the relief in Desi’s eyes that this nightmare was coming to an end. "You do realize though Desi that Byron and Mike have skipped town. My guess is that they are trying to formulate some sort of alibi clearing them of what happened last night. But if Byron fails to appear tomorrow morning then he has officially jumped bail," Serena explained.

"What will happen then?" asked Desi.

"Then his bail bondsman will send some big goons to find him and bring him back kicking and screaming to face trial. If he doesn’t show it will also mean that he will become a fugitive in the eyes of the law, and if I had to guess that is what Judge Rose had in mind all along. I heard through the grapevine that Jude is still pissed that your ex dragged his naked wife out of bed and into the night."

Desi had been thinking about what would have happened to her and Harry had Byron and his brother found the right house last night. She shivered and jumped at the same time when the phone next to her rang. "Hello," she said, hearing the music in the background told her who it was before the deep sexy voice came over the line. "Hello beautiful, just wanted to tell you that we are heading into our next surgery so I’ll be home in about two hours," said Harry as she changed scrubs before starting on Mr. Benson’s right knee replacement. Desi told her what Serena had come over and explained. Considering the upcoming court date they both realized they would have to postpone their visit to Harry’s parents that weekend but there would be time enough to discuss that later. Harry could hear that Desi needed a hug just from the sound of her voice and wished she could just run home for a moment to do just that.

"You want to stay in tonight honey?" asked Harry.

"No, but I have someone here that is dying to see you, so would you be opposed to company at dinner tonight?" asked Desi smiling at Butch. "Is my favorite person under five there with you?" inquired Harry. "That he is love and he misses you, so call and up our reservations for two more." Desi hung up and offered Serena and her son an invitation to join them for dinner that evening. Accepting much to Butch’s delight, Serena promised they would be back as soon as they went home and changed.

Sitting in the Palace Restaurant on Canal Street downtown, Harry tried to hide the smile threatening to come out in full force once she noticed that Serena was developing a crush on their last minute addition to dinner. Rachel had arrived as Desi was getting dressed and waiting for Harry to come home, so she had asked her sister if she wanted to join them. The two sisters had had a long talk about Serena and her part in Harry’s past.

"Yes it bothers me, have you seen her? The woman is gorgeous and everything else I’m not, but Harry loves me not her. Even Serena is quick to acknowledge that fact, but it doesn’t change the fact that I want to gouge her eyes out if she looks at Harry too long. Butch just loves Harry to death though, so I couldn’t deprive her of that relationship, it’s too important to the both of them." Desi lifted the linen dress Tony had helped her pick out on one of their shopping excursions over her head then slipped into one flat shoe. It would be nice to finally be rid of all her medical equipment so that she could go back to wearing both of her shoes.

"Uncle Harry can we order our special dessert now?" asked Butch from his seat next to Harry’s. The little boy had been a perfect gentleman all night sitting quietly with his blue blazer and slicked back hair. Desi had looked at him often, thinking that maybe she was ready to have children now that she had a loving partner to help her raise one.

"Yes my man we can do that. We have a special tasks before us Butch," said Harry seriously. She lifted the hand she was holding and kissed the knuckles before putting it back on the table. Desi smiled at Harry’s affectionate side, amazing herself in how quickly she had come to expect it.

"What Uncle Harry?" asked Butch just as seriously. "Let’s go to the bathroom and I’ll explain," said Harry noticing that while Butch was well behaved, he was squirming a bit in his booster seat. Excusing themselves from the table Harry escorted the little boy to the bathroom after they had made a detour to seek out their waiter to talk to him a moment.

Back at the table Desi watched Harry walk around the room with Butch by her side as they made their way to the restrooms. She wished now that she had gone with them, not because she had a need to go, but because with all the flirting going on at the table, her tablemates didn’t know she was even there. It seemed obvious to Desi that while it bothered Rachel that Harry had gone out with Serena, it didn’t bother her enough to prevent her from flinging herself at the attractive attorney.

Entertaining herself by looking at the murals of famous musicians adorning the walls, Desi waited for her date to get back. It had been a pleasant evening so far with good food and good company, but she was looking forward to getting home and spending some time alone with the good doctor. Noticing the object of her desire coming out of the restroom with her little charge, Desi was temporarily distracted from watching them with the arrival of two of the wait staff. The two placed before everyone at the table the specialty of the house, a white chocolate bread pudding drenched in a creamy sauce. Desi looked up from the delicious looking plate in front of her when she heard Harry putting Butch back into his seat.

"Now ladies, Butch has something very important to tell you," said Harry as she tapped her water glass with her butter knife. The look in Harry’s eyes told Serena that her friend was getting ready to have a good time and her son was part of the plan. "But before he can explain this very important thing, you must first pick up an eating utensil and finish this little piece of heaven they have placed before you."

