They stopped outside the brown wooden door with the gold plate across the front that said, “Judge Hatcher.”
“You and I both know that more lies come through this place than truth. Half the time they can’t even help but make something up. It’s habit. All you did was follow procedure. You placed a warrant on her when she failed to go to school and work. Because of that, she was arrested. You’re here to advocate for her but it’s her job to speak up. It’s a hard lesson for these kids to learn.”
Nick offered Ari another smile and that time, she returned it. “You’re right. I’m just letting it get to me today.”
“It’s not a bad thing that you care for your clients, Ari,” he said. “But it’s the hard reality that they can’t always return the emotion. They’re kids. Damaged ones.”
“Stop being so wise, Mr. Sanders. You’re making me seem like a newbie or something.”
“Unlikely. We all know you’re hardcore. The kids are terrified of being placed on your caseload.”
“Yeah, right,” she laughed, but his accusation held more than a grain of truth. There wasn’t much she was afraid of, anymore.
He raised his hand to the door, but stopped, frowning down at her. “Oh hey, I heard about the robbery. Are you okay?”
Ari nodded. Although the robbery itself was public knowledge, having been covered by the Glory City local news that night, she still hadn’t told anyone about her encounter with the mystery guy other than her roommate, Oliver.
“Yeah, no big deal. I mean it was, but no one was really injured.”
“They said that vigilante was there and caught the guys?”
“I guess. I didn’t see what happened. I hid in a closet. But when the police came, I saw three guys in the police car.”
Just three. The one missing was Jace Watkins. The mystery guy didn’t stop him, and like Detective Bryson, she couldn’t figure out why. Could he have been out-matched by an impulsive former juvenile delinquent?
“Smart move,” Nick said. “Hiding like that. Do you think you’ll get called to court to testify?”
“Not sure. I didn’t see anything, so probably not.”
“I’m glad you got out of there unharmed.” His eyes softened. Not for the first time, Ari thought she noticed a bit of interest that went beyond courtrooms and juvenile delinquents.
The look vanished and he poised his hand over the door again. “Ready?”
“Yep,” she said.
A court officer opened the door and escorted Ari into the judge’s office. The small, but intimidating woman sat behind a large desk, going through paperwork.
“Ms. Grant.” She directed her to the chair in front of her desk.
“Mr. Sanders said you wanted to see me?”
“I did,” the judge said, digging through a stack of case files on her desk. She unearthed one and held it up. “Curtis Wilson? Fifteen, petty theft, truancy?”
“He’s one of the few males on my caseload. You know they tend to be a little more hardened and generally female before they end up on my list. He phased out last year, though.” Ari sighed, annoyed he’d gotten into trouble again. “What did he do?”
“Truancy. Running from the police during a routine stop. Not a major offense but with his history, it’s only a matter of time before he escalates,” she explained. “He hasn’t officially been remanded to Juvenile Justice care yet but I’m signing these papers today. He’s headed for trouble and nothing we’ve done so far is helping. I’m requesting you take supervision of his case again.”
This conversation had already taken an unusual turn. Ari had never heard of a judge requesting a caseworker. “Me?” Ari asked. “The review panel tends to decide who gets which cases.”
Judge Hatcher gave Ari a sharp eye. “I’m aware, but this one needs a personal touch. And I want you to see that he gets in a specific placement.”
Ari frowned. Again, Judge Hatcher’s request seemed atypical. “Where do you want him to go?”
“There’s a program called the Glory Youth Center. It’s a sports-oriented program, which I think would be really great for this kid. It’s structured, with residential housing and an excellent staff.”
“The Glory Youth Center? Why haven’t I heard of this?” Ari had clients in residential programs all over the state. None had ever been assigned there.
“The students are generally hand-picked, like I’m doing. They are looking for a specific type of kid to excel in their program. They don’t just accept anyone.”