March 16, 2004

Law of the Sea Class – Penn State University

1148 Eastern

Harm was just beginning to end his lecture for the day when he felt his cell phone vibrate in his suit coat pocket. Pulling the offending object out, he saw an unfamiliar number and ignored the call as he finished up. The same number called back twice before he was able to finally answer it.

"Rabb," he said as he watched the students file out of the office.

"Sorry if I'm disturbing you, Sir," came Galindez's voice through the telephone.

"What's going on, Victor?"

"Miss Johnson's father just turned up and he's seeking custody of her. The court isn't rushing into giving her back to him, given that he's been missing for about six months now, but…"

"Yeah, he'll probably get her back," Harm said.

"If they can find her, Sir," Victor said.

"What do you mean?"

"Someone from children's services delivered the happy news to her yesterday and today, she didn't return to the foster home from school. The police and sheriff's department are searching for her, but I think she learned from last time."

"I take that to mean you've checked the hanger?" Harm half asked, half stated.

"Yes, Sir. Nothing there indicates recent activity. I called in a couple of favors, got a few friends helping me look. Problem is, she could be halfway to anywhere by now, depending on if she has any money," Victor said.

"I understand."

"What I'm saying is don't get your hopes up, Sir."

"I wish I could come down there and help you, Victor, but …" Harm said before stopping.

"Yeah, you get too close and they could toss your Navy behind in the clink," Victor said with a faint laugh. "Have you ever talked to an attorney about all this, Sir?"

"I am an attorney."

"Begging your pardon, but I mean one who actually specializes in custody cases. Maybe someone with connections in the family court system, who could get you a new hearing."

"No, I haven't. After the hearing, things just started piling up. Losing my job because of the ruling, then my grandmother and dealing with her estate. I just decided to leave well enough alone," Harm told him, gathering up his briefcase to exit the classroom as the next class started filing in.

"Never thought you'd give up that easily, Sir," Victor said, some bite to his voice. "And after Miss Johnson ran away in January, I would have figured you to realize that it wasn't well enough alone. If that didn't, this damn well should."

Harm shook his head, feeling that he hadn't given up on Mattie, but also realizing that he could have possibly done more for the teen. Now, however, things had changed. He was involved with someone now, getting married. And would Mattie think that he had abandoned her, after all?

"It's obvious you still care about what happens to her, Sir," Victor said. "Otherwise, I wouldn't still be keeping an eye on her. Now, you need to make a decision. Are you going to fight for her or not? Because, if you're not going to, I've got better things to do."

"It's not that simply, Victor," Harm said with a sigh. "I'm engaged to be married, so it's not just my decision anymore. And even if I got a lawyer and a new hearing, will the Judge look at me any differently this time? Even more importantly, will Mattie? I left her in that situation, when if I hadn't come along, she might…"

"Sure, you put her in that situation, but think of all the worse things that could have happened. There's plenty of people out there who'd love to prey on a fourteen year old girl all on her lonesome. When you faced the Judge last time, you went in unprepared. Now, especially if you stop trying to be your own lawyer, you'll go in ready."

"I'll think about what you've said, Victor."

"Fair enough, Sir. Look, I've got to run and get to my next class, but I'll keep you updated," Victor said.

"Thanks, Victor," was all Harm managed to say in response before the phone was hung up on the other end. Glancing at his watch, Harm figured he could grab some lunch before heading off to his next class of the day.

Rabb Farm – Belleville, Pennsylvania

1834 Eastern

Harm stood before the stove, a wok of stir fry happily cooking away beside a pot of rice. He was expecting Rebecca to arrive sometime in the next fifteen minutes or so and he wanted to have dinner ready when she did so. The kitchen table was already set for two and a bottle of homemade blackberry wine was waiting, a gift from Mrs. Winters. Harm had never guessed at the possibility of making wine from the berry, but evidently this was something Mr. and Mrs. Winters had been doing for years.

Stirring the stir fry mixture, Harm's mind kept flickering back to his conversation with Victor. The central question arising from it was, did he want to take the chance. Certainly, Mattie's father was no candidate for father of the year, but he was her father. And the courts had already ordered him to stay out of her life. Did he want to risk the consequence that could come from disobeying that order?

"Thinking deep thoughts, Harm?" Rebecca asked as she stood looking at her fiancé.

"Huh?" Harm replied inarticulately.

"Well, I've been standing here for about three minutes and you didn't notice me, so I'm left to wonder what you were thinking about."