Harry and Desi exchanged looks as they continued to watch the interaction between Rachel and Serena. The bread pudding was wonderful and once everyone’s plate was empty Butch started with his instructions. "This is the best part Desi, Uncle Harry says so watch me ok," he requested. Picking up the sides of the plate with small hands, Butch lifted it and gave it a healthy lick. Serena just dropped her head into her hands as Harry picked up her plate next. The other diners seated around their table had to laugh at the strange behavior going on at the table of laughing adults and one child. In the end Desi could see the pride in Butch’s eyes that he had introduced her to the fine art of plate licking.

They offered to take Butch home with them so that Serena could accompany Rachel to a small jazz club Rachel liked to go to. Desi promised that they would leave Butch with Mona in the morning and they would meet her in court. Kissing her sister goodnight, Desi got into the elevator with Harry and Butch.

They both told the little boy a story before putting him down for the night when they got home, then retired to the comfort of their own room for the evening. Harry helped Desi with her dress, then kneeled down to take off her brace. "You know honey I think that you can start to walk a little without that thing on now if it doesn’t cause you any pain. Now that the weather has warmed up you can start working out in the pool to help with your recovery," said Harry. She was looking at the leg with a physician’s eye noticing the way that Desi balanced without the brace.

"I owe it all to my brilliant surgeon. I plan to run away with her you know," said Desi. She stood before Harry for the first time without anything on and waited to see what the reaction would be. Any fear she had was swept away with the fact she was being carried to the bed in Harry’s arms. They spent the night just holding each other, there was no need for anything else.

"You don’t seem to understand Mr. Simoneaux, if he is not there tomorrow morning at precisely eight in the morning you stand to lose a lot. If you have any idea where he is then it would be in your best interest, not to mention your son’s, to be there," said Bradley into the phone. He had been home for over an hour and his wife didn’t look so pleased that he had brought his work home with him. She had been stuck in the house all day with a twenty-month-old and a three-month-old, both of which had been screaming their heads off all day for some reason or another. So the fact that Bradley didn’t seem keen on the idea of taking care of them for awhile was working on her last nerve. Bradley was aggravated himself that his wife couldn’t understand that if he managed to piss off two judges in such a short span of time, he could kiss his budding career good bye. And that’s exactly what was going to happen if the stupid grease monkey he was talking to didn’t come up with any better answers than he had given him so far.

"I keep telling you, you goddamn idiot that I don’t know where Byron is, so how in the hell can I call him. If I did I would kill him myself and save the court the trouble of having to deal with him, and believe me Bradley that’s what’s gonna happen if I lose my garage. What got this judge all in an uproar all of sudden anyway?" asked Byron, Sr.

"Your two sons broke into Judge Rose’s house last night and kidnapped his wife thinking it was Desi," explained Bradley. He was beginning to believe the missing link theory of evolution the more time he spent on the phone with his client’s father. The only talent the old man seemed to possess was knowing his way around an engine.

"They did what? Those fucking idiots. I am going to lose my livelihood over this I just know it," screamed the old man into the phone. Now it didn’t seem like such a good idea to not demand to know where his two sons where going. They had failed to mention this interesting bit of information when they asked him for the car and money to leave town. They had told him they had broken into Desi’s new house and the cops were on to them, not that they had kidnapped some judge’s wife. The one thing the old man did know was that they were in Florida somewhere, but there was no way he could call every dive hotel in Pensacola before the next morning.

"Just try and get in touch with them before tomorrow and if you do tell Byron to meet me in the morning," Bradley told him before hanging up. Once the receiver was back in the cradle his wife handed him his youngest son who promptly spit up on him. Life just sucked sometimes.

"Mike I think that chick over there is giving you the eye man," said Byron from his barstool. They had spent the majority of the money their father had given them bar hopping since they had gotten to Florida. The sun and sand made it easy to forget the trouble that awaited them once they got home. The drunken man only hoped that things had calmed down since their departure.

"Forget that Byron, don’t you think we should call the old man and see if the police have come by and questioned him about what happened? Maybe things are all right now and we could kick back and enjoy ourselves," said Mike. The thought of a long prison sentence was killing his need to be with any woman that might be interested in him, and driving his need to drink.

"Nah let’s wait a few days. I mean what could happen before that? If the police are looking for us it won’t make any difference if we keep them waiting, but trust me buddy this little vacation is our ticket to staying out of jail. That loser old man and his young play thing have no idea who it was in their house, so relax and have a good time," said Byron. He lifted his hand to get the bartender’s attention and ordered another round of drinks.

"Yeah I guess you’re right, what could happen in the next couple of days to make things worse?" agreed Mike as he took a large gulp of the drink placed in front of him.

To be continued.- Part 3

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