Nora’s House:
“I think the meeting went fine, yesterday.” Kelly changes the bandages covering Nora’s wound.

“I’m just hoping judge Jay will approve the paperwork.” Nora was concerned if he would approve for Detective Hardcastle to have custody of Chris.

There was enough evidence to warrant the removal of Chris from her stepmother’s care. Judge Jay has approved every custody paperwork she has asked him for. Including the guardianship of Tiffany and her baby.

“He likes you and we’re talking about Detective Hardcastle here. The man is a boy scout and has a daughter. I think Judge Jay will approve the paperwork.” Kelly applies the dressing to Nora’s wound.

“I’m just glad that Hardcastle is willing to take Chris in. I don’t think we have any more room here at our new house.” Kelly remembers their last house. The one Nora bought way back when she was in the DSS.

She loved old historic houses. That’s why she bought the one they were currently living in because they needed more room with all the children they have been adopting lately. If they adopted Chris, she would have to share a bedroom with Tiffany and little Maria.

“Maybe we shouldn’t adopt any more children.” Nora turns to look at Kelly.

“You would never stop doing that, Nora. You have a big heart, and you don’t like seeing children hurt.” Kelly knew her wife too well.

“You’re right.” Nora stands up so Kelly could help her with her blouse.

“I do have another question, for you sweetie. What are we going to do about Carol and Melody?” Kelly has been keeping an eye on them.

“What do you mean?” Nora was curious.

“Carol’s been doing some research online and she wants to have a body like Melody.” Kelly has been monitoring their children’s computer activity.

“I’ll talk with her and ask her why she wants Melody’s body shape.”

“Thank you.” Kelly places a kiss on Nora’s cheek.

Hardcastle’s Residence:
Hardcastle checks in on Chris and finds her still asleep. Yesterday, when they got back from Nora’s place. Chris broke down and cried herself to sleep after learning what her stepmother had planned for her.

He quietly shuts her bedroom door and walks outside to call his daughter. He hopes she doesn’t mind having a younger sister. He and his wife had wanted another child, but a perp he was investigating came after his wife.

After Hardcastle talks with his daughter for a while. He heads back inside the house and waits for Chris to wake up. While he is waiting, he pulls some meat out of the freezer to defrost. He was thinking about cooking on the grill later in the evening.

His daughter was doing good at college, and she was supportive about him adopting Chris. She said she wouldn’t mind having a little sister either. That had pleased him to no end.

Hardcastle goes outside and starts preparing a new flower bed. He had planned on decorating the yard, the way his wife would have done it. He plays some music from his cellphone through the outdoor blue tooth speakers.

Two hours later, Chris finally wakes up. She goes to the bathroom and splashes some water on her eyes. After all the crying she did last night, she still felt tired.

Chris heads towards the kitchen and fixes herself something to eat. While she is cooking herself something to eat, she hears music coming in from outside. She looks out through the kitchen window and spots Hardcastle working on the new flower bed. A smile appears on her face as she watches him.

Chris takes her lunch outside and eats at the table. She watches as Hardcastle glances over his shoulder and looks at her.

“Afternoon, sleepyhead.”

“Having fun?” Chris takes a bite of her sandwich.

“Yes.”

The rest of the day Chris and Hardcastle spend outside. Chris enjoys working with Hardcastle. She helps him with dinner, and they talk for a while.

Judge Jay’s Courtroom, One week later:
Judge Jay looks out at Detective Hardcastle and Chris Winter’s parents. He also spotted Brenda Lacey and Nora Midnight as well. He had looked at the report that had been filed and listen to the recording.

He wanted to speak to the agent that recorded the information. He looks towards Nora “Mrs. Midnight, have you heard back from your friend that retrieved the information?”

Nora looks at Judge Jay “no sir, I haven’t.”

Just as Nora says those words, the courtroom doors open. A rather attractive blonde-haired woman wearing an expensive dark blue business suit walks into the courtroom.

“Sorry for being late your honor.” She spots Nora and walks over to her.

“And who are you, Mrs.?” Judge Jay looks at the woman.

“I’m Sabrina Blake, your honor. And I’m representing Keith Wolfhart.” Sabrina looks at Judge Jay as he sat up at the bench.

“And why are you representing Mr. Wolfhart, Mrs. Blake?” Judge Jay was curious.

“Well, your honor. Mr. Wolfhart is unable to be here today because of a case he is working on. He informed me, of what occurred. If you have any questions that need clearing up, I will do my best to answer them.”

Nora wonders who Mrs. Blake was, besides a lawyer. She could contact Sasha and ask, but she’ll do that afterward. She glances over towards Chris’s parents. The stepmother didn’t look happy.

Judge Jay listens to the arguments from Mrs. Winters. She tried to paint Chris as a disturbed child and as a thief and such. The judge wasn’t buying it.

By the time the court hearing was over, Hardcastle ended up getting custody of Chris. Her stepmother and stepbrother are arrested. As for her stepmother’s associates, arrest warrants are issued for them.

Sabrina meets with Hardcastle and Chris after court. She looks at them with a pleasant smile on her face “if you ever need anything or legal representation, feel free to contact me.” She hands Hardcastle a business card.

“Thank you.” Hardcastle accepts it.

Chris looks at Sabrina “are you a friend of Mrs. Midnight?”

“You could say that. I’m an associate of Mrs. Midnight’s friend, Sasha Wolfhart.”

“Thee, Sasha Wolfhart? The guitar player from Wildfire?” Chris has heard of her and has some of her music.

“Yes, the rock star. She’s my cousin” Sabrina loved when people hear her cousin's name.

“And she’s your cousin?”

“Yes. So, just let her or me know if you ever need anything.”

“Thank you.”

Sabrina walks towards her car.

Hardcastle looks at Chris “at least you don’t have to worry about your safety anymore.”

Chris hugs Hardcastle.

Hardcastle returns the hug. He looks down at her “let’s go home.”