"Just let me talk to her. She'll realise she's mistaken."
The judge was not known for his patience with irrational requests.
"Mrs Monterrey," he began so gravely that everyone present went silent and attentive. Gemma Monterrey still eyed him defiantly.
"Not only have you lost your chance at being a reliable witness by threatening the victim..." the judge continued before Gemma could rebuke: "You have seriously impeded the flow of the investigation and the trial."
"There should be no trial if my husband is involved."
"The victim has named Mr Monterrey by name and visual memory and your behaviour has only led to further suspicion."
"Ridiculous. This is beyond ridiculous."
"I do not mean to be indiscreet, Mrs Monterrey, but no woman can be sure of her husband's undeniable innocence in such a case. Even a woman as beautiful as you," he baited her. Judge Travis found his patience running out when imprisoning members of the Seven or their family was concerned. A simple explanation and too much affected pride was usually involved.
"I want Mrs Davids to feel she can go back to her daily duties without fearing her attacker will return. The seasons are turning and the town seamstress shouldn't fear staying in her shop late to get all the orders completed. Not if I have anything to say about it."
"You couldn't be more wrong, judge Travis. I can vouch for my husband with full confidence." The young woman made to leave the restaurant where she'd interrupted the judge at dinner.
"Before you leave Mrs Monterrey," he stopped her just before she opened the door to the dismay of his daughter-in-law who was joining him for dinner. Mary Travis snorted softly.
"I expect this will be the last time I have to deal with your... assistance while I'm determining the guilty party?"
It ended as a question but the judge was not asking.
Gemma Monterrey nodded and left the room. Her gait towards the jail across the road was slower now that she'd lost.