Midlife Blues - Victoria Danann Page 0,27

of them said, “I understand, Your Honor.”

“Good!” I smiled brightly, feeling like the suit had been a success. No one was harmed and five families would be feeling lighthearted. It was a win. Maybe being judge wouldn’t be all bad. “You’re free to go and enjoy your good looks.”

Mr. Bogdan, who’d never said a word other than to state his name, offered a handsome smile and a wink. I almost did a double take, but I was positive I’d seen truly. I supposed there was no harm since the suit was concluded and no one else saw it. Probably. Just in case, I motioned for him to approach.

When he stood in front of the bar, I said, “I know everyone is in a celebratory mood, for good reason, but let’s not get too familiar.”

His mouth twitched. “Yes. Magistrate.”

“Congratulations on a successful outcome. You may step back.”

I gestured to Lochlan by pointing toward my chambers. He, in turn, alerted the bailiff, who announced a twenty-minute recess. We were already falling into a manageable routine.

On the way back to the magistrate’s rooms, I turned to Keir. “I like it when you get to sit one out.”

He chuckled softly. “Makes no difference to me.”

“Hmmm.”

Keir treated me to one of his sexy closed-mouth smiles. “I’m not being altogether untruthful.”

“Uh-huh.”

“You handled the little bugger brilliantly, by the way,” Keir said.

“Thank you.” As Lochlan closed the door, I said, “Lochlan, if there’s something you want to say about the next item on the docket, let’s have it now.”

He looked at his clipboard. “No. Straightforward.” He looked up. “And I agree with the sephalian. That was masterful.”

“Those kids.” I shook my head. “Can you imagine doing that to children and being proud of it?”

“Takes all kinds,” said Lochlan in his ever-generous way.

“Well, Plato would have asked to examine the truth of that.”

Lochlan laughed. “Perhaps we should start asking ourselves, ‘What would Plato do?’”

“Ha. Ha. So. When’s lunch?

“Lunch is whenever you say, Magistrate,” Keir replied smoothly.

“I think we have time for another case, don’t you?” I asked Lochlan.

“Yes. Am I hearing that you need snacks?”

“No. I’m good, but things go smoother when tummies aren’t rumbling.”

“People can always visit one of the food vendors outside. We can get you something here or bring something in from Molly’s.”

On the way in I’d confirmed firsthand that everything I’d heard about the party atmosphere of Court Meets was true. The grounds of Tregeagle looked like a cross between carnival, swap meet, and fair. There were lots of food opportunities mixed in with wares, services, and entertainment.

“I’m not saying that I’m not overly food adventurous… Well, if I’m completely honest, I’m not overly food adventurous. But eating from one of the carts or balloon houses outside doesn’t feel like a smart move.”

“I don’t know why,” Keir said,” but you’re entitled to your feelings.”

“I feel like this morning I’ve been added to several enemies lists.”

“You don’t have to be afraid of food, Rita. The penalty for harming a magistrate would be a mighty deterrent to any sane person.”

After a brief pause, I said, “Would you classify Peevish McKnob as sane?”

Lochlan laughed, “He’s a nasty fellow to be sure. He’d rival Thomasin Cobb for outright unpleasantry, but he’s not insane. No. Just without a single social grace to his soul.”

“What about Pavio Lauro? By the way, the hat trick was cute.”

My lover, the sports junkie, perked up when he thought the conversation had turned to sports. “Hat trick?” If he’d thought about it, at all, he would’ve known that the chance of Lochlan and I talking sports was zip, zero, nil. I read that realization on his handsome face a second before he said, “Oh.”

I continued. “And it lightened the mood. Good job.”

I caught the familiar look of mischief in Keir’s eyes before he spoke to Lochlan. “Right. You should take up juggling. Or belly dancing.”

Lochlan was unruffled. “Perhaps I should. I’m always looking for new ways to spice up my love affair with my wife.”

Keir laughed.

I said, “Lochlan. Ew. I don’t want to hear about your love life.”

“Why not? It’s quite interesting.”

“I’m certain of it. Nonetheless, you can entertain Keir when I’m out of the room.”

“Your loss.” He shrugged like he actually believed I was missing out on a great opportunity.

“I’ll have to live with that,” I deadpanned. “What’s up next?” I asked over my shoulder on my way to the toilet.

“The one the sephalian calls Groundhog Day.”

As court reconvened, I opened a fresh bottle of spring water while Lochlan rose and announced, “Now