Free Efrem by Mallory Hall Page B

for the judge’s chambers where the hearing would be held. The cheeriness lasted right up to the door, right up until they saw Dan Morris standing in the anteroom.
    Hightower was seated, but stood as Lisa entered the room. “My dear, you look delightful.”
    “Thank you, Uncle Stanley. You’re looking as charming as ever.”
    While Efrem heard the exchange, his eyes were focused on Dan who was transfixed on Lisa’s derriere. He cleared his throat, loudly. Everyone looked at him. He only looked at Dan who immediately looked away. You better keep your eyes off my future wife.
    The door to the judge’s chambers opened. A young man appeared and motioned them inside. “I assume you are the two parties involved.” At their nods, he smiled. “Good. We can get started right away.”
    Judge Rhine allowed Efrem to remain only because he had no stake in the outcome. No stake indeed. I get the girl.
    Once sworn in, Dan was asked to explain his position. Then it was Lisa’s turn. The judge read Bob Lynch and Ben Khouli’s statements into the record. Then he asked questions. And more questions. Efrem was on the verge of letting his eyes roll back in his head when he heard something he didn’t like.
    “An injunction allows me more time to research the issue, find out exactly what the intent of the will and the promise mean.”
    “You mean I won’t get my ranch?”
    “It means it won’t be transferred to the proper owner at the end of this month. You’ll be notified of my decision.”
    Judge Rhine stood up as did his assistant. Dan and Uncle Stanley got to their feet. Efrem slowly rose to his full height. Lisa remained seated.
    “That’s it?” she asked. “You get more time, he gets time to create more witnesses, and I get to work myself to the bone with no guarantee I’ll get to keep my ranch!”
    “Uh, Lisa?” Efrem said.
    “This hearing is closed Ms. Alayne. I’ve instituted an injunction , and you will be informed of my decision in six to eight weeks,” the judge stated.
    “Six to eight weeks? What happened to the end of the month?”
    The door opened before Lisa could continue. In walked a man in pressed jeans, white shirt, string tie, a huge white hat, and a belt buckle the size of a CPU. His alligator boots thudded on the wooden floor as a bailiff followed him through the door.
    “I’m sorry, your Honor, he insisted.” The bailiff gave the cowboy a dirty look.
    “I figured a judge would want the truth.”
    “Of course I want the truth. Who are you?”
    Efrem finally realized both Dan and Lisa were staring at the man like they’d seen a ghost, and he knew who he was looking at before he opened his mouth.
    “Trey Adams, yer Honor.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Trey Adams. Just what I need.
    “Hey, darlin’,” Trey said in greeting. And he winked at her.
    “Uncle Dan. Thought I’d find you here.”
    “Why are you here, Trey?”
    “Just want to set the record straight.”
    “The old man promised me half the ranch and even you heard him.”
    Lisa thought Dan didn’t look well. He was pale and had taken a couple of steps back. In contrast, Efrem had taken a step forward and a flush was spreading slowly across his cheekbones. And he stood right next to her.
    “Yeah, I heard him awright.”
    Judge Rhine put his papers back down on the table. “Do you have information that is pertinent to the issue before me?”
    She almost chuckled at the expression on Trey’s face.
    “Well, I have somethin’ to say about it.”
    “Go ahead. I want to know exactly what was said.”
    “You already know most of what was said. The old man promised my uncle half his ranch.”
    Ice formed in the pit of her stomach. She knew Trey had never loved her, but his betrayal still left her feeling empty and cold inside. Why couldn’t he have stayed away? Things were going bad enough without him.
    “So we have another testimony in favor of the ranch being split,” the judge said.
    Lisa thought reiterating it was unnecessary and