“What’s an OR bond?”
“That means he will get out on his own recognizance. You can pick him up at the station.”
“I really think I need some time. He didn’t touch me. He just frightened me. I mean he pushed me a little. I thought he might...”
“I’ll tell you what, how about we all get out of your hair for the evening and give you the time you need. But you do need to decide if you want him home tonight. He can still get out, and he likely will, but you can request the temporary order for the rest of the weekend and we can revisit this on Monday morning when he shows up to court. Is that fair?”
“I need some time. But what if it makes it worse?”
“What if he comes home and the two of you pick up where you left off? Then we’re right back to where we started.”
She thought for a moment. “Will you be there Monday?”
Handing Pam her business card, Elizabeth looked at her empathetically and assured her, “I will be there until you decide you don’t want me to be.”
Hesitantly, she grasped the business card.
“Look, I know this is difficult, but I will help you get through this.” She held onto the card before letting go and continued, “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You’re in control here.”
Pam nodded her head as if she understood and Elizabeth let go of the card. “Alright then. The only thing I need from you is your signature.” Pulling some papers out of her purse, she placed them on the kitchen counter and explained the temporary protection order to Pam, handing her a pen. Noticing her apprehension, she added, “Remember, this is only temporary.”
Signing the papers with tears in her eyes, Pam handed Elizabeth the pen and walked over to the sofa instantly mulling over her decision. Elizabeth felt guilty for leaving her. It was easy on her own turf in the courthouse; she had a job to do. Being in someone’s home seemed more intrusive and much more difficult to just leave them in their own misery after such an occurrence. “I’ll see you first thing Monday morning.” She turned into the foyer and looked back, “Get some rest. Everything is going to be okay.”
Heading back downstairs to meet the officers, Elizabeth was thankful they finally turned off the lights to the cruiser. Martinez met her at the end of the walkway.
“Everything good?”
Nodding affirmatively to his question, she looked at Lucas and then to Brandon DeFranco sitting patiently in the back of the cruiser. Attempting to hand Lucas the paperwork she said, “She’s accepting the TPO until Monday. She needs a little time. If he’s released on the OR, he can’t come home tonight.”
Looking at her with disdain he replied, “This can’t possibly be filed on a Saturday night.”
Martinez, knowing that was the wrong thing to say, took a step back and allowed Elizabeth’s retort. Tilting her head a bit, the controlled look on her face became a slight growl. “Officer Lucas, though I’m not sure exactly what your procedure is once you get back to the department with this protection order, I’m pretty sure I know what procedure I am to follow and the law that backs it up.” She shoved the paperwork at him, forcing him to accept it. “Like I said, he cannot come home tonight.” She spun around and said to Martinez, “Let’s go.”
Flipping his keys in his hand, Martinez grinned, glanced over to Lucas and said, “You heard the lady.” Hearing the passenger door close to his sedan, he walked to his vehicle and jumped in the driver’s side, locking his seatbelt securely. He sat for a moment and gave Elizabeth a look of approval.
“What?” she asked, like a teenager defending her actions.
He laughed. “Hey, it’s nothing. Really. Just...”
“Just, what?” She felt guilty for being so short with Lucas.
“Liz, it’s okay. Lucas is a rookie but he’s a good cop. He just needs a little help sometimes, as frustrating as that may be.”
“I didn’t mean to be pushy with him. But I’m sorry, he pissed me off. It’s basic procedure he should be familiar with.”
Throwing up his hands in defense he warned, “Hey! I’m on your side here! Lucas has been trained on the procedure. He shouldn’t have questioned you. You did good, Liz. Seriously. I like your spunk.” He turned the key to start the engine, put the car in drive, and gave her one last look before hitting the gas. “I’ve always liked your spunk, Elizabeth Strong.”
They drove a few miles in silence. Martinez hated silence, unlike Elizabeth. “You know who that guy is, don’t you?”
“Who? Brandon DeFranco, you mean?”
He laughed. “Yeah. Don’t you read the Silverton Tribune?”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t you think we are bogged down with enough negativity in our lives?”
Staring at the dark road in front of them he lifted his thumb from the steering wheel and replied, “I see your point. But seriously, don’t be surprised if you’re in next week’s edition at some point. Brando DeFranco is a high-profile blogger/reporter for the Tribune. He writes about politics, crime, and most famously, anyone involved with the prosecutor’s office or SPD. Not favorably, I might add. Just watch your step with this one. That’s all I’m saying.”
Fantastic! Just what I need to hear. “Are we sitting by the lake with a glass of wine yet?”
They finally hit Elizabeth’s drive way, the gravel popping under the wheels to his sedan. Martinez pulled behind her tattered Beamer and put the vehicle in park. Elizabeth starred out to the dark sky for a moment before turning to him; the dim lighting highlighted the perfect sculpture of his chiseled face. Smiling she said, “Thanks for the ride.”
His teeth illuminated from behind his perfect lips. “Anytime. I hope this doesn’t mean our date is over?”
She was a little embarrassed for suggesting it.
