Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 252(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 252(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
“I believe you’ve misunderstood what I was trying to say. I was only pointing out Mrs. Violet has ulterior motives and an agenda. You should take what she says accordingly.”
“So, only you and your client can be trusted,” she repeated.
Mr. Todd shook his head. “I don’t understand the question, Your Honor. I’ve explained my reasoning --”
“Your objections are noted, Mr. Todd. Now, if I could be allowed to finish my questions for Mr. Caleb, I’d be grateful.”
Mr. Todd waved his hand once with a flick of his wrist. “Carry on, Your Honor.” I didn’t think Mr. Todd understood the level of annoyance on Judge Whitmore’s face. Likely he’d already come to the decision he was going to have to go a step past this judge. It’s what Mr. Todd did. He analyzed the situation and adapted accordingly.
“Now, Mr. Caleb.” Judge Whitmore turned her full attention to my son. “Will you please state for the record how old you are?”
“I’m twelve, Your Honor.” His voice squeaked, something I knew Caleb hated. He’d hit puberty and not only was he as tall as me, his voice was trying to get deeper. I glanced at his father’s face. The slight smirk wouldn’t be missed by Caleb, but I was proud of my son for not reacting.
“What did you want to tell me, young man?” The judge was kind as she spoke to Caleb, but there was that no-nonsense teacher kind of vibe she had going on. It didn’t seem like he was talking to an officer of the court, but more like a school counselor was having a conversation with him. My heart ached for Caleb. I dreaded what he was about to say. I wanted to spare him this. I never wanted him to get between me and Doug, but I was out of options if I wanted to save my son.
“Caleb,” I whispered, my heart breaking. “You don’t have --”
“No, Mom. I do have to do this.” His voice was firm but not unkind. “He doesn’t get to hurt you again. For any reason.” For the first time in his young life, Caleb met his father’s gaze and didn’t flinch. “I’m the reason Mom’s leaving him,” Caleb began. “I told her she had to because…” He trailed off and I willed him not to tell the judge he’d wanted to kill his father and had threatened to do so unless I left. He swallowed and closed his eyes briefly before focusing his hate-filled gaze on Doug. “Because Mom deserves someone who doesn’t hurt her all the time.”
Mr. Todd stood, a sad smile on his face. “Your Honor, are you really going to allow this to be on the record?”
“Mr. Todd, I’ll deal with you when this hearing is over. Not another word.” She turned back to Caleb. “Mr. Caleb, will you look at me, please?” Caleb hesitated a moment, but did as instructed. “Good. Say what you came to say, Mr. Caleb. Why do you want your mother to leave your father, and why do you want your mother to have full custody of you?”
“He’s a monster,” Caleb said without preamble. “I thought he might have hurt Mom before, but until a few months ago she’d always make up excuses, tell me how clumsy she is and everything. But you can only trip over a non-existent stray dog, or sleepwalk and fall down the stairs, or accidentally run into someone’s lit cigar and burn yourself, so many times before the people who love you have to read between the lines.”
“If that’s all true, Mr. Caleb, why did you not say something earlier? Sounds like you’ve neglected your mother even though you profess to be concerned. Seems like you’re only concerned now when you’re angry at your father for grounding you for bad grades.” Mr. Todd stood now, moving away from his table and toward Caleb. It was an obvious intimidation tactic.
“Mr. Todd,” Judge Whitmore called sharply. “You are out of line. I’ve instructed you to remain silent, yet you continue to believe you’re in charge. You are not.”
“I’m allowed to cross examine the witness.”
“This isn’t a trial, Mr. Todd.” She leaned forward as if speaking to a child. “This is an emergency custody hearing. The two have very different functions and rules, as a lawyer of your reputation should know. If not, may I suggest you have an associate better versed in the nuances of family court handle this hearing for you.” She gave Mr. Todd a smile that held little humor. “You will get your chance to speak when it’s your turn. Until then, I suggest you sit down and keep your objections to yourself.” She leaned forward slightly, staring at Mr. Todd and Doug. “When that time comes, if I even get a hint of a vibe that makes me believe you’re trying to intimidate Mr. Caleb, you’ll be in even more trouble than you’re already in, Mr. Todd.”