"Oh, sorry, Rebecca."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Rebecca asked.

"Maybe after dinner," Harm told her. "It might take some time."

"That's quite alright. My first class tomorrow isn't until 2, so I don't need to rush home and get to sleep."

"Thanks for mentioning that. Mine's at 9, so I do need to get to sleep early."

"Well, in that case, let's eat and then you can share those deep thoughts with me," Rebecca said with a grin, one that Harm was compelled to return.

Dinner was a quiet affair, with the food and wine being enjoyed by both parties. Rebecca would have liked some chicken or beef in the stir fry, but was also aware of Harm's vegetarian lifestyle. She was also finding herself slowly changing her own eating habits to match, even if she would probably never reach the same point as he had. A cheeseburger every now and then wouldn't hurt, she thought with a smile as she finished her rice.

Once they were finished eating, they made quick work of the dishes. Harm handled the washing while Rebecca did the drying. Then, he collected the opened bottle of wine and led the way into the living room. Together, they settled onto the couch, with Rebecca snuggling up against Harm.

"So, what's the source of your deep thoughts?" Rebecca asked.

"I told you how before I moved up here, I worked for a small crop dusting company, right?" Harm asked in response.

"Sure and about the girl who worked there, too."

"Well, I've had a friend keeping a discrete eye on her since January, when she ran away from her foster family."

"Is that a good idea, Harm?" Rebecca asked. "I mean, couldn't you get into trouble for that?"

"No. I was told to remove myself from her life and I have. The only interference came when my friend found where she was hiding and returned her to the state's custody," Harm told her.

"Still, you were told not to have any contact with her, right?"

"Rebecca, I haven't had any contact with her. My friend didn't tell her he was there because of me, nor would he say anything to either the sheriff's department or the courts."

"So, why is this troubling you now?" Rebecca asked.

"Because my friend called today to let me know that Mattie's father had returned and was seeking custody of his daughter," Harm said.

"Well, he is her father after all. He should want custody."

"On the face of it, I agree. However, he's also an alcoholic who disappeared for months and didn't seem to care what happened to his daughter during that time. There's also the fact that Mattie ran away again when the children's services people passed on the happy news."

Rebecca looked at Harm, a concerned look coming to her face.

"What are you planning to do, Harm?" Rebecca asked cautiously.

"Nothing. If I do anything, it would only be with your approval and participation, Doc," Harm said as he met her eyes.

"OK, then what are you planning for us to do about this?"

"I don't know. That's why all the deep thoughts, as you called them. If I move forward, I could be opening myself up to charges of violating a court order. Not to mention, there's absolutely no guarantee that things would go any better this time than they did the last time. Except that this time, I live in Pennsylvania, even further away than Washington was."

Rebecca just looked at Harm as he said that. She was curious as to his motivation in wanting to be the guardian of this young woman, especially if her father was back in the picture. Granted, Harm had not painted a very flattering portrait of the man, but he was still the father.

"I'm not exactly sure that it's a good idea, Harm," Rebecca said cautiously. "Even though we're getting married this summer, for all intents and purposes, we're still getting to know one another. Now you're talking about adding another person to the dynamic, someone you barely know and I don't."

"That's part of what I've been thinking about. The stress this might cause our relationship and the adjustments we'd have to make if we did do this," Harm told her.

"Alright, convince me not just that we could do it, but that we should do it. Tell me, why do you want to get involved, Harm?"

"Because I believe that Mattie is worth saving, Rebecca. It only took me a day to see how much spirit she has, yet also how vulnerable she is. What scares me the most is her getting lost in the system, moved from one foster home to the next, just another check for the family or worse. I think that with love and affection, Mattie could achieve great things."

"That's as may be, but don't you think her father would love her just as much as you could?" Rebecca said, trying to play devil's advocate.

"No, I don't. How can you love someone, when you abandon them when they need you the most," Harm said, looking down at his hands. "Though the same could be said of me, too."

"Harm, you didn't abandon the girl. The courts ordered you to stay away."

"Still, I could have tried harder, made another attempt."

"That's the real reason, isn't it Harm? You feel like you failed her?" Rebecca asked.

"I did fail her," Harm said.

Rebecca couldn't think of a response to that, so she decided to remain silent for a moment and allow Harm to think.

"So, what's your plan, Harm?"

"To learn from the mistakes that I made last time. Firstly, I need to hire an attorney to represent us before the family court. Second, I've got a better job now than I had then, with more stability than being a crop duster. Third, I'm not a single man now, but engaged to be married, which should count for something."

