Conclusion

"Kate?," Roman rubbed his eyes and stretched. "What's wrong, who was on the phone?"

"Well it seems there has been an emergency meeting called for this morning." Kate fell back onto her pillow, she sighed, "I'm going to end up in an orange jumpsuit, sleeping on a bunk bed with a large tattooed woman named Bertha."

Roman laughed and Kate rolled over punched him, "Ouch, I'm sorry Kate but I was just getting a mental image of that scene. Come on, you're overreacting, you don't know for sure what the meeting is about."

"Roman, Derrick caught us last night and now all of a sudden there's some big emergency meeting, what else could it be? Face it Brady you're gonna be spending a great deal of time with those goons you put away. Make sure you hold on tight to that soap!"

He laughed again and kissed her nose, "Katie girl you are so cute when you're nervous."

Kate glared at him then sat up and flung off the covers, "I have to get ready to go to this meeting and be humiliated, you have a nice day while I'm dying of embarrassment in front of the judge and 15 of my fellow jurors." Kate stomped off to the bathroom to have a shower and get dressed.

When she came out of the bathroom minutes later she sat down on the edge of the bed beside Roman. "I'm sorry, I'm just scared. I'm not mad at you, it's Derrick I would like to kill right now."

"It's okay babe, I'm nervous too. This is my fault, I shouldn't have come, I just wasn't thinking clearly at the time." He gently squeezed her hand.

Kate smiled, "I can't believe you were jealous."

"Hey, I wasn't jealous," he shot back. She gave him one of those looks. "Okay maybe just a little bit." He lifted her chin so they were looking into each others eyes then planted a warm soft kiss on her lip. "Good luck, I love you."

Kate took a deep breath, "Thanks, if some of your officers don't arrest us I'll see you when the meeting is over." She stood up and with a wave she was gone.

**

Kate avoided even looking at Derrick. She was so angry with him she was afraid of what she might say. On the way over to the courthouse she contemplated asking to speak privately with the judge and just confessing the truth but decided it may not be the best idea. It was Derrick's word against hers, he had no proof, so there was no point in admitting guilt right away.

She was glad there was not enough time for breakfast because, with the way her stomach was rolling over, it probably wouldn't have stayed down long anyway. Kate sat quietly waiting for the judge while everyone around her was chattering excitedly. As the judge entered the room became extremely quiet.

"Good morning everyone, sorry to get you up so early this morning but I have some news to share with you. I just wanted to start by saying that, for the most part, you have been a really great group." Kate closed her eyes as her heart started to thump, she was dreading what was coming next. "I'm sure most of you will be happy to hear this news..."

Kate's eyes shot open, "Oh my God, maybe it not..."

Her thoughts were interrupted as the judge continued, "The defendant has changed his plea to 'guilty' and a trial is no longer necessary. You are free to go."

Kate felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders, she had never been so relieved. "Oh one more thing, your hotel rooms and meals are paid up for tonight so you are welcome to stay if you wish," the judge added.

Everyone began to file out of the room and Kate quickly rushed over to Derrick placing a hand on his arm. "I owe you an apology," she said quickly.

He stopped and looked at her, "For what Kate?"

"Well I thought we were meeting this morning for a different reason..."

"Oh, you thought I told on you Kate? Why would I do that?" he asked puzzled. Then he chuckled, "You didn't think I was after you?" He saw the look of embarrassment creep into her face, "Oh man, you did. I'm sorry I didn't mean to come across that way. I just thought since everyone else had roommates we could keep each other company, that's all. You didn't notice the wedding ring on my finger?"

"I've learned through the years that a ring doesn't mean much to some men," she replied sheepishly.

Derrick smiled, "Well it means a lot to me. Kelly and I have our 10 year anniversary coming up next month and we have two precious little girls, I love my family."

Kate groaned, "I am such an idiot, I am really sorry Derrick."

He shrugged, "Don't worry about it. Hey, would you and your boyfriend like to join Kelly and I for dinner tonight, say 6:30?

"Roman and I would love that."

"Roman? Roman Brady?" he asked. Kate nodded. "I know Roman, his little brother Bo is one of my best friends." He laughed, "Wow I've got some good dirt to use now, this is great."

"Hey!" Kate playfully swatted his arm.

"Okay, okay. I'll keep your secret, cross my heart." They were both chuckling as they followed the others towards the bus to head back to the hotel.

**

When Kate got back to the room she was pleased to find Roman still waiting there for her. She quickly explained everything to him.

Roman shook his head, "I can't believe I didn't recognize Derrick the other night. I guess I'm so used to seeing him in sweats on the basketball court, the suit threw me off."

"I'm just glad this whole experience is over!"

"It's not over yet Kate, the best is still yet to come. What do you say we have some breakfast?" he suggested.

Kate giggled, "Breakfast can wait, I have a better idea." She shoved him back onto the bed and pounced on top of him. They playfully wrestled around for a minute then picked up right where they left off the night before.