Last time…
"Beca...baby, don't look at him." Jesse said as he squeezed her hand. "Beca, look at me. Look into my eyes."
"I wish I could look away, but I need to see him in the back of that car."
It was at that moment that Luke looked up and saw Beca. "This isn't over Beca! I'll do it right next time...I promise!" he yelled.
Chapter 21
Beca trembled but couldn't look away. Luke was fighting the officers while he continued throwing threats at Beca and Jesse.
Jesse willed the light to change. He stroked Beca's arm trying to pull her attention away from Luke and his threats. "Baby... look at me."
Beca was stock still, her hands in her lap, eyes on Luke, tears running down her face like an open faucet. Jesse put the truck in park, unbuckled his seatbelt and lifted the center console. He scooted across the seat and pulled Beca into his arms, it was only when her face was hidden in the crook of his neck that she allowed herself to sob.
Jesse stared daggers at Luke as he shh'd Beca while rubbing her back; his other hand resting on the back of her head. They were both startled and Beca screamed when the police officer that was escorting them knocked on the truck window to check on them. Jesse reached over and pressed the button to put the window down.
"Is everything ok?" the Deputy McCarthy asked.
"No, not really." Jesse admitted. "The asshole over there giving the cops hell and throwing threats around; he's the one that put Beca in the hospital."
"I'll go see if there's anything I can do to help. Will you be ok here?"
"Yeah. Thanks officer."
Beca tried to look and see what was going on with Luke but Jesse took her face in his hands, kissed the tip of her nose and and put their foreheads together. "Look right here."
Jesse watched as the officer made his way to where Luke and the two officers were struggling. As Deputy McCarthy approached, Luke elbowed one of the officers in the face and blood spewed everywhere.
Starbucks Coffee House
Mr. Gambino, John Breaux, the Robicheaux's and the Toussaint's were gathered around a large table at the Starbucks down the street from the courthouse. They were planning their next course of action when Mr. Gambino got a call. Recognizing the number, he looked at over to John and said, "Excuse me. I have to take this." then excused himself to the other side of the coffee house. Returning to the table a few short minutes later he shot John a quick, knowing glance then announced, "We have to get back to the courthouse... ASAP."
"Why? What for?" Tripp asked suddenly concerned that the judge had a change of heart and that Luke was going to be granted bail.
"I have no idea. I've never had this happen before," he said collecting his file folders from the table. "but let's not keep the judge waiting."
They cleared their table and quickly made their way out the door and back towards the courthouse. John knew that Robert knew more than he was letting on but didn't question him. They'd all know soon enough.
Natchitoches Parish Courthouse
Judge Jude T. Arceneaux's Court Room
"All rise," Rusty bellowed. "The Honorable Judge Jude T. Arceneaux presiding." Judge Arceneaux looked notably pissed and his walk definitely reflected his demeanor.
"Be seated." Judge Arceneaux said shaking his head and ringing his hands. "I really didn't think we'd be back here today but it seems Mr. Babineaux will never learn. It has come to my attention that Mr. Babineaux assaulted a police officer in front of the courthouse just moments ago." Nora and Lucy both let out an audible gasp at the news. "Mr. Williams, your client has already racked up some pretty serious charges and now we can now add a few more to the list. He is now being charged with 2 counts of Assault on a Police Officer and 2 counts of Issuing Criminal Threats."
"Your Honor-"
"-Mr. Williams... SIT DOWN!" the judge bellowed as he bashed the gavel down on the sounding block causing Lucy and Nora to jump. "I'm done playing games. Your client has gone from a delinquent with a couple of speeding tickets, which conveniently can't be found anywhere, to a dangerous criminal with enough charges to put him away for the rest of his life should he be convicted and yet, he simply cannot manage to keep his hands to himself or his mouth shut. Instead of being transported back to the parish jail, Mr. Babineaux will be held in the courthouse holding cell, while he awaits transport to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. This is not a decision I've made lightly but if Mr. Babineaux is going to act like a hardened criminal then he's going to be housed with them. I suggest you and his parents have a stern word with him before he makes his 3 hour trek to hell."
