Cady was surprised how nervous she was to meet Mathias's mother and sister. She had already spent a little time with Brandi, but being in a more formal setting with his mother and being on display had her stomach in knots.
Her hand clenched tight around Mathias's as he drove, drawing his attention briefly from the road. Brow quirking up, he smiled softly at her and squeezed back.
"She's gonna love you," he reassured her.
Cady bit her lip and stared out the window at the slushy snow on the ground; it had warmed overnight and the warm rain that had fallen had made things a mess.
"Are you sure? You saw the way some of the people at the party were looking at us last night," she murmured.
Mathias snorted and shook his head, "Cady, my people will judge you no matter what you do. If they are going to judge me for being with you, at least that's something I can be proud of," he told her, glancing out the window at the houses passing by.
He knew it bothered Cady, the way certain people on the reservation looked at them, talked about them, treated him because of their relationship, but he didn't care. As long as she was happy and he could continue to make her happy, that was all he truly cared about.
She made a soft noise of agreement and flashed him a warm smile.
Snow and gravel crunched under tires as he parked in front of his mother's home, the first tinges of nerves worrying at him. His hand rested comfortably against Cady's back as they climbed the stairs, her grip tight on the cake container.
He entered without knocking, using the key as he always did, and called out to his mom and sister. His sister's head popped around the corner a moment later, smiling brightly at them for a moment before disappearing.
Cady handed him the cake while she shed her coat and glanced surreptitiously around, instantly loving the home. It was cozy, with hand woven rugs, quilted blankets and rough hewn furniture.
"You grew up here?" she asked Mathias softly, drawing his gaze to her.
He nodded and smiled faintly, "Yea."
"I love it," she murmured back, grinning.
"Mathias! Are you going to bring that young woman here for me to meet or just stand in the hallway all evening?"
Mathias sighed at his mother's gentle reproach, calling out from the kitchen. Cady snickered and smirked, stormy eyes alight with mirth. Shaking his head at her, he pointed towards the kitchen and laid a hand on the small of her back, guiding her.
Cady's immediate impression of Mathias's mother was power. The tiny woman held herself with an air of poise that felt positively regal. Her eyes were warm but assessing as they studied Cady over her son's shoulder, embracing him hard.
When Mathias stepped back from his mother Cady came forward, holding out the cake, "I heard you like chocolate Mrs. Stillwater," she murmured with a soft smile, "I hope you'll enjoy this," she offered.
His mother studied her for a moment and then took the cake, lifting the lid of the tray to inhale softly, a wry smile spreading on her mouth. "I like you already," she teased, eliciting a relieved laugh from Cady.
Mathias slipped an arm around her waist as his mother and Brandi cooked, the conversation flowing easily. When the topic turned to Cady's work he was amused to see how animated she was, her eyes bright with joy, her voice warm and her posture relaxed with complete and utter confidence.
It occurred to him that he would like to see her in court, to really be in action. He had been there for Henry's trial, but she had been so out of her depth and worried about Henry she had been at a loss.
He had seen flashes of her brilliance while she practiced her arguments for other smaller cases from the clinic, but had never had the pleasure of watching her argue a case. He decided in that moment he would go and watch when she went to court in Casper.
"So how long have you been dating my son?"
There was a beat of silence and Cady tilted her chin to give him a half smile, leaning into him. "Honestly ma'am, it's not been that long. A few weeks at the most," she told the older woman.
"Hmmph, well, you're the first girl in a long time he's brought around, so I figure there must be something special about you," his mother commented, though there was no animus behind the words.
Cady grinned at Mathias, wrinkling her nose, "Nah, I'm just another pain in the ass, huh?" she teased.
He snorted and tugged on a lock of her hair, "Mmhmm, can't hardly stand you Red," he replied warmly, his eyes soft with affection.
"Ughh, you're gonna make me sick," Brandi teased from where she sautéed something.
Mathias grinned and released Cady, swooping his arms around his little sister to tickle her for a moment, "Come on Brandi, you'll always be my best girl," he joked, laughing as she fought him off with a spatula and towel, snapping it against his skin.
"Ah, you two! I thought when you grew up I'd had the last of this nonsense!" his mother bemoaned, though she laughed too and grinned, shaking her head at her unruly children.
Cady watched the interaction, laughing. She had never seen Mathias this lighthearted or playful before; it was a pleasant revelation.
The remainder of the evening was filled with laughter, tales of both Mathias and Brandi's childhood shenanigans, and wonderful food. When the table had been cleared, Mathias and Cady worked on dishes while his mother and sister pulled out photo albums with the promise of embarrassing photos.
