“I’ll be back in a little while,” Kathy says to us, “just got a couple of things to do.” I’m not sure why she’s coming back, but then I realize it must be to bring her husband his dinner. I’ve suddenly lost all track of time. All I can see or feel is Judas. “Go on in, Mr....I mean, Jude,” she corrects herself. The door to my cell is open, has been all day. I guess they’ve assessed me as a low flight risk. I imagine she leaves right after that, but I don’t know, as my attention is elsewhere. He walks through the door and into my arms, and our lips have suddenly become quite attached, and nothing else in the world matters. Nothing but this final countdown.
And it’s my intention to make every moment count.
“I’d marry you in a heartbeat,” he murmurs into my mouth, and I continue to kiss him, swallowing his words. No talk about the future, down that path lies only danger. And heartache. Of course I’d marry him, too, if I could. If only we could…
The subtle clearing of Sheriff Kaplan’s throat behind us pulls us reluctantly apart. “Sorry to interrupt,” he apologizes as I squeeze Jude’s hand softly, hoping to forestall any quick-tempered reaction on his part. “I was wanting to talk to you two, but it’s been a bit busy here today.” A bit of an understatement, but true.
“I appreciate that, Sheriff Kaplan.” I smile. “I’m sorry for all the confusion…” He holds up one hand, waving aside my apology. “No, no, it was fine, everything went fine, I have no problem with that, none at all. But I was just waiting for you and your attorney…” This with a nod at Judas—I’ve already forgotten he’s playing that part. “…to have a few minutes, and I thought that this was as good a time as any, if you don’t mind?”
He’s a very polite man, considering this is his own purview, and we’re merely transitory guests within his domain. “Of course we don’t mind,” I reply. “It’s your jail, Sheriff.” Jude and I take a seat together upon the cot. Sheriff Kaplan, hat in hand, takes the chair with a chuckle.
“I’ve talked to Judge Reynolds and he’s agreed to hear your bail request at nine o’clock tomorrow morning. You’re going to be the first one on the docket. That should get you out a lot quicker.”
“Thank you, Sheriff,” I gratefully reply, even though I know in my heart it will never occur. Judas is uncharacteristically silent beside me. “I’m sure it was your influence that got me placed ahead of the others. I appreciate all your efforts on my behalf, everything you’ve done.” I know Jude has had his issues with the sheriff, but I sense Kaplan’s a good man, trying to make the most of a difficult situation not of his making. Jude has told me he thinks he may have ambitions for bigger places than this small town. I have to wonder. Championing me is surely not a step in that direction.
“I talked to him a bit,” he admits, almost unwillingly, as if not wishing to receive credit for his efforts. “I don’t think bail will be set too high, nothing you can’t afford, judging from that wad of bills you tried to pay me with before, Mr.
Jarvis.” This is said with a smile and a chuckle for Judas’ benefit. I smile myself, but I can’t help but notice Judas doesn’t laugh or smile. He’s thinking too much for his own good. I need to deflect his thoughts somehow.
“I’m sure it will be fine.” I cast a surreptitious glance at Judas, but his gaze is directed toward the floor. What’s he thinking?
There’s a moment of uncomfortable silence before the sheriff changes the subject. “About tonight,” he begins.
“Tonight?” I’m not sure what he means, my first thought being he’s about to tell me Judas has to leave. I find myself unable to breathe at the very thought, before my more rational mind tells me he’s talking about Mary and her concert, of course.
“Mmmhmmm. Tonight, what with the benefit for you that’s going on,” he continues, rubbing thoughtfully at his chin. “I know your friend Mary told me she’s hired security and all, but I still feel like I need to be there.” He’s playing with his hat again now, fidgeting with the brim. Probably to keep his hands occupied. “Just to make sure things don’t get out of hand. No offense.”
“None taken,” I assure him.
“I know there’s nothing I can do about the group out there.” He nods in the general direction of the front door, beyond which Lucifer’s people wage their unrelenting war against sin. Specifically against Judas and myself. I know they’re being manipulated by a master manipulator, but it still bothers me to subject Judas to the filth they spew when he walks their gauntlet just in order to be with me.