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for inspection.”
    He listened to Phil.
    “ No, that won’t be necessary.” Keigo rubbed his temple and stifled a yawn. “I’ll find a way up there even if I have to hire a driver to drop me off. I might need to catch a ride back with you, though. I’m sure. Go on up and get things started tomorrow as planned. Marco and Nan will join you and I will be up by the end of next week. Thanks again and drive safely.”
    He replaced the phone back on the cradle. Walking over to the bar, he removed a cold bottle of water from the mini-fridge and took several deep swigs. Thoughtfully, his gaze wandered at the downtown San Francisco view. He’d always loved living in the city, but it wasn’t as appealing as it used to be when he had someone to share it with. It wasn’t as if the pickings were slim. On the contrary, they had become various and broad since his face became well known from the show.
    Keigo threw the empty plastic bottle in the recycle bin and made his way back to his desk. Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes.
     
    ***
     
    “ He’s waiting for you, just go through that door.”
    “ Thanks for everything, my brother, Phil. I promise to keep it a secret that you let me camp out in the security office while he had this time chill,” Etta grinned and winked at the burly older black man.”
    “ Just cut him a break. Judge Kyou is cool,” Phil advised. “He’s just low key and over the past few years been through a lot. But he is a key player in making sure today’s youth stay on track. He’s known for giving people a second chance. So go in there, be straight and don’t be too hard on him.”
    “ I tried to be easy on him in the courtroom, but he makes it too easy to agitate him,” she chuckled.
    Phil laughed in a hushed tone. “You’re right, but ease up on the man, especially when his ulcer is acting up. Keep your shoes on,” he advised. “If Judge K calls me back up here to take you back down, I won’t have any choice but to lock you up Etta and I’m sure none of us want to see you in jail for real.”
    “ I’m sure your Judge K would,” she murmured sarcastically.
    “ Actually, he wouldn’t,” Phil debated. “I’ve known him for about five years and I haven’t witnessed an unfair bone in his body. Etta, give him a chance. You might find that the both of you have a lot in common.”
    “ I wouldn’t go that far,” Etta argued. “I’ve been through heartaches I wouldn’t wish on even Tanesha Lewin,” she chuckled. Her features grew more serious as she said, “Nevertheless, you’re right. I was angry because my reputation was being brought into question, but now I know I shouldn’t have taken my anger at Tanesha out on the Judge.”
    “ The man is just doing his job and he is an honest man. Trust him to do the right thing, Etta.”
    “ The right thing would be to let me go home with just a warning,” she snorted, looking at her sandal-clad feet.
    “ You really don’t think your actions today require some form of penalty?”
    She looked up to see Phil’s staring at her in question.
    “ No,” she shook her head sheepishly. “I deserve whatever he deems necessary, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
    Phil laughed softly. “I need to get going. Don’t forget to tell your Mother I will be calling her when I get back in town. Maybe we can catch up on those old school days. I was so sorry to hear about your father passing away several years back. We all were pretty close as children, but lost touch after my parents moved out of the old neighborhood. I did get an invitation to the wedding, but I didn’t feel right about going.”
    “ Why not?”
    A sad grin came to his full mouth. “Another story for another time. Don’t keep the judge waiting much longer. He’s usually out of here ten minutes after he retires to his chambers.”
    “ Great,” she moaned. “Something else he can blame me for. Take care Phil and have fun at the camp you’re heading