"I can't wait to see you as a teenager," she murmured, scrubbing at a pan, a wry grin turning up one side of her mouth.
"It's pretty much the same now, except skinnier," Mathias told her, chuckling softly.
"Are there any of you bronc riding?" she asked, handing him a plate to dry.
He nodded, "Probably. I didn't try it for long, but there are some photos. There isn't a lot of Brandi, just because, you know," he trailed off, looking uncertain.
"I know," she replied reassuringly, "I won't say anything to upset her," she assured him.
Mathias's hands slipped around her waist, his lips pressing softly to her neck where he could taste the confluence of sweat, perfume and skin that was uniquely Cady. "I know Red, you're a good woman like that," he murmured.
Cady exhaled slowly, eyes fluttering shut as she relaxed into his arms for a breath. Mathias hummed softly against her skin, his fingers trailing under her shirt as he kissed her throat.
"Mathias Stillwater you had best not be seducing your girlfriend in my kitchen!"
Cady flinched at his mother's voice, face flushing in embarrassment. Mathias stepped away, chuckling softly and shaking his head, "Of course not mom," he replied, "Just giving her a kiss."
"Mmmhmm, well, you two get a cup of coffee and join us for some cake and photos," she ordered, smiling at him from the doorway.
When she had retreated Cady slumped, covering her face with her hands, "Oh my god, she's going to think I'm so awful," she whispered, face flushed.
Mathias laughed and pulled her into his chest, "She just likes to tease, she wouldn't do it if she didn't like you," he assured her. Cady lifted her head and gave him a wary look.
"Really?"
"Mmmhmm," he hummed, nodding.
With a resigned sigh, Cady poured out two mugs of coffee and followed him out to the living room where there were two large photo albums spread out. She soon got her wish, seeing photos of Mathias as a teenager in acid washed jeans, tight black tshirts, and cowboy boots.
It was the picture of him bronc riding though that took her breath away.
His muscles stood out in fine definition and his brow was furrowed in concentration, his body fighting for dominance against the wild creature beneath him. And yet there was a peace around him, a sense of rightness, as though he needed that wild dangerous thing trying to break him to truly find his center, to find himself.
A part of her wondered if that was what had led him to policing, not just his sister's troubles. The need to help was strong for Mathias, but the yearning for something he could bend and shape with his will, that made sense.
His reservation needed him, and he needed it in return.
Swallowing hard she blinked at sudden tears for a long moment and then smiled up at his mother and sister, "He was so handsome, I'm really not sure what happened," she teased, eliciting sharp laughter from them both and a deep, resigned sigh from the man in question.
"I'm glad to hear you all getting along so well," he drawled sarcastically.
His mother leaned over to pat his cheek, "Oh my dear boy, your girlfriend has spirit, you should know it just from looking at her!" she exclaimed, pointing to Cady's hair, "She has been kissed by fire. Your life will certainly never be dull," she informed him with a wise smile.
As Mathias gathered their coats his mother cornered Cady in the kitchen with a shrewd look. "My boy, he loves you," she murmured, smiling wryly at the shocked look on Cady's face. When the younger woman opened her mouth she shook her head, "No, listen. Mathias closed himself off after his father left. He trusted no one, and resolved never to fall in love because he saw what it did to our family."
She smiled sadly, "I like you very much Cady Longmire, but I fear you will break my son's heart," she confessed. "I hope like hell that doesn't happen," she murmured, and it sounded like a warning.
Mathias poked his head around the corner, frowning faintly at them, "Mom, let Cady alone, we're gonna go," he scolded.
His mother smiled and turned, lifting her hands in surrender, "I was just telling her what a wonderful cake she had made Mathias. I hope you'll both come again soon, especially if you'll be bringing treats like that Cady," she said with a warm smile.
Cady nodded numbly and smiled back, mouthing a polite response. His mother embraced her for a moment before ushering them out the door with an admonition to drive safely.
As they pulled away from the house Mathias glanced over at her, worry knotting his stomach at the dazed look on her face.
"What did she say?" he asked nervously.
Inhaling slowly, Cady shook her head and blew out the breath, "Nothing, just mom stuff." She smiled reassuringly when he looked worried, "Honestly, just letting me know how loved you are," she told him.
There was something about her speech that left him concerned, some lilt of her words or flick of her eyes that told him she was lying, but he couldn't point out what. Instead of pressing her on it he nodded and focused on driving.
As Mathias readied for bed Cady stared out the kitchen window, trying to ignore her reflection. His mother had given voice to the same worries she had, namely that she would end up hurting Mathias.
