Chapter 12

Steve sat next to his father. He reminded himself of a kid in church who was trying to be still but couldn't help but fidget. His mouth was dry and felt like cotton would fly out if he tried to speak. His hands were sweating and even though he kept rubbing them on his pants leg they just continued to stay moist.

He had been out of the hospital for a week now and still he didn't feel up to his usual speed. He had been having trouble sleeping but was pretty sure he had kept it from his father. At first he had been glad to hear that the trial had been set early. Now that it was here, he wished it were still another week a way.

Steve knew that his testimony could mean the difference between the Tanners spending time in jail or a year on probation. He tried to listen to what the lawyers said but his mind was too full of what he wanted to say. His father placed a calming hand on his knee in hopes stilling the leg that was shaking furiously. Taking a few deep breaths, Steve concentrated on making himself relax.

Testifying in court was nothing new to the Lieutenant and he understood the secret to keeping an aggressive defense attorney at bay was to have all of your facts straight and to keep your answers short and to the point.

This time was different. Two lives rested on what he had to say. He hoped his testimony would convince the judge that the Tanners were just as much victims of circumstance as he was. It had been stupid of them to go charging into the bank waving shotguns and making threats. His plan was to show the judge that it was the act of two desperate people trying to hold onto what was rightfully theirs.

Even though Steve had been waiting for the defense attorney to call him to testify on their behalf he still jumped out of his skin when he heard his name. Slowly he got to his feet and made his way to the front. He never realized that it only took him 20 steps from the barrister to the witness box. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Actually he could hear it pounding in his head.

Steve stepped up to the stand and turned to face the bailiff swallowing hard as he did so. He saw the man's lips moving, but the words were lost to him. He only extended his hand and placed it on the Bible by sheer instinct. He waited until those lips ceased moving before he said, "I do." He sat down quickly just as his knee's threatened to give up on him.

Steve gulped hard trying to get rid the lump that had taken up permanent residence in his throat. He watched the defense attorney for the Tanners walk towards him.

An old friend of his dad's, Ben Matlock, had recommended this lawyer for the case. He was about the same age with the same demeanor as Ben. Eccentric wasn't quite the word he would use but he was definitely different. Mr. Fouse, though not the friendliest of men, did seem to have that calming reassuring quality that was probably one of the most vital tools a lawyer used with his clients.

"Lieutenant Sloan, I believe you requested a chance to speak in favor of my clients. We are all very interested in hearing what you have to say." Mr. Fouse stopped in front of him and placed a reassuring hand on Steve's arm. He leaned in and whispered. "Just take your time. Take deep breaths. You'll do fine."

Steve sat for a second and began to wipe his sweaty palms on his pants leg again. He licked his lips and started to open his mouth but suddenly shut it quickly. His heart felt like it was going to beat right out of his chest. Why was he so nervous? He had sat in this very chair numerous times giving testimony in one case or another. He couldn't ever remember being so scared before.

Something seemed to pull his attention towards the table where Isaiah and Emma sat. He had looked at them for some time when suddenly Emma smiled at him and with her little hands gestured at him to go on as if he were standing in front of church trying to recite a part in a Sunday School program. He smiled back and then rested his eyes on the prosecutor and began.

"I know that the charges against Mr. and Mrs. Tanner are serious. I'm not here to try and tell you what they did was right. I just want you to understand a little about them and why I feel circumstances drove them to do what they did. I have to admit when I found myself being forced to accompany them I was pretty put out. In fact mad would probably be a better word but I had no idea the impact that these two people would have on me.

"I want you to know that not one time did I ever feel like a prisoner while staying with them. In fact they treated me more like a long lost son. I was given shelter, decent food, and comfort when I needed it. I was even given medical attention; at least I think that was her intention." At this Steve had to smile and wink at Emma. She winked back and a slight blush reached her cheeks.

"I believe if you look at the record you will find, as far as the courts are concerned, they never existed before that day. There are no prior arrest records, no unpaid traffic citations. No lodges of complaint were ever filed against them.

"The Tanners made the ultimate sacrifice when they lost their only son to a war that many still see as pointless and question our involvement in. They have always loved their country and respected its laws. Until, that is, the day they felt their country and its laws had forsaken them with unfair tax hikes, ridiculous timetables to pay by and the threat of foreclosure. All these things contributed to what I would consider to be a desperate act by two increasingly desperate citizens trying to hang onto something that was rightly theirs to begin with.

