A/N: Well, that whole "I'm going to update sooner!" thing work out well didn't it? Apologies again! I'm desperately trying to find time to finish the story and I am now absolutely committed to make time for this. Ya know, between 4 AP and Honors classes, Marching Band, and community service... I'm sure there's time in there somewhere!

Any who, I had this written, but I lost the file, so I had to rewrite it. Bleeeeeeh. So quick recap! Lucy gave birth and knows that Nellie was home because Ben told her not to go with the 'honorable' Judge Turpin to the ball....and if that didn't give away this chapter's plot enough... Here we go!

*3 Months Later*

The birth of baby Johanna had gone smoothly and made for a quick recovery. Although Lucy had been given the okay to leave the confines of her home on Fleet Street about two and a half months ago, this was the first outing she had taking since.

She had told Benny that she wanted to take Johanna out on a stroll, but a stroll wasn't quite the way she would describe it to herself. To be honest, her stroll was more or less a mission. Part of that mission was, of course, a stroll, but the ultimate destination was the Old Bailey.

On her way down the old rocky streets, while pushing the sleeping baby along in her carriage, she would meet a few familiar faces and pass them a friendly smile, all while devious thoughts ran through her head. Upon meeting the occasional beggar, she'd pick up speed and ignore the pleas. This continued the entire 7 minute trip until her destination was spotted.

With the help of a polite young gentleman, she and her baby stroller got through the door just fine and she headed straight to the nearest employee.

"Excuse me, sir?" she spoke up and the man turned to look at her. "Where might I find Judge Turpin?" The man eyed her, before saying, "The judge is a very busy man, mam. 'e can't be bothered with pet'y squabbles. If you 'ave a problem that needs to be dealt wit, you can file a report and we'll 'elp you as soon as we can."

"Please, sir, I ain't one to come here on a whim, I must speak with him." The man shook his head.

"Sorry mam," he said softly, "I can't 'elp you." With that he walked away, leaving Lucy practically fuming. Well if they ain't going to help me, she thought bitterly, I'll just have to wait for him outside. And that she did, but it didn't take her as long as she had suspected it would. She had only been outside for two minutes before, whom else, but Judge Turpin strutted out the door on his way to lunch.

"Judge Turpin!" She called out as he made his way down the street, the ever loyal Beadle at his side. He looked at her and dully responded, "Yes?"

"I-em. I just thought you'd like to know something, er, about Mrs. Nellie Lovett." She said feebly. The judge looked at her expectantly, evidently, his interest had been met. "Well?"

"It's just, I couldn't help but, em, notice how you so dearly wanted her to accompany you to a ball that you were havin'." To be frank, Lucy hadn't thought her exact words through, but knew that she had to think fast now. "And then I noticed that she said she would, but uh, didn't."

Judge Turpin raised his brows. "Yes, I am aware of this. She sent a message along telling me she was sick and I have spoken with her since." He moved to walk away but Lucy blocked his path.

'Yes, that's what she said but she wasn't never really was sick! She lied to you, Your Honor. She was just fine! She even had the strength to run and get the midwife cause I havin' my baby!"

The man stood frozen, looking down on the woman condescendingly. "And why, did she stay home then, when she had the opportunity to come out with me?"

"See that's the thing," She started, gaining more confidence that it would work with each passing moment, "My husband, Ben, told her to stay at home for whatever reason. I think she must have some feelings for him! Why else would she just listen to him? She don't have to! So, you see, Judge Turpin, I think she ain't worth your time! She's lied, she has attraction for a married man, I mean, this ain't the kind of woman you want to be around with, is it? She's no good!" The judge's lips tightened and an eyebrow quirked.

"Your husband, did you say?"

"Yes, sir, but that ain't the point. Surely there must be something you can do about her? Isn't lying to a Judge as handsome and honorable as yourself a crime?" She asked hopefully. The man grimaced.

"Thank you for your sentiments, Mrs..."

"Barker."

"Of course, Barker. I shall deal with the matter." He side stepped her and continued on his way, the silent Beadle trailing after him. At the sight of his form disappearing into the crowded streets, Lucy let out a smile, knowing that her plan was most certainly working. It this fact and the thought that soon she would no longer have to worry about Ben seeing his 'precious' Nellie that put a skip in her step, as she merrily pushed the stroller back home.

A/N2: I PROMISE I will have the next one up ASAP. Review to make it come faster? JK JK Apologies for the shortness, but it was necessary to push the plot along. Thanks for reading!