The lights in the kitchen flicked off and a moment later Mathias's arms were around her, drawing her against his bare chest.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
She shrugged and didn't respond, unsure of what she should say.
"Did my mom say something?" he prodded.
She remained quiet for a moment and then shook her head, "No, nothing I haven't already thought of. She wasn't hurtful or mean, just honest about her worry for you. I respect that a lot," she told him.
"But if she upset you…"
"She didn't, I'm just…worried about leaving tomorrow," she confided.
"You're going to be incredible. You're talented, intelligent and compassionate Cady; the people on the cases couldn't ask for better representation," he assured her, kissing her neck softly.
A warm smile spread on her face and she turned to face him, "Thank you, that…I needed to hear that. But I worry more about leaving you and the reservation. Things seem to be getting worse with this meth making and dealing, and I'm worried you're going to get hurt while I'm gone," she told him.
"I'll be careful, I promise," he whispered, brushing her hair back from her face.
She heaved a sigh and buried her face in his neck, fingers clutching at the firm planes of his shoulders as she breathed him in. Mathias's grip on her was just as firm, his fingers splayed across her back and hip.
After a long silence she breathed softly against his skin and whispered, "Take me to bed."
She didn't have to ask twice and he held her to him eagerly, desperate to fend off the morning and their impending separation for just a little while longer.
"Your honor, we are asking to have this complaint certified as a class action against Halcyon Oil and Gas. We have over 15 complainants here who have had their families threatened, been subject to intimidation and threatened with eviction from their land. This pipeline will destroy tribal lands and has not been properly evaluated by the Army Corp of Engineers. The theft of tribal lands has been ongoing for centuries and not allowing these complaints to be certified as a class action is a continuation of the degradation and abuse perpetrated against natives by white colonists."
Cady exhaled at the end of her speech, heart pounding with excitement.
"Do we need to have the dramatics, your honor?" the Federal prosecutor commented with a smirk.
Cady cast him a searing look of disgust, "I'm sorry your honor, I didn't realize that the truth was dramatic," she sneered.
"When it is so obviously conflated, yes," the prosecutor snapped back.
"Okay, I can see that this is going to be a contentious case, but I will ask that you keep personal remarks to a minimum. Now, Mr. Hayden, why do you think these cases should be tried individually?" Judge Clarke asked, leaning forward to stare at them with interest.
Mr. Hayden nodded, tossing Cady a smug look before replying. "These are nuisance cases your honor, and nothing more. Halcyon and the Army Corp of Engineers have validated that the pipeline is safe, clean and will bring profit to the tribal lands in question. These families have never been threatened; they have only ever been offered fair compensation for their lands. We ask that you not only deny the certification of these cases as a class action, but dismiss these cases entirely."
"Your Honor, that's blatantly false," Cady quickly rebutted.
She lifted a file, "I have here the 15 complaints made up of nearly 80 people; men, women, children, families," she told him. "These Native peoples have faced verbal and physical threats, intimidation by muscle for hire, and scare tactics by Halcyon including the threat to have them evicted. This is simply unacceptable and there must be recourse."
She squared her shoulders and a firm set to her jaw and finished, "This attempted theft of Tribal lands by a private company with the aid of the Federal government and it cannot stand," she told him defiantly, "There must come a time when sovereignty of land and ownership means more the greed of a corporation or a government, and this is that time."
Cady held her breath while the judge contemplated, his brow furrowing. After a long few minutes in silence he shook his head and smiled, "I'm sorry to disappoint Mr. Hayden, but Ms. Longmire makes a valid point. You'll have your opportunity to argue your case moving forward, but it will be a class action case."
He glanced down at his phone for a moment and then nodded, "We will begin with jury selection in two days."
Cady cleared her throat, catching the attention of the judge. He lifted a brow and jerked his chin, indicating for her to continue. "Your honor we would request a bench trial," she told him.
He thought about it for a moment and then nodded, "Very well, we will be back here in two days to hear evidence and opening arguments. Any last objections?" he asked dryly.
Both lawyers shook their heads and a moment later the gavel was banging. The judge slipped away, leaving Cady and Mr. Hayden in the empty court room together. As she gathered her documents and thoughts he approached, an annoying swagger in his step.
"First time in federal court Ms. Longmire?" he drawled.
She smiled, mouth tight, "Indeed Mr. Hayden. Have a good day," she murmured dismissively, turning her back on him without another word.
Now came the trial prep.
