Chapter Fourteen.
Constance had barely turned the lock when she saw Jinx walking across the parking lot. Unlocking the door, she pulled it open and greeted the young man.
“Jinx. What brings you by today?” she asked him.
“Wanted you to hear it from me, first.”
Her mind went to the worse place possible. Her heart pounded in her ears. She reached out for something to hold on to.
“Whoa.” Seeing Constance go pale Jinx grabbed her arm helping her into a chair.
“Tell me.”
“We found the thugs that have been hassling you.”
Constance leaned forward covering her face with her hands. “I thought you were about to tell me something happened to Frost.”
“I’m sorry Constance. I haven’t heard anything about Frost.” Jinx told her, his voice full of regret for not having something better to tell her.
Leaning back she nodded at Jinx. “Who are the jerks that messed up my place and have been harassing me?”
“A judge’s son and nephews.”
Constance nodded her head than shook it. “What’s gonna happen to them?”
“Their gonna volunteer here and on Big Star ranch. Undertaker told the Judge that his boys needed discipline. The Judge agreed.”
“I don’t know if I want them here.”
“Let’s give them an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.”
Constance wasn’t sure she agreed with letting the three jackasses volunteer would teach them anything. But she knew one thing for certain she wanted Jinx or one of the other guys on site while they were there.
“When will they be coming by?”
Jinx checked his watch. “In five minutes.”
Looking up he saw her go pale again. “Hey, I’m gonna stay here while there here. I got you.”
“You could have given me time to prepare.”
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Because you would’ve found a way to say no.”
A few months of being friends and Jinx thought he knew her.
Damn if he didn’t. he was right, if he’d have told her she would have found an excuse to say no.
No to today. No to tomorrow. No to anytime.
Now, she had no choice but to deal with the little assholes.
If Jinx thought she’d be nice he was wrong.
The bell on the door rang. Her eyes lifted to see an older man walking in with the three boys in tow. Constance stood crossing her arms over her chest. She clamped her jaw so tightly she was shocked they couldn’t hear the grinding.
“Jason. Here they are ready to be put to work.”
Before Jinx could reply, Constance did. She didn’t care if the man was a judge. “You’re a little late bringing them here.” She told the man.
“Well, I’m a busy man … Miss?”
“It’s Ms. Nawl. And I’m busy as well.
Jinx stepped up next to Constance where he could diffuse the confrontation he hadn’t counted on. “Constance…”
“Don’t you dare Constance me Jason Bauer.” She snapped then turned her attention back to the judge.
“Your Honor, with all due respect, this isn’t a courtroom where you dictate terms. You’re asking for access outside operating hours to remedy a situation your household created. That’s not consideration—that’s presumption.”
She saw the surprised look on his face.
“Let’s be clear. Your son and nephews caused damage to a community resource. Repairing that damage happens on this organization’s terms—not at your convenience. If accountability is the goal, then it starts with respecting the process.”
The judge’s expression hardened, but it wasn’t as solid as it had been moments ago. There was a crack there now thin, but visible. Behind him, the boys didn’t hold up nearly as well.
The oldest shifted first, dragging a hand down his face, jaw tight like he was chewing on something he didn’t want to admit. The second let out a quiet breath, eyes moving over the damage they’d left behind, seeing it differently now. Not funny. Not harmless.
The youngest—barely holding onto that last thread of bravado—looked at the floor.
Constance didn’t give an inch. “Where’s that attitude boys? You’re not so tough with your uncle here. Are you?”
“No ma’am.” All three said at once.
“Be back here at seven a.m., if you’re late—any of you. Deals off and I press charges.” She stared at the three teens waiting for a response. What she got was grumbling about how early seven a.m. was.
“Your choice. Be here when I tell you and for how long I tell you or jail. And just so we’re clear, I’m a lawyer and will make it my personal mission to put all three not just in jail but under it.”
That got their attention. “And just for the grumbling be here for six-thirty in the morning.” Constance looked at them waiting for more grumbling. Instead, they agreed to be there at six-thirty in the morning.
“I’ll make sure they’re here in the morning, Ms. Nawl.” The judge said before shoving his nephews out the door.