"I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I have my misgivings about this, Harm. I'm not sure either of us is ready to be a parental figure for a teenage girl. But I'm willing to at least explore the possibility of our becoming guardians to Mattie," Rebecca said cautiously.

"Then, I guess I need to contact a lawyer for us," Harm said as he took her hand in his. "But I need you to promise me something, Doc?"

"What's that?"

"Pull me back if you think I'm in danger of driving us off a cliff, will you? Because I don't want to lose you in pursuit of this."

Rebecca took a moment to look deep in Harm's eyes, to see the conflict that existed within them. Then she leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips.

"I promise," Rebecca said before snuggling closer to him.

March 18, 2004

Law Offices of Jackson, White and Waite – State College, Pennsylvania

1318 Eastern

Harm and Rebecca sat in the reception area of the law firm that Dean Trumbull had recommended when Harm had spoken to him yesterday. One of the major advantages of the firm was that they had offices not just in Pennsylvania, but Maryland and Virginia as well. The dean had also spoken very highly of Robert Jackson, one of the partners of the law firm. Jackson was also an adjunct professor at Penn State, specializing in family law and children's advocacy.

When Harm had called to request an appointment, Jackson had been more than willing to accommodate their schedules and suggested a lunch time meeting. Now, they were waiting for either Jackson to appear or to be escorted back to his office. Rebecca could see the tension in Harm's arms and gently laid a hand on top of his.

Finally, the door at the far end of the reception area opened and a large man filled it. His size would have been intimidating if not for the fact that his face wore a smile that Harm suspected to be an almost permanent feature, along with a very full white beard. To Rebecca, the man looked like Santa dressed for the non-Christmas season and she knew from the occasional meetings that they'd attended at Penn State that he had a personality to match.

"Mr. Rabb, Dr. Lawson, please come on back," he said as he stepped out of the doorway to allow them to pass. With his hand, he pointed out the way to his office in the every back of the floor. Going inside, they waited until Mr. Jackson had settled at a small conference table before moving to join him there. On the table were a number of files, three of which Harm saw had his name on them.

"After our telephone call, I contacted the Montgomery County Family Court and had the transcript of your original hearing sent to me. I also had Ms. Johnson's file from Children's Services sent to me."

"What do you think, Mr. Jackson?" Harm asked.

"I think this is going to be a very tough fight and our chances of winning are less than I would like, Mr. Rabb. First, there's the fact that you've tried for guardianship in the past and it was denied, which means the judge would have to overturn that prior decision. And bear in mind, it is extremely likely to be the same judge who had previously ruled against you that hears the new petition. Secondly, even if she was of a mind to reverse her opinion, there's the matter of Ms. Johnson's father now applying for her return to his custody. Almost every case I've tried with a non-family member applying for guardianship versus a family member, the family member has won. Last, we are faced with your physical distance from Ms. Johnson. Family courts are a little lenient with regards to standing, however, so I hope to show that a move to Pennsylvania would not be contrary to the best interests of Ms. Johnson and may even allow for a fresh start free of any bad memories that Blacksburg might hold."

"If you're that concerned, why are you taking the case? Or are you trying to tell us…."

"Yes, Mr. Rabb, I'm taking your case. Because I happen to believe, based on the files as well as other records I've pulled up, that you are a much better choice for Ms. Johnson than her father is. For example, I got copies of the citations for your two Distinguished Flying Crosses. Pushing another plane by its tailhook until the plane reached safety is incredible. Why did you do it?" Mr. Jackson asked.

"Because the alternative was letting the crew eject over hostile territory and be captured or killed," Harm said. "And if I had a chance to prevent that, I was going to try."

"Now, are there any skeletons lurking in your past, anything that Mr. Johnson's attorney can use to paint you in a bad light?"

"Well, I've been charged with murder a couple of times. Both times the charges were dropped when the real guilty party was discovered."

"Anything else?" Mr. Jackson asked.

"Not that I can think of, Sir," Harm said.

"How about you, Doctor Lawson?"

"No, nothing like that," Rebecca answered after a noticeable paused. Harm quickly guessed what she was thinking of and hoped that it wouldn't come up.

"I'm sorry, Doctor, but something that makes me wonder if that's the truth," Mr. Jackson said.

"It's something I'm not exactly comfortable talking about."

"I can see that, but if it is something that might impact this, then I need to know what it is."

The reasonableness of his tone combined with the look in Harm's eyes helped steady Rebecca, but before she could speak, Harm already was.