"But your Honor, Angola is a maximum security prison." Mr. Williams pleaded. "That's a bit harsh, don't you think?"
"Mr. Williams, with the charges handed down this morning, as well as the additional ones this afternoon, can you honestly tell me that your client doesn't deserve maximum security lockup? He assaulted a police officer. He's a danger to himself and others. Our parish jail is not equipped to handle him. While the jailers are very well trained, they're trained to handle offenders with minor charges."
"Mr. Babineaux is a 21 year old young man with no previous criminal record-"
"-I'm sure that's only because he wasn't caught or because his family bought their way out of the charges. He's also a 21 year old man charged with a ton of very serious crimes and facing a very long time behind bars. If he doesn't learn to keep his mouth shut and his hands to himself, he'll only make his time in prison that much worse."
"But-"
"-But nothing, now, sit down, I'm not through." the judge continued. "Let the record show the additional charges as well as a $10,000 fine for contempt of court are being assessed and will be payable in full as soon as we adjourn, for what had better be the last time today. I'm going to remind everyone here that because of the individuals involved this is going to be a high profile case and more than likely a media shit-storm. That being the case, I'm putting a gag order in place. Anyone found to be in violation of the order will be found in contempt of court and fined accordingly."
"Your Honor, I'd like to request on behalf of the Robicheaux and Toussaint families, that a police officer be stationed at the gates to their estate to ensure their safety and well being as well as to ward off the media." Mr. Gambino requested.
"Granted. We'll have someone in route shortly."
"Thank you." Mr. Gambino said graciously. "Mr. Robicheaux has offered to reimburse the city for the cost of the extra hours and manpower needed for this assignment."
"Noted. Rosie be sure the Sheriff forwards the invoice to Mr. Robicheaux." The judge turned to Luke's parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Babineaux, I know this has to be an extremely difficult time for you and your family, but also know that Luke isn't helping himself or his case at all. Go and have a visit with your son before he leaves. He has a long journey ahead of him and more than likely an even longer night." The judge sat quietly for several minutes before saying, "If that's all, court is adjourned."
"All rise." Rusty said as the judge turned his chair before getting up and walking into his chambers.
Robicheaux Plantation
As Jesse approached the turn off for the long drive leading up to the Robicheaux Plantation he saw the media frenzy and told Beca to lay down, out of sight. She unbuckled her seatbelt and rested her head in his lap. He drove up the long drive then stopped the truck and turned off the ignition before he told her it was ok to sit up. But the minute she did he was immediately sorry. Her eyes landed on the stables where she was attacked and she froze.
"Beca. Beca. Come on babe, let's get you in the house."
Beca sat completely still for several minutes before getting out of the truck and walking toward the stables. Jesse immediately followed. Staring at the stables she stopped dead in her tracks before dropping to her knees; she felt the pain from her severely bruised knees shooting throughout her entire body. The pain was so bad that she began to expel the contents of her stomach onto the drive. True to form, Jesse was right there to support her; holding her hair and rubbing her back. When she was done, Jesse scooped her up bridal style in his arms and made a beeline for the porch.
Rae came running out of the house to meet them. When she saw Beca, she stopped dead in her tracks. Her parents told her of the attack and Beca's injuries but nothing prepared her for what she saw. Her sister; her beautiful, stubborn, headstrong sister was as limp and floppy as a rag doll in Jesse's arms. Rae brushed Beca's hair out of her face and kissed her cheek before she opened the door for Jesse.
Jesse followed Rae up the stairs to Beca's room. He laid her on the bed while Rae retrieved a cold washcloth from the en suite bath. She gave the cloth to Jesse so he could wash her face and hands and asked if there was anything she could do.
"Rae, would you go down and get some water and saltine crackers?"
"Yeah, I'll be right back." She said as she left the room.
Beca sat up and Jesse immediately started kissing her face. She reached up to stroke his cheek. "Please don't leave me."
"Oh baby, I won't, I promise." He said placing a gentle kiss to her lips. "Are you ready to get cleaned up? Brush your teeth?"
