The judge nodded vaguely. “You still living in Charlesville?”
“I am, on my family’s farm. We have an epic crop of okra this year.”
“I remember your grandmother’s cookies like it was yesterday.”
“She’s long gone, but the recipe lives on. The secret is in the butter. Plus the pecans have to be chopped to just the right size.”
Beckett held his breath as the judge looked back down at the papers. “I guess that’s all I need.”
He gestured to a clerk who bustled up to receive the paperwork. “Mark this one sentenced.” He glanced at Beckett, “What about your bandaged hands, are you able to perform your duties?”
“My doctor will remove the bandages today.”
“Okay, then he’ll report back to his battalion, a six month tour.”
Beckett let the air out with a rush.
Roscoe shuffled the papers into his briefcase and without saying a word turned for the door. Beckett followed. He didn’t speak, celebrate, show any emotion, worried that any sign of relief might cause the judge to change his mind.
As soon as they got to the hall Roscoe checked his watch. “That’s done. The bus back to your battalion leaves in three hours.”
Dan rushed from the hearing room and swept Beckett into a hug. “Nicely done, Army!” He was followed by Sarah, hugging Beckett tearfully. She said, “We were so worried about you, Dan was practically frantic.”
Dan laughed and joked, “I don’t know, frantic? But in a cool way, right? Like, frantically coolly worried about Beckett.”
Beckett laughed and threw his arm out and hugged Dan again, and Rebecca smiling happily hugged them both, and Dr Mags and Captain Aria beamed and clapped him on the back with congratulations and excitement. Beckett said, “That was — phew. But now I only have three hours to get released and see Luna.”
Dan said, “Sarah and I will wait for you.”