"It's an extremely personal matter, Mr. Jackson, and one I'm sure Rebecca would prefer remains so. If, however, it is brought up during the hearing, we'll give you all the details," Harm said.

"And if it ends up blowing up in our faces?" Mr. Jackson asked.

"Then it's my fault, not yours. I'm sorry if that's not good enough but I know what it is and truly, the fewer people she has to tell, the happier both of us will be."

Mr. Jackson looked from Harm to Rebecca and back, studying them. Whatever the secret was must be a big one, yet his client obviously felt it wouldn't have a bearing on their position. He wasn't so certain, but recognized a brick wall when he ran into one and decided to back off for now. He also decided to have some research done on Doctor Lawson. The last thing he wanted to encounter in a court room was a surprise and something told him this could well be a nasty surprise.

"Very well. I'll file a notice of appeal with the court, seeking to have the earlier judgment overturned and a new hearing set to rehear your application for guardianship."

"Thank you, Mister Jackson," Harm said. "Even if we don't succeed in getting guardianship, I would like to at least be able to have some contact with Mattie."

"Yes, I noticed the judge's order barring you from contacting Ms. Johnson. I definitely believe that is something we can get changed," Mr. Jackson said.

From here, the conversation switched to character references for the two of them. Between them, Harm and Rebecca easily came up with a dozen friends and family members who could vouch for them. Mr. Jackson told them that he believed that would be plenty to start with and once he had gotten statements from them, he would contact Harm and Rebecca for more if necessary. He stood, believing that he had everything from his clients that he would need to get things started, and escorted them out of the office. Harm and Rebecca went out to their cars and went their separate ways, Harm to his next class while Rebecca planned to do a little shopping before heading to the VA for her evening rounds.

Rabb Farm – Belleville, Pennsylvania

1932 Eastern

Tonight Harm was on his own, while Rebecca was in Altoona at the VA. So, he'd stopped at the local market and picked up a few things for dinner. He'd decided on a Spinach salad with Vinaigrette dressing and egg salad sandwiches, with mineral water to drink. No fuss, no muss, just something quick and easy before he sat down to read through the case work that had been turned in that afternoon. It also gave him plenty of time to think about Mattie and the coming battle there.

On the one hand, Harm felt a little guilty for dragging Rebecca into this mess. Yet, he also felt guilty about not doing more for Mattie. To him, it felt like he'd given her less than he could have and it stung. It was with that on his mind that Harm stood and cleaned the dishes before putting everything away and moving to the living room, taking the refilled glass of mineral water with him.

Sitting down in the rocker, he set the stack of papers on the stand next to him and selected the first one. A pen was poised in his hand as he began reading through the material, making notes in the margins as he went. He was four papers in when there came a knock on the door. Setting the paper down, he stood and went to it. Opening the door, he was slightly surprised to find Jim Rhodes standing there in uniform. Then Harm's eyes took in the other vehicle in the driveway and his expression hardened.

"Hello, Lieutenant," Harm said, deciding to take a formal approach as he saw the other officers behind the man.

"Evening, Harm. May we come in?" Jim asked.

"Certainly."

Harm stepped aside to let the state police officer in. He was followed by two other people, one of whom Harm now remembered after a moment as Donna LeMoyne, for Children's Services. They'd met when Harm had initially petitioned to be Mattie's guardian and it was from her that the child abuse and sexual assault of a minor charges had come.

"Harm, there's no easy way to do this. I'm here to arrest you for violating a court order and turn you over to Sergeant Ryan here of the Virginia State Police. You'll be transported to Blacksburg tonight and see Judge Smith in the morning. I need you to place your hands behind your back," Jim said as he took the cuffs from the case on his belt.

Harm complied, there not really being any choice in the matter, and allowed himself to be escorted outside and placed in the backseat of the Virginia State Police car. He was slightly uncomfortable sitting with his hands cuffed behind him, as if he was some kind of dangerous criminal. Then Sergeant Ryan and Ms. LeMoyne got into the front seat and the car took off.

"Y'all comfy back there, pervert," Sergeant Ryan said, looking in the rearview mirror at Harm.

"I'm fine, Sergeant," was all Harm said in response, not rising to the deliberate insult.

"Well, now, just you wait until we get you back to Virginia and the boys in the county jail find out what you're in for. Doubt you'll be comfy then."

Harm stayed silent, just listening to the man talk.

"Yes, Sir, a suspected child molester is going to be right popular with the others. Ain't that right, Ms. LeMoyne?" Sergeant Ryan asked.