"Yeah, I want a shower."
"Ok, I'll get Rae to help you when she comes back." He said reaching down to remove her socks and shoes.
"No, I don't want her to see me like this." Beca said as she stared at her hands as they lay in her lap.
"Ok but you're gonna have to let her help in some way."
"I know but I just -" Beca tried but couldn't finish the sentence. "I can't let her see what's under my clothes... I just can't."
"Maybe she can sit with you while I work in the mornings. Would that be ok?"
"Yeah... I think so." She said sniffling.
Rae returned with bottles of water, a sleeve of saltines and Jesse's brother Jamie. They sat quietly on the bed with Beca and Jesse listening to the events of the night before. Rae sobbed silently as Jamie comforted her. Jesse and Beca looked at each other then then over at Jamie and Rae and wondered if there was more between the two than just friendship.
A couple of hours later…
Tripp, Charlie and their wives were pleased with the way things went in court and after their meeting with John and Robert they were feeling better about getting a conviction. When they arrived home the house was quiet. Nora immediately went to the kitchen to prepare the kettle for tea and a pot of coffee while she, Charlie and Lucy chatted. Tripp wanted to see Beca and decided to make his way upstairs. He could hear Rae and Jamie talking as he approached the game room. He was happy to see that they were playing Monopoly and watching a movie. As he stood in the doorway, Rae looked up.
"Hi Daddy!" she said running across the room.
"Hi baby. Hi Jamie."
"Hi Mr. Tripp. Are my parents here?"
"They're in the kitchen."
"Thanks." Jamie said standing up to excuse himself downstairs.
"Wait up Jamie... I'm coming too."
Tripp smiled as he watched them laugh and joke while racing down the stairs. He walked further down the hall to Beca's bedroom. He knocked quietly and when she didn't respond, he opened the door slowly. He smiled at the sight before him. Beca and Jesse sound asleep in her bed. It wasn't a sight he was used to yet but it was certainly a sweet and loving sight nonetheless.
Tripp walked quietly across the room and sat on the foot of Beca's bed. He place his hand on her calf and started quietly calling her name, hoping not to startle her. She started to stir but didn't open her eyes, Jesse didn't wake either. Again, he called her name, this time a little louder.
"Dad." she mumbled sleepily.
"Yeah baby, I'm here."
"You're here." she said smiling, her eyes still partially closed.
Tripp chuckled. "Yes, I'm here. Are you going to wake up so we can talk?"
"Do I have to?" she asked, her eyes still not quite open. By now Jesse was starting to stir as well.
"Come on Beca, sit up... please?"
As she sat up and rubbed her eyes, Jesse woke up as well.
"I'm glad you're both here." Tripp said. "Are you awake enough to hear about what happened in court?" The minute Tripp mentioned the word "court", he had their undivided attention.
"What happened?" Jesse asked eagerly.
"Well, Luke didn't make bail. He let his mouth write checks his ass can't cash."
"Meaning what?" Beca asked taking a sip of water.
"Meaning... he disrupted the court proceedings and pissed the Judge off."
"Oh wow!" Jesse said shocked. "Not even I thought he was that stupid."
"Yeah well neither did I, but then we got called back to court because of an incident that took place outside." Tripp said. "He broke an officers nose on the steps of the courthouse and apparently issued some criminal threats. I'm assuming he threatened the officers in some way, shape or form. So, on top of the list of other charges he has also been charged with 2 counts of Assault on a Police Officer and 2 counts of Issuing Criminal Threats."
Beca got up quickly. "I'm going to the bathroom." she told Tripp and Jesse, not wanting to hear Jesse recall what happened outside of the courthouse.
"Tripp," Jesse said looking down at his hands, "Those threats were made against me and Beca. We were driving home from the hospital and caught the light by the courthouse. Luke saw us and started yelling. Beca freaked out. She also freaked out when we got home and she saw the stables. I don't think she'll ever step foot in there again."
"My poor girl. She's been put through the ringer."