"These are not people who have felt the need to study mans' laws. They are simply hard working farmers who know instead about the laws of nature. They trusted others to treat them with respect, dignity, and fairness. I'm sure they felt that when the bank showed up they had no other recourse. The people they thought they could trust were now becoming their enemy and betraying them. The police couldn't help them unless they had proof of a law being broken. They watched what they had worked so hard for all their lives being slowly taken away from them. Not knowing what else to do at the time, they chose badly and did what they felt they had to do in order to keep their home.

"When they entered that bank they did so with two unloaded shotguns. When I asked Isaiah why he did that he looked at me as if I had just asked the stupidest question imaginable. His answer was sincere though. He didn't want anyone to get hurt. He just needed to take away the threat to the life that they had built and worked so hard for. They never intended to harm a single soul.

"I would like to make one request. I feel the system failed to protect the Tanners once and this is what caused them to resort to such a desperate act. Please don't let the system fail them again. Sending this couple to jail would not serve any purpose. I'm hoping that when you are making a decision you will look at everything. Take into account what led up to that day. Maybe just put yourself in their shoes. I… Maybe you…. I guess that's all I have to say. Thank you" Steve hung his head and sat still for just a moment. He had spoken from his heart and could only hope it was enough.

When he did stand up he could feel everyone looking at him. He made his way back to his seat and sat down grateful for the warm hand that patted his leg. He didn't dare look at anyone as tears threatened to spill in spite of his best effort to keep them at bay.

No one said anything for what seemed like several minutes after Steve had returned to his seat. The silence was unnerving and it only brought the tension in the room to a new level. Finally, after what seemed like forever the judge cleared his throat and began to speak.

"I realize that Mr. and Mrs. Tanner are not your typical bank robbers. I also realize that there are extenuating circumstances, which caused them to act as they did." Pausing for a second the judge turned to both Isaiah and Emma and continued. "Whether the guns were loaded or not I can't ignore the fact that you willfully went into the bank threatening the lives of innocent people. I know that Lieutenant Sloan refuses to press the issue of kidnapping but the fact remains you forced him to go with you, and you have to be held responsible for your actions. The law must be upheld. Before I pass sentence would you like to say anything?" The judge had a stone expression on his face. The only thing that gave him away was the compassion in his eyes.

Isaiah looked at his wife for a second before she placed a hand on his arm and nodded her head. He stood before the judge and, with as much dignity as he could, the older man spoke up.

"I know that sayin' sorry ain't enough. What me and Emma done was wrong. I'm not askin' for you to excuse it. I wish I knew what else we coulda' done. I also wish we could take it back. My wife and me been working that land for almost 50 years. My own parents worked it before me. My son Robbie was born and raised there. He sacrificed his life so that I could be free and keep my farm. I guess I just don't understand enough about the law to really know what I coulda' done to keep from losin' it. We never wanted to hurt nobody. The truth of the matter is, Sir; it's our home. We just didn' wanna' lose it." Isaiah sat down and took a hold of his wife's hand. Together the two sat and waited for the judge to make his final decision.

Once again silence settled on the courtroom and the judge sat still studying papers before him. No one said a word but waited anxiously for him to speak. When he did Steve held his breath and closed his eyes preparing himself for the worst.

"I wish that it was simply a matter of just pushing this all under the carpet, but the fact is that doesn't really solve anything. Something the Lieutenant said has, however, got me to thinking. It appears the system did fail you in some way. The laws of our land are to protect the people of this country. Because of greed, money and power you two became victims and struck out in the only manner you knew how. I also can't forget the fact when the Lieutenant was shot you put aside your own safety and made sure that you got him to a hospital as fast as you could in order to save his life. I believe you proved then that you had no intentions of harming anyone and you put his survival before your own. I can't excuse your actions and there must be a penalty to pay. I can however make sure the system doesn't fail you again. Will the defendants please stand and face the court.

"Isaiah Robert Tanner and Emma Louise Tanner you have pleaded guilty to the charge of armed robbery. You are sentenced to one year of probation. You will report twice a month to a probation officer and you will also pay a fine of 1000 dollars. Does the prosecution have any objection to this?"

Neil Burnside stood up and heartily confirmed that the prosecution had no objection to the sentence that was passed down. He was, in fact, quite happy that the Tanners had been given leniency and was grateful for Isaiah's help in obtaining Clay Ashton's confession of ordering the hit on Lieutenant Sloan. He hoped that maybe today's proceedings would show that the law was still there for everyone and not just those who had money and power.