"Indeed, Sergeant," Donna LeMoyne said. "I just hope there aren't too many bruises showing when you see Judge Smith or she might think you're a violent man. That certainly wouldn't help you, now would it?"

"Oh, I don't know. If I told her how you two set the prisoners loose on me by falsely claiming I'm a child molester, that might have some weight," Harm said.

"Only a couple of things wrong with that, pervert. Firstly, it's just you against us. Nobody else is hearing this and I really do believe Judge Smith would be more inclined to believe us over you. See, she's a good Christian, just like me and Ms. LeMoyne here. And that brings us to our second point, the reason you're a pervert. See, it's unnatural for a fortysomething man to want to adopt a teenage girl that he's in no way related to. So, you must have another reason for wanting her, a sexual reason. And we most certainly aren't going to let something like that happen. Lastly is the fact that her daddy is back now and he deserves to have his daughter back. See, he's not a bad man, just having a hard time, and it isn't right to kick a man while he's down. So, you trying to charge back in and steal his kid really pissed Judge Smith off, which is why we're here."

Harm filed all of this away for when he spoke with Mr. Jackson again. If even half of what was being hinted at here was real, having the hearing in front of Judge Smith again was a non-starter. He was also left to wonder how prevalent this attitude might be down in Blacksburg and whether he'd be able to get a fair hearing in front of any judge.

March 19, 2004

Judge Smith's Courtroom, Montgomery County Family Court – Blacksburg, Virginia

0856 Eastern

Harm was led into the courtroom by two Sheriff's deputies, there to find Mr. Jackson waiting for him at the defense table and Rebecca in the front row of the courtroom. Harm was slightly surprised, given that he'd not been able to reach the man when he'd finally been afforded his one call early this morning. What he didn't know was that Jim Rhodes had called Rebecca almost as soon at the Virginia State Police car was out of sight and filled her in on what had happened. Rebecca, in turn, had called their attorney and let him know. The two of them had driven down together, stopping briefly at a hotel here in Blacksburg to get rooms for the evening and take a short nap before getting ready for the day.

Harm had barely sat down and hadn't even had a change to say a single word to Mr. Jackson before the bailiff opened the door to the Judge's chambers.

"All rise, the Family Court of Montgomery County is in session, the Honorable Judge Smith presiding," the Bailiff intoned.

"Be seated," Judge Smith said once she had taken her place. "We have only one case this morning, so to spare the usual garbage, it is People of the Commonwealth of Virginia versus Harmon Rabb, Junior. Charges of violating a judicial restraining order issued by this court and custodial interference. How do you plea, Mr. Rabb?"

"Robert Jackson for the defense, your Honor. My client pleads not guilty," Mr. Jackson said after rising.

"Thank you, Mr. Jackson, but you don't need to rise every time you address me. You are licensed to practice law in Virginia, I presume?"

"Yes, Your Honor. I've also appeared in this court in the past, before your predecessor Judge Klein."

"Very well, Mr. Jackson. Now, on the plea of not guilty. I find that difficult to believe, given that your client has petitioned for a new hearing in regards to the minor child, Miss Matilda Grace Johnson. In that petition, he makes reference to several events that occurred after my order barring him from further contact with the minor child. This leads me to believe that your client violated that court order," Judge Smith said.

"Your Honor, the wording of that order was that my client not have further contact with Miss Johnson. He has not. Nothing, however, in the wording of that order prevented others for letting him know how Miss Johnson was doing. So, when she ran away, he heard about it, mostly through the Pennsylvania State Police officers who were sent out to invade his new home looking for her," Mr. Jackson replied.

"I see. So, what we have here is largely the result of the law of unintended consequences."

"It would seem so, Your Honor."

"Very well. I find that your client did not violate my court order and will so note it. But Mr. Rabb, that order still remains in effect. You are not to have any contact with Miss Johnson or you will be back in front of me and the results will be less satisfactory on that occasion, I promise you," Judge Smith said.

"Yes, Your Honor," Harm replied, subdued.

"Your Honor, how does that restraining order effect my client's petition to a new hearing?" Mr. Jackson asked.

"Convince me that I made a mistake, Mister Jackson."

"Very well, Your Honor. In your decision again my client, you cited several factors that were against his having guardianship of the minor child. I'll start with the larger and work my way down. The major issue was the allegation of child molestation and sexual assault leveled against my client. Those accusations were proved false, yet you still placed great weight on them. I believe that to be tantamount to finding someone guilty who has been proven innocent. Once the accusations were disproved, they should have never been considered."

