The Jenkins Girl

by Rosalind B

Chapter 18 - Order in The Court

Last Time: The Renaults are certain they're doing what's best for CJ. But are they really ready?

Frank Medford volunteered to swap with Chet so he could end up with Friday and Saturday off. Chet already scheduled a vacation day for Thursday. There was no way he wouldn't be in court with CJ. Mike decided not to tutor Chet on Wednesday, they're last scheduled shift.

"Your mind is no where near Big Red," Mike told him. "Just keep it together for today. I know you're nervous."

"Thanks Stoker. Does it show that much?"

"Hmm, let's see. Mustache twitchin', running hand through hair constantly, paying no attention to what anyone's saying-except Cap, and you ate Roy's cooking. Yeah, it shows." The engineer patted his friend on the shoulder.

"It'll be okay Chet, no matter what happens. I've got a feeling about it. What time is the hearing?"

"It was supposed to be 9:15, but the court clerk rescheduled it for 11:00. Which is fine, gives me more time to get dressed and be there. I think I'ma wear my dress uniform."

Mike just nodded. Roy walked into the kitchen and headed straight to the coffee pot.

"Mike did you make the coffee?"
"Yep."

"Good. Johnny's is awful-sometimes," he grinned. Marco and Johnny joined them in time to hear Roy's comment.

"What's awful?"Marco asked.

"Gage's coffee," Chet winked.

"Is not!" Johnny whined.

Cap walked in. "What 'is not'?"

"They said my coffee is awful. It is not."

"Is too," Cap laughed, "But not all the time."

The tones sounded. "Squad 51, woman trapped in a banister. 1212 Adam Street, Cross street Nimlek Place. Time out 10:35."

"This oughta be a doozy," Roy took the call slip and the boys headed out.

Chet got up from the table.

"I'm gonna take care of the dorm."

Mike, Cap, and Marco stayed behind at the table.

"Cap, he's nervous," Marco stated the obvious. "I'll meet them at the courthouse tomorrow. Chet doesn't know. It's early right?"

Mike looked up, "The hearing got changed to 11:00. Chet just told me. And I planned to go too. Chet's wearing his dress blues. I will too."

Cap chimed in, "So am I. I'll tell Gage and Desoto."

"I know Chet can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but it's good that we'll be there. There was a time he felt he ticked everyone off so no one cared." Marco sipped his coffee.

Mike nodded. "We hit Delancy's afterward, no matter what the outcome. Comfort food may be in order."

"Jenkins Photography."

"Hi Thia."

"Hello handsome. You okay?" Chet could hear CJ smiling.

"Yep, I'm fine. Tomorrow's the big day. You okay?"

"I'm-I'm fine. Weird, no nerves at all. May I ask you something CB?"

Chet hesitated for a moment. "Sure doll, what is it?"

"Are you happy?" she asked.

Chet took a moment to consider the question. "Do you mean with you? Or in general?"

"Both," she replied.

"Well with you, I'm over the moon. Yes, it's been bumpy at times. We worked things out and moved on. In general, yeah, I'm happy. There's one thing I really want to achieve at present, but otherwise, things are moving along fine."

"So, even if I lose tomorrow-" CJ began to ask.

"Hold it missy! First of all, you're not going to lose. And if by some weird twist of fate you do, I'm not going anywhere. I'm still working on kissing those scars away."

CJ blushed and giggled.

"Okay, just had to ask. I do enjoy nibbling on your shoulders. Glad to hear that can continue."

"Um, this conversation is getting a little heated," Chet blushed "Gotta get back to work."

CJ laughed. "Go on, get to work. See you Friday." She had no idea Chet would be at the courthouse.

...

Attorneys Gregarios and Destin met their client in the courthouse lobby. CJ was dressed in a blue wrap dress, short white gloves, and matching shoes courtesy of LaFrance.

"Okay, this is it. Remember, stay calm. Jon and I will do most of the talking anyway. If all goes well, this should take about an hour."

CJ just nodded. She was calm up until this point. Her stomach started to knot at the thought of seeing the Renaults. The clerk directed them to the probate judge's department. They stopped in front of Room 223, Judge Robertson. His assistant opened the door and directed them to their seats at the table. Across from them the Renaults were seated along with David Snark, their attorney.

"Judge Robertson will be with you momentarily. The court officer is here only because this is still considered a courtroom, even though this is adminstrative. Please be comfortable."

Michael Renault raised his hand.

"Excuse me, but this hearing was supposed to be with Judge Harrison isn't it?" he winked at the assistant.

The clerk's face showed no amusement.

"Judge Harrison excused himself from this case due to familiarity with one of the parties."

She walked out of the room. The Renaults looked at each other, then at their attorney. Snark shrugged his shoulders.

CJ whispered to Gregarios, "Familiarity?"

"Harrison was a business parter with Mr. Renault a few years back. Statler caught it when we saw the appointment. We filed a motion, and the chief clerk rescheduled us to Robertson."

Judge Robertson walked into the conference room. No robe, just a dark suit. He carried a file with the label "Jenkins v. Renault".

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. My name is Judge Robertson. I'll be prociding over this case today. Before we get started I need to be certain all the parties involved are present. We have Miss Cynthia Charlene Jenkins, correct?"

CJ answered, "Yes sir."

"And you have counsel with you, Mr. Destin, and Mr. Gregarios?"

"Yes sir, we represent Miss Jenkins."

"And we have Mr. Michael Renault, Mrs. Elmira Jenkins-Renault, and their counsel Mr. Snark, correct?"

"Yes your honor," Snark answered. "My clients are here only to protect the neice they love."

CJ fought the urge to roll her eyes. She looked down at the table instead.

"We'll get to that in a moment, Mr. Snark," Judge Robertson looked over his glasses as a warning. He continued.

"We have a court officer, and court reporter present. The officer is for everyone's protection, the reporter will keep the record of this proceeding for the court." He opened the file. "Now let's start with you Miss Jenkins. I've read your counsel's filing, but I'd like to hear in your own words what your concerns are. You can consult your attorneys if you like, but right now I just want to have a better understanding from both sides."