"Here is everything we have on eminent domain and 25 CFR 129 and 169, it should be a simple argument, but I've heard of Hayden and apparently he's not only tricky, he's vicious. We should be prepared for all out war," advised Cady's constitutional law professor.
His students were in the room with them, scribbling notes and compiling evidence, making sure that they would be prepared for the fight to come. They were all staying in the same hotel together, keeping close so collaboration was easier.
They had been going back and forth for hours, building up their case at every angle, hoping that they would be able to make it as convincing and bulletproof as possible. Cady and her professor were both worried that there was too much legal precedent on the government's side, that they were facing a battle of almost Sisyphean proportions.
After another two hours of prep they had come up with a solid list of witnesses, and were starting to go through the files provided by the opposition. Pizza and beer were soon brought in and the hours slipped away until everyone was drooping and sleepy.
Cady and Professor Hall dismissed everyone, parting ways to head to their respective rooms. With an exhausted sigh she slung her bag onto the solitary double bed before stripping and making her way into the shower.
Her shoulders loosened under the hot stream of water as she bowed her head against the tile, sighing softly. It was going to be a long fight in court, she could tell. Shutting off the water, she wrapped a towel around herself and padded out to the bedroom to dress.
She pulled a flannel button down from her bag, balling the fabric under her nose as she inhaled. The scent of leather, smoke and cologne filled her nostrils. A low moan slid from her throat, her fingers tightening in the fabric.
She quickly tucked the fabric around her body, shivering as it brushed against her skin. Sliding into bed, she picked up her phone and checked her texts, smiling softly when she saw multiple messages from Mathias.
Hey Red, how's your day going?
Been thinking of you all day. You're going to knock this case outta the park babe.
I hope you're doing okay, let me know when you can.
Starting to miss you, call me when you can.
She curled into her pillows, yanking the blankets higher around her chin as she texted him back. She knew it was late—past midnight in fact—but she didn't want to wait any longer to get back to him.
Hey old man, it's been a busy day. We've compiled evidence for the case, the opposing council is pretty tough, but I think we'll do okay. I'm worried that things are going to get ugly…ugh I'm tired. I'm sorry I wasn't able to message you back at all today; it's just been so busy. I'm probably going to keep being unavailable, but I'll text you or call you when I can.
She flicked off the lights and held her phone tightly, waiting for a response.
A few minutes later her phone buzzed.
She smiled at the name on the screen and answered.
"Hey"
"Hey Red."
"How was your day?" Cady asked softly.
"Busy. There were three kids arrested on the res for distribution of meth. All res kids, all with no real family, and now they're all going to juvenile jail." His voice was low and tired, raw with exhaustion.
"Were you waiting up for me?" Cady asked worriedly. "You sound tired," she murmured.
"I am tired," he breathed, and she could hear a note of weariness in his voice.
"Go to sleep then," she encouraged.
"You sure?"
"Yea old man, I'm sure. Can't have you keeling over behind your desk," she murmured affectionately.
He snorted softly and she could hear something pop, followed by a low groan. Snickering faintly, she shook her head, "Was that you?" she asked.
"My shoulder. It's been acting up since the domestic abuse call," he told her, groaning again as he rolled his shoulder.
She made a soft noise of empathy, "I'm sorry, I'd give you a massage if I was there," she told him softly.
"Hmmm, that sounds great," Mathias murmured, sounding sleepy.
Cady smiled faintly and closed her eyes, "Wanna stay on a little longer?" she whispered.
Mathias hummed softly in agreement and they remained on the line, breathing slowly, murmuring faintly until they both fell asleep, clutching their phone and wishing it was the person at the other end of the line.
Cady rolled out of bed two days later, thoroughly worn out from the last 48 hours of intense legal preparation. She hurried through her routine, slipping on black trousers, a blood red silk blouse, and a cream cardigan that brushed her hips.
Piling her hair up into a clip she snatched her phone off the bed and turned towards the door, pausing when it buzzed.
Go kick some ass Red. You're brilliant.
A smile spread slowly across her face, a knot of warmth lodging in her chest. Straightening her shoulders, she strode out of the hotel room, confidence flowing through her.
AN: Heyyy guys! I hope you enjoy this chapter, it's my first foray into legal writing, and it's a mix of research and bullshit lol I actually work a little bit on Tribal Affairs at my job, but I'm not well versed in laws regarding First Nations, mostly because they are confusing as FUCK. But anyway, the legal precedents/laws written here are real, so if you want to educate yourselves on how we've shit on the tribes for over 200 years, research away! Anywhoo, there is also a spotify playlist for this story, and I'll be putting together other ones for other stories, you can find the link in my profile.