"My concern there was a single male of your client's age wanting to adopt a teenage girl. Also, I believed that those accusations weren't false, but rather not proven, and I firmly believe that where there's smoke, there is fire," Judge Smith countered.

"My client was never informed as to who made the complaint against him, nor what the specific complaint was. He was not afford his due process right of confronting his accuser. Rather, he was simply informed of the accusation and then you ruled, as far as I can see from the court transcripts" Mr. Jackson said, a hard look on his face.

"Very well, Counselor. Your next point?"

"You had concerns about the living conditions that Miss Johnson would encounter. Specifically, the loft apartment that Mister Rabb was then living in. Since that time, Mister Rabb has moved to a farm in Pennsylvania that he inherited from his grandmother. The home in question is of a good size, with four bedrooms and two baths."

"So, his living conditions are improved, yet also even further from this court's jurisdiction?" Judge Smith asked.

"That is true, Your Honor. But we don't see that distance as being a bar to his application, nor would we object to an extensive home inspection by this county's Children's Services," Mr. Jackson replied.

"Go on."

"Additionally, you raised objection to his job. Specifically, his working for Grace Aviation. Since your order and his move to Pennsylvania, Mister Rabb has joined the faculty of Penn State University as a professor in their law school. A more stable and less hazardous career than crop duster, you would surely agree."

"Anything else," Judge Smith asked.

"Only that, since your ruling, there has been a change in Mister Rabb's personal life as well. He is engaged to be married," Mister Jackson said.

"I take it that lady seated behind you is the fiancée?"

"Yes, Your Honor. Dr. Rebecca Lawson, also a professor at Penn State University as well as a member of the staff at the Altoona VA Hospital as a staff psychiatrist."

"So, in summary, you're client's changes merit a new hearing of his petition? That is your position, correct?" Judge Smith asked.

"Yes, Your Honor. We feel that with these changes, he has established a healthy environment for Miss Grace, one in which she can grow to her full potential," Mr. Jackson responded.

"I'm inclined to agree that he deserves another hearing. I do have concerns, as will, I'm sure, the father of Miss Grace. However, I believe that my previous ruling may have been incorrect. As such, the order barring Mister Rabb from contacting Miss Johnson is lifted, subject to the outcome of the new hearing. Mister Rabb, I will speak bluntly. Do not consider this ruling any sort of indication as to how I will decide the matter. Rather, it is only what it is, a chance for you to make me believe you are the best choice for Miss Johnson."

"I understand, Your Honor," Harm said from his seat.

"Good. Also understand that there will be an initial hearing with both yourself and Mister Johnson on May Seventeenth. At that time, I will make a preliminary ruling for guardianship in your favor or custody in Mister Johnson's. An additional hearing will take place in September, where the results of home visits by Children's Services will be considered as well as any appeals for either party and I will render a final decision."

"We understand, Your Honor," Mr. Jackson replied.

With that, Judge Smith rose from her chair and left the bench. The bailiff came forward and handed Mr. Jackson a sheet of paper listing the dates for the hearings, as well as the date and time of the first home inspection that Children's Services would be carrying out. Then he left the courtroom as well, leaving Harm and Rebecca alone with their attorney. Deciding that the best course of action was the leave the courthouse before talking about the events of the last twelve hours, they went outside and proceeded to Mr. Jackson's BMW. Rebecca took the back seat while Harm took the front. Before putting the car into gear, he handed the paper to Harm to read.

"Well, the good news is that it won't be Ms. LeMoyne conducting the inspection, so one can hope that it will be fair," Harm said as he finished reading.

"Why do you say that, Mr. Rabb?" Mr. Jackson asked.

"The State Police Sergeant and Ms. LeMoyne were the pair who came to get me last night. On the ride down here, they made it plain that they viewed me as a pervert interested in Mattie only because she's a teenaged girl. The way they were talking convinced me that Ms. LeMoyne or even both of them together were responsible for the sexual assault allegations being leveled against me."

"That's interesting. Ms. LeMoyne is a guardian ad litem for Children's Services. Why was she along for your arrest?"

"That's something you would have to ask her or her supervisor, because I can't think of a valid reason for it," Harm told him.

Mr. Jackson went silent for a long time, clearly thinking about what that might mean for his clients' case. It also provided him with a potential avenue of appeal if things went wrong. Not that he intended for them to lose, but it was useful to have a backup plan.