are still being assessed. Judge Lions has been presiding over cases in Edenville for over twenty years. He is the head of a popular non-profit organization that helps children of currently incarcerated parents gain an appreciation for the justice system. Our sources tell us that this charity, Legal Buddies, was in some way associated with the charges brought forth this morning. Judge Lions and his office could not be reached for comment, but we did hear from Judge Samantha Rosenthal who is helping spearhead the investigation. Here is a clip from our interview with her.” The screen switched over to Judge Rosenthal sitting in front of a large microphone.
“Lord Acton, a historian and moralist, said, ‘Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ There are checks and balances in our society for a reason. This corruption has gone on far too long, and I will personally work to ensure that everyone involved is held accountable. The positive news is this case has an unprecedented amount of evidence and a strong corroborating witness. This will be tried in a court of law, but I am incredibly confident that we have taken a very corrupt and perfidious man off the bench, and, more importantly, off the streets of Edenville.” At the end of her statement she looked directly into the camera and nodded her head, almost like a thank you. Michael smiled, feeling like in part it was meant for him.
The show cut back to the quirky anchor. “We thank Judge Rosenthal for making time to talk to us. In other news, a longtime police officer of Edenville, Officer Aaron Rylie, was found dead in his home this morning of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. We have not been able to confirm yet if the events surrounding the arrest of Judge Lions and the alleged suicide of Officer Rylie are in any way linked. We’ll continue to investigate this rapidly unfolding story, and, as always, keep you informed.” The show broke to commercial, and Bobby leaned across and turned the television off as an uncomfortable silence filled the room.
They had expected to be whooping and hollering at the headline story this morning, but the news about Rylie had thrown them all into a tailspin. Bobby thought perhaps he should speak, but couldn’t find any words. Luckily Michael was able to weigh in.
“He had the same opportunity as anyone to be tried and plead his case in court. He made the choice to kill himself. That isn’t on any of us.” He looked around the room trying to read everyone’s expression, but just found darting eyes and uncomfortable fidgeting, until he glanced at Betty.
She had her chin up and a look of defiance on her face. “That’s no skin off my back, I say let God sort it all out.” She stood up and dropped her napkin onto her plate. “The sun is just starting to come up; we should all go out and enjoy it. It’s going to be a beautiful day.”
No one had finished eating, nor did they really feel like filing outside to watch the sun come up, but there were so few things they wouldn’t do for Betty.
And as usual, Betty’s idea was right on. The sunrise was the perfect way to start this day fresh. Watching the streams of light cut through the trees that lined the front yard was therapeutic. The clouds were bright red—it looked as though someone had set fire to them.
Jules sidled up to Michael who was standing against the porch railing, and he wrapped his arm around her. Betty hummed quietly on the squeaky wooden rocker. Bobby and Piper were right back where they had just left, cuddled comfortably on the porch swing.
Jules rested her tired head on Michael’s chest and took in the beauty of the morning sky. “It’s so colorful, but you know what they say, red sky at morning, sailor take warning. I bet there will be a fierce storm tonight.”
“Not always,” Bobby said, looking down into Piper’s sweet face, “sometimes a magnificent sunrise is just that. You don’t always have to be waiting for the storm; you can just enjoy the colors.”
Piper got the message, and she didn’t think she’d ever grow tired of hearing it. If Bobby wanted to be the man who reminded her it was safe to enjoy the moment, then she’d let him. She smiled up at him seductively as he slipped his hand under the back of her shirt and let his fingers