DM

Steve sat on the deck and enjoyed watching everyone as they discussed the hearing from that morning. Mark had invited Jesse and Amanda with her boys over to celebrate the outcome. Mrs Grant was there as well trying her best not to hover but finding it difficult as she noticed how tired her patient appeared.

The morning's events had taken a toll on him, he was feeling the results of too little sleep and the worry that had been his constant companion ever since the date for the hearing had been set.

Even though he felt that a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders, Steve was still finding it difficult to relax and fully enjoy the party. As always, Mark kept a watchful eye on his son. He was well aware of the fact he had not been sleeping well and hoped that now the trial was over he would relax and let go of his anxieties. Knowing Steve wasn't up to anything very elaborate, Mark kept the get-together small and casual. Besides he felt like Isaiah and Emma would be uncomfortable with a lot of people around.

"I still think you and Emma should consider staying here for another couple of days. I sort of wanted to ask you some questions about what it's like living in the woods with wild animals and stuff." Jesse was trying to corner Isaiah and gather as much information as he could for a new story he wanted to write.

Writing scripts and trying to sell them to television executives was sort of a hobby of his. This latest adventure of Steve's could be just the angle he needed for a new series. He could call it 'Cop in the Wild.'

"Son, I have no idea what you are ramblin' on about. We don't live in the woods with wild animals. We never ate possum and I don't know how to cure the skins of small animals. Ever since we got here you keep askin' us what it's like to live in a cabin with no electricity or plumbin'. Well let me tell you right now I don't like it." Isaiah was giving Jesse a look that was somewhere between amusement and frustration.

"We need to get back to the cabin so we can get the stock moved back to our house and get settled home again before it starts gettin' too hot. I ain't real anxious to be without my air-conditionin'. It'll take us a good two or three days to move everythin' back home so we really need to get started in the mornin'."

Steve had sat and listened to this exchange trying to understand what Isaiah was saying. When the light finally came on he all but lost it.

"Are you telling me that you hauled me up to that place with no running water, no electricity, and no indoor plumbing? You made me take a bath in that tin bucket right out there in the kitchen where everyone could see. I had to walk down a dirt path just to go to the bathroom. Then, before I even dared to sit down, I had to search to make sure I wasn't about to share the seat with some dangerous varmint ready to take a bite out of my…. Well, never mind what it would have taken a bite out of." Steve was on his feet at this point and bearing down on Isaiah.

Isaiah stepped back and returned fire. "Now see here, Boy. We was hidin' out. What? You think we was just goin' to go home and wait for the police to come and arrest us? No one knew about that place we took you and it was safe for us to stay there. Besides it did you a world of good."

"And just how do you figure that?" Steve looked at the other man confused and amazed at the last statement.

"Well, for one thing it got you outta' the city for a while. You gotta' chance to see what country livin' is like and you have to admit that Emma can cook up a real fine meal. None of that fast food stuff you just drive up and pick out of some window from a puny little kid wearin' a paper hat and hair down to his shoulders. I think every chil' should have to walk down a path to the privy at least once in his life." By this time Isaiah was grinning at the younger man standing before him.

Steve just stood and stared at him for a second but couldn't quite keep the grin from spreading over his handsome face. "I guess it was kind of nice to sit up to the table and enjoy Emma's apple pie. I have to admit I'm going to miss her cooking." A little more serious and slightly embarrassed he confessed. "Actually, I'm going to miss both of you. I learned something about myself."

Emma walked up to Steve and in her quiet way asked him. "What did you learn, Hon?"

Steve reached out and took her hand and brought it up to his lips. He kissed it lightly and then looked straight into her sweet beautiful eyes. "I learned that I don't have to feel guilty anymore about coming home alive when so many of my friends didn't. I learned not to be afraid of the memories. I learned that I need people like you and Isaiah in my life." With that Steve reached out and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

Smiling and beaming up at the young man that had stolen her heart in the last few weeks Emma returned the kiss and gave him a hug. She didn't want to let go. He felt so good in her arms. Arms that had ached for a long time with the need to hold a lost son. Steve had managed to ease that ache and she wasn't ready to loose him, not yet anyway.

When finally she did release him it was to give him a stern look and start a lecture about taking things easy still. "I know you think you are all better now. You need to listen to your daddy though. He knows better what you need at the moment. If I find out you been givin' him trouble I'll be up here after you so fast you won't even see me comin'. I expect you to show Mrs. Grant proper respect too. She only wants what is best for you and she is real good at takin' care of you. I know cause I watched her. You don't be fussin' with her."

