“I haven’t decided what I’m going to do. Regardless, you wouldn’t be in the way. You’re family. Got it?”

His lips curved. “I’m getting it. If you decide to throw him over, I’m available.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.” She gave his jacket one last tug. “Let’s go.”

There was no reason to be nervous, she told herself as she led Nick to the defense table. Her statement was well prepared, and she had a sympathetic judge on the bench.

She was terrified.

She rose with the rest of the court when Judge Beckett came in. Ignoring the twisting in her gut, she gave Nick a quick, confident smile.

“Well, well, Mr. LeBeck,” Beckett began, folding her hands. “How time flies. I hear through the grapevine that you ran into a bit of trouble recently. Are you quite recovered?”

“Your Honor…” Puzzled by the break in courtroom routine, Rachel rose.

“Sit, sit, sit.” Beckett gestured with the back of her hand. “Mr. LeBeck, I asked how you’re feeling.”

“I’m okay.”

“Good. I’m also informed that you identified the three desperadoes who broke into Mr. Muldoon’s bar. Three members of the Cobras—an organization with which you were associated, I believe—who are now in custody awaiting trial.”

Rachel tried again. “Your Honor, in my final report—”

“I read it, thank you, Counselor. You did an excellent job. I’d prefer to hear from Mr. LeBeck directly. My question is, why did you identify these men, who a relatively short time ago you chose to protect?”

“Stand up,” Rachel hissed under her breath.

Frowning, Nick complied. “Ma’am?”

“Was the question unclear? Shall I repeat it?”

“No, I got it.”

“Excellent. And your answer?”

“They messed with my brother.”

“Ah.” As if she were a teacher congratulating a much-improved student, Beckett smiled. “And that changes the complexion of things.”

Forgetting all Rachel’s prompting, he took the natural stance. The aggressive one. “Listen, they broke in, busted Rio’s head open, shoved Rachel around and waved guns all over the place. It wasn’t right. Maybe you think turning them in makes me a creep, but Reece was going to shoot my brother. No way he was going to walk from that.”

“What I think it makes you, LeBeck, is a clear-thinking, potentially responsible adult who has grasped not only the basic tenets of right and wrong, but also of loyalty, which is often more valuable. You will likely make more mistakes in your life, but I doubt you will make the kind that will bring you back into my courtroom. Now, I believe the district attorney has something to say.”

“Yes, Your Honor. The state drops all charges against Nicholas LeBeck.”

“All right!” Rachel said, springing to her feet.

“Is that it?” Nick managed.

“Not quite.” Beckett pulled the attention back to the bench. “I get to do this.” She slapped the gavel down. “Now that’s it.”