as a juvenile. An offer to lessen or drop charges was made—if the defendant would provide the names of his accomplices.”
“You want him to squeal on those he—mistakenly, I’m sure—considers friends?” Beckett lifted a brow at Nick. “No dice?”
“No, ma’am.”
She made some sound that Rachel couldn’t interpret, then pointed at Zack. “Stand up…Mr. Muldoon, is it?”
Ill at ease, Zack did so. “Ma’am? Your Honor?”
“Where were you when your young brother was getting himself mixed up with the Cobras?”
“At sea. I was in the navy until two years ago, when I came back to take over my father’s business.”
“What rank?”
“Chief petty officer, ma’am.”
“Mm-hmm…” She took his measure, as a judge and as a woman. “I’ve been in your bar—a few years back. You used to serve an excellent manhattan.”
Zack grinned. “We still do.”
“Are you of the opinion, Mr. Muldoon, that you can keep your brother out of trouble and make a responsible citizen of him?”
“I…I don’t know, but I want a chance to try.”
Beckett tapped her fingers and sat back. “Have a seat. Ms. Stanislaski, the court is not of the opinion that a trial would be out of place in this matter—”
“Your Honor—”
Beckett cut Rachel off with a single gesture. “I haven’t finished. I’m going to set bail at five thousand dollars.”
This brought on an objection from the DA that was dealt with in exactly the same manner.
“I’m also going to grant the defendant what we’ll call a provisionary probation. Two months,” Beckett said, folding her hands. “I will set the trial date for two months from today. If during that two-month period the defendant is found to be walking the straight and narrow, is gainfully employed, refrains from associating with known members of the Cobras and has not committed any crime, this court will be amenable to extending that probation, with the likelihood of a suspended sentence.”
“Your Honor,” Haridan puffed out, “how can we be certain the defendant won’t waltz in here in two months and claim to have upheld the provisions?”
“Because he will be supervised by an officer of the court, who will serve as co-guardian with Mr. Muldoon for the two-month period. And I will receive a written report on Mr. LeBeck from that officer.” Beckett’s lips curved. “I think I’m going to enjoy this. Rehabilitation, Mr. Haridan, does not have to be accomplished in prison.”
Rachel restrained herself from giving Haridan a smug grin. “Thank you, Your Honor.”
“You’re quite welcome, Counselor. Have your report to me every Friday afternoon, by three.”
“My…” Rachel blinked, paled, then gaped. “My report? But, Your Honor, you can’t mean for me to supervise Mr. LeBeck.”
“That is precisely what I mean, Ms. Stanislaski. I believe having a male and a female authority figure will do our Mr. LeBeck a world of good.”
“Yes, Your Honor, I agree. But…I’m not a social worker.”
“You’re a public servant, Ms. Stanislaski. So serve.” She rapped her gavel. “Next case.”
Stunned speechless by the judge’s totally unorthodox ruling, Rachel moved to the back of the courtroom. “Good going, champ,” her brother muttered in her ear. “Now you’ve got yourself hooked good.”
“How could she do that? I mean, how could she just do that?”
“Everybody knows she’s a little crazy.” Furious, he swung Rachel out in the hall by an elbow. “There’s no way in holy hell I’m letting you play baby-sitter for that punk. Beckett can’t force you to.”
“No, of course she can’t.” After dragging a hand through her hair, she shook Alex off. “Stop pulling at me and let me think.”
“There’s nothing to think about. You’ve got your own family and your own life. Watching over LeBeck is out of the question. And for all you know, that brother of his is just as dangerous. It’s bad enough I have to watch you defend these creeps. No way I’m having you play big sister to one of them.”
If he’d sympathized with her predicament, she might not have been quite as hasty. If he’d told her she’d gotten a raw deal, she probably would have agreed and set the wheels in motion to negate it. But…
“You don’t have to watch me do anything, Alexi, and I can play big sister to whomever I choose. Now why don’t you take that big bad badge of yours and go arrest some harmless vagrant.”
His blood boiled every bit as quickly as hers. “You’re not doing this.”
“I’ll decide what I’m going to do. Now back off.”
He cupped a hand firmly on her chin just as she poked it out. “I’ve got a good mind to—”
“The lady asked you to back off.” Zack’s voice was quiet, like a snake before it strikes. Alex whipped his head around, eyes hot and ready. It took all of his training to prevent himself from throwing the first punch.
“Keep out of our business.”
Zack planted his feet and prepared. “I don’t think so.”
They looked like two snarling dogs about to go for the throat. Rachel pushed her way between them.
“Stop it right now. This is no way to behave outside a courtroom. Muldoon, is this how you’re going to show Nick responsibility? By picking fights?”
He didn’t even glance at her, but kept his eyes on Alex. “I don’t like to see women pushed around.”
“I can take care of myself.” She rounded on her brother. “You’re supposed to be a cop, for heaven’s sake. And here you are acting like a rowdy schoolboy. You think about this. The court believes this is a viable solution, so I’m obligated to try it.”
“Damn it, Rachel—” Alex’s eyes went flat and cold when Zack stepped forward again. “Pal, you mess with me, or my sister, you’ll be wearing your teeth in a glass by your bedside.”
“Sister?” Thoughtfully Zack examined one face, then the other. Oh, yes, the family resemblance was strong enough when you took a minute to study them. They both had those wild good looks that came through the blood. His anger cooled instantly. That changed things. He gave Rachel another speculative look. It changed a lot of things.
“Sorry. I didn’t realize it was a family argument. You go ahead and yell at her all you want.”
Alex had to fight to keep his lips from twitching. “All right, Rachel, you’re going to listen to me.”