Steve looked at the little woman who had no trouble standing up to him and smiled at her. "Yes Ma'am. I promise to be good." By this time, Steve was sitting again since what little strength he'd had was now gone after his outburst with Isaiah.

DM

Later that evening Mark went looking for Steve. The day seemed to have exhausted him and he wanted to be sure his son was doing ok. He also wanted to give Steve the news that Edwards had been found dead and Ashton would now be facing charges of murder as well. After looking through the house he stepped out on the deck and searched the beach. Sure enough there was Steve sitting on his dune watching the waves as they washed up on shore.

Mark stood and watched for a few minutes trying to decide if he should disturb his son's musings or wait a few minutes and see if Steve would return on his own. Suddenly he noticed another figure making his way out towards the dune. Not having to look too hard to make out the silhouette of the big farmer, Mark returned to the den and gave the two men some privacy.

"It sure is nice here. I see now why you took such a likin' to that ole creek back up in the hills. I guess it was the only water you could get to at the time." Isaiah stood for a moment and watched with Steve amazed at the force and the beauty of the ocean.

"I like to come here to think about things when I can't sort them out in my mind. The sound soothes me and I seem to be able to organize my thoughts better out here. I love the ocean. I really can't imagine living anywhere else."

"You never wanted to live on your own at some time? I mean it's sort of unusual for man your age to still be livin' with his daddy an' all." Isaiah had wondered about the arrangement but until now had not felt comfortable asking.

"I lived in an apartment for a short while but I missed being here on the beach. I moved back and took up the downstairs part of the house. I have my own entrance and it's equipped with a kitchen and bathroom. I have all the privacy I could possibly want. Dad tries to be sure that he isn't intruding on anything. I guess it is unusual for a man my age to still be living at home but it works for the both of us." Steve stood up and walked to the edge of the water.

"I suppose Robbie would have lived somewhere on the land with his own family if'n he had made it home. I know that's what Emma was hopin' for anyway." Both men just stood for a moment and watched the waves enjoying the peace that it offered.

After a few moments Isaiah cleared his throat and once again spoke. "I wanted to just come out here and tell you that you're welcome to come back and see us anytime you want. In fact I guess I was hopin' that maybe you would come and see us from time to time. Emma seems to have got real attached to you, Boy, and I know it would mean a lot to her. She misses our son and you seem to have filled that void for her a little. She's been real happy these last few weeks havin' you to take care of."

Steve turned and looked at Isaiah for a moment. He watched as the man slowly took a few steps towards him. "I guess the truth of the matter, Son, is that you filled a empty spot for me too. It seems we both got attached to you and we sure are goin' to miss not haven' ya' underfoot all the time."

Tears were threatening at the back of his eyes and Steve knew better than to say anything. He had grown just as fond of his new friends as they had of him. Not knowing what else to do he stepped up and embraced Isaiah hoping that it wasn't a mistake. To his relief the older man returned the gesture and for a minute the two just stood and held on to each other not saying a word.

When Steve eventually stepped back he felt he could finally speak. "I'll be coming by often. After all I need to make sure you two stay out of trouble."

"Now don't start preachin' at me, Boy. We learned our lesson about all that. Next time I'll just be lettin' my big city detective friend handle all my legal complaints. How'd that be?" Isaiah reached down and picked up a smooth stone and suddenly let it fly across the waves. For a few seconds the two stood and watched as it skipped across the top of the water.

Steve stooped and gathered up a couple more and let one fly surprising Isaiah at how well he had managed to get his rock to skip across every bit as good as himself.

"I think that maybe that's probably best. After all, what's the use of having friends on the force if you can't use them sometimes?" Steve let his second rock fly watching as it skimmed the water and disappeared.

For the next half-hour the friends competed against each other trying to make their rock skip the farthest across the waves. The sun was beginning to set when Emma came out onto the deck and watched as two of the most important men in her life enjoyed themselves. While the darkness descended over the beach she allowed the tears to escape. Tears of joy and love. Theirs was a friendship that had been forged out of desperation. It had survived turmoil, and tragedy and she knew that for her, Isaiah, and Steve it was a friendship that would last a lifetime.

The End

A/N: To all of you who stuck with this story thank you so much. Your kind reviews and thoughts are greatly appreciated and stored in my heart. A few of you asked about a sequal and thanks to a good friend I just might be able squeeze one out of this. I grew to love these characters as well and they were a lot of fun to write. Bless all of you and I'll be seeing you again soon I hope. Belinda