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Their smug faces made her physically ill, and she wanted to get up, slap him silly, and runaway… but that wouldn’t fix anything. No, she needed to be strong, to be bigger and better than him, and remain ‘calm’ at the front of the courtroom.
People were still filing in behind them, and she knew her mother was sitting on the pew behind her with Max. He was holding his favorite toy – a stuffed German shepherd puppy that he called ‘Grrr’ because he couldn’t say ‘Trigger’.
“All rise…”
Madison immediately shot to her feet, holding her hands clasped before her to keep from wringing them, and heard several bodies shuffle at once, everyone moving to stand as the judge walked into the courtroom.
“The honorable Judge Eugene Stevenson is presiding today over the case of Keene versus… Keene-Morrison.”
The judge took a seat – and raised an eyebrow at both her… and Asher.
“Congratulations, Mrs. Morrison,” he said simply, “And welcome back.”
“Thank you, your Honor.”
“Is your new husband joining you today?”
“His flight was delayed and he’s hoping to arrive in time to speak.”
“Interesting. I see. Yes,” the judge turned to Asher. “And you Mr. Keene? Obviously, you’ve had a few issues, or ‘changes of heart’ come up in the recent months, that have given you reason to change your case?”
“Yes, your Honor.”
“So, why don’t we start with you, Mr. Keene and let’s discuss the accusations you are levying against your ex-wife, and the reasoning behind this unusual request.”
Madison listened numbly as Asher and his attorney spun some wild tale about her, slandering her at every chance, talking about men coming and going at all hours of the night, the lack of care, how she was carrying on, and what a poor example of a mother she was… yet Madison took it all in stride, keeping her head high. Some of it was blatant lies, others were exaggerations, and more things were simply items that Asher was not privy too – such as her relationship with Eric.
“Be brave, strong, and resilient in the face of evil. Don’t give him an ounce of joy by letting him know he’s gotten to you. We’ll take care of this,” Eric had told her on the last phone call before catching his flight.
She had heard his voice say that phrase repeatedly in her mind as she tried to keep from losing her cool… only to feel a kiss on the top of her head as Eric slipped into a chair beside her, taking her hand in his immediately. He looked stoically forward, his profile immobile, like a mask.
The judge turned to look at her.
“I see your brand-new spouse has finally decided to join us?”
“My flight was delayed from Afghanistan, your Honor,” Eric said, rising to his feet. “You have my apologies, and no disrespect was ever intended, I assure you. This hearing means the world to our family.”
“Thank you for your service, soldier,” the judge said immediately… and looked over Madison’s head to someone else. “Yes? What is it?”
“Hey Eugene,” a voice said openly in a very casual tone. “Try to take it easy on my newest recruit, please. He starts in two months, and I’ve been trying to drag him out of Afghanistan ever since he got married six months ago. He’s dedicated – I’ve gotta give him that.”
The judge rolled his eyes, but a smile touched his lips… as Madison’s mouth dropped open in shock.
She looked at Eric’s profile – only to see his lips quiver.
What was going on?
“Your Honor,” Asher’s attorney began speaking. “I suppose you want order in your courtroom, don’t you? I mean, this outburst from a measly police officer who doesn’t know his place should result in having him removed and…”
There was a rumbling, shuffling sound that resembled when the judge had first walked into the room, echoing directly behind her. Madison turned slightly, seeing movement out of the corner of her eye… before fully turning in shock as her mouth dropped open.
There were about ten police officers now standing directly behind her – and their wives beside them in solidarity. Each of those men had a very grim expression on their faces… and she understood why.
They served their country, too – and to be disrespected like that openly?
It was rude!
Combined with the fact that she recognized a few of them… and there, at the forefront was Lily, who gave her a little wave as she stood proudly beside the man that had been speaking with the judge.
