Louisiana Red

Officer Dale Gipson didn’t let me out of his sight for the few days we spent inside the apartment.  He even had other officers bring him things he needed from his house.

            We talked a lot.  He found out I was a dancer and asked me why I did it.  I answered him and then asked him why he was a cop.  I showed him my old picture, which he thought was hilarious and made jokes about it.  Some nights, he even cooked dinner and he massaged my feet for me when I told him they hurt one night.

            Somewhere along the way, I realized that Dale was starting to get feelings for me, but he never made a pass or anything.  I was grateful, because I didn’t need any more complications in my life and I knew that he knew that. 

            Dale was always respectful of my space.  Whenever I took a shower, he usually left the apartment to take a walk.  When we got tired of watching movies and playing cards, Dale began teaching me some self-defense techniques.

            Friday finally came and I found myself back in the courtroom, but I wasn’t as scared or nervous this time.  I was confident in our proof, and Kevin hadn’t popped out of any dark alleys to try to hurt me again.

            I got to court early, but Naomi still beat me there—a far cry from our early courtroom days.  I was a jumble of emotions over the past week about Antoine, but Naomi was still my attorney.  I took a seat beside her.

            “Hi,” she said.  “You feeling alright?”

            I nodded. 

            “Don’t worry.  Everything will be settled today.”

            When the judge came in, we all stood until he took his seat.

            “Will the defendant please rise?”  The judge asked.

            Naomi and I stood up.

            “In light of recent events, and a statement from the victim who woke up from his comatose state, the charges against you are dropped.  From now on, Ms. Triland,” the judge continued in that stern voice of his, “you had better watch the company you keep.

You were lucky this time, but you may not be so lucky next time.  Next case.”  He banged his gavel.

            “Thank you, your honor,” I said, tears running down my face.  I was so happy.

Naomi stood there, a big smile on her face.  She looked like she wanted to hug me, but we just shook hands.  “I’m glad everything is settled,” she said warmly.  “Good luck with everything, Hannah.  It’s been a pleasure. I have to run.”   She left the courtroom.

            I watched her leave and Dale came into the courtroom.

            “Hey,” I said.  “I didn’t know you were still here.”  He had dropped me off at the courthouse, but his duty protecting me was officially over.

            “I thought maybe you would need a ride,” he said.  “And here’s my card.  If you ever need help again, if you ever need anything, just call me.”

            Dale was so sweet.  “Thanks.”

            We walked to the elevator.  “Well, congratulations are in order,” Dale said.  “I heard it went well.”

            “Yeah, it did.   I’m just so glad that everything is back to being normal.  “The case is over but Kevin is still out there some where”. Dale said.

            “Thanks again, being there for me during all this. You really made me feel safe,” I told him.  And he had.  I had no doubts that he would do whatever it took to protect me.