"She's strong. She'll get through this. It might take some time, but she will get through this."
"Jesse, I'm so glad she has you. She's probably opening up to you more than she would with me and Lucy."
"I'm glad I can be here for her."
"You should know that I've already arranged to have the current stables destroyed as soon as the new stables are built."
"New stables?"
"Yes. That's part of the reason we're so late getting back. I had an appointment with a contractor."
"Didn't waste any time." Jesse stated.
"I knew Beca wouldn't go back in there. Her mother and I thought it was best. Your parents agreed as well."
"I'm all for it. Beca needs to be able to deal with what's happened in her own way. Whiskey can help her with that."
"What about Whiskey?" Beca asked concerned. "Is he ok?"
"He's fine." Jesse told her. "So you want to see him?" Beca shook her head as Jesse pulled her in for a hug. She wanted nothing more than to see Whiskey but she had already broken down just seeing the stables, she certainly couldn't bring herself to walk in there let alone spend any time. "Want me to bring him out the the pasture for you?"
"Would you? I really do want to see him."
"Absolutely." Jesse said kissing her on the nose then hugged her tightly before he walked out of her bedroom.
After Jesse left the room Tripp looked at Beca and knew something was up. "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?" he asked.
"Dad" she said as she played absentmindedly with her fingers not making eye contact, "I need him."
"Jesse's going to get Whiskey now. Just give him a few minutes."
"No Dad. I need him. I need Jesse."
"Baby, he's not going far. He'll be right back."
"Damnit Dad!" Beca said finally bringing her eyes up to meet her father's. "I need Jesse, here with me."
"He won't be far, Beca. He'll be down at the tack house, just like he always is."
"Dad, you're not hearing me. I've been having awful nightmares and he pulls me out of them. If he's not here, I really won't get any sleep."
"You want him to stay here? At the house?"
"Yes. Please Dad." she pleaded. "I wouldn't ask -"
Tripp closed the gap between them, pulling her tightly into his chest. "It's fine. He can stay." he said kissing the top of her head. "I know he's been your rock and yes he can stay."
Beca let out the breath she didn't know she was holding, "Thank you Daddy. Thank you for understanding."
"I do understand but Beca, I mean it when I say this, no funny business. Got it?"
"Yes sir." Beca said, her fingers crossed behind her back.
Beca decided to sit on the porch while she waited for Jesse. She brought her guitar with her to pass the time. Her guitar was like a piece of her armor. She could hide behind it while knowing that like a comfy pair of pj's, it brought her comfort when she needed it most. She began strumming an old familiar tune she she wrote one day while she in her favorite oak as she watched Jesse work.
"I've been awake for a while now
You've got me feelin' like a child now
'Cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tingles in a silly place
It starts in my toes
And I crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go
The rain is falling on my window pane
But we are hiding in a safer place
Under covers staying safe and warm"]
You give me feelings that I adore
They start in my toes
Make me crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while
now just take your time
Wherever you go"
Jesse heard her singing but decided to let her finish before bringing Whiskey to her. He enjoyed listening to her. She always sounded so peaceful and content like she didn't have a care in the world.
"But what am I gonna say:
When you make me feel this way
I just mmmmm
And it starts in my toes
Makes me crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while
Now just take your time
Wherever you go
Dada dumdudum dumdadadadadum
Ohbodododododododum mmm mmm
I've been asleep for a while now
You tuck me in just like a child now
'Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth
It starts in my soul
And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose
The feeling shows
'Cause you make me smile,
Baby, just take your time
Now holdin' me tight
Wherever, wherever, wherever you go
Wherever, wherever, wherever you go
Wherever you go
I always know
'Cause you make me smile
Even just for a while"
As Beca finished singing, she looked up to see the love of her life with her most valued possession. Until that moment, she hadn't realized how much she missed Whiskey. She placed her guitar down gently then ran to where Jesse was standing, "Whiskey!" She said wrapping her arms around his neck as her nuzzled her. The feelings between the two were definitely mutual.
A/N: Bubbly by Colbie Caillat