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… And turned back around, hearing the judge chuckle in amusement.
“I’d sit down and shut up, Antonetti, and keep your client on a tight leash, if I were you,” the judge said openly, causing a ripple of laughter among the throng of people sitting on her side of the courtroom.
“I believe that our ‘measly’police officers,” the judge spat in barely concealed irritation, “Are here to speak up for someone they believe was wronged – and I’m not sure you really want me to hear them, do you?”
The pause in the courtroom was measurable.
“In fact, those ‘measly’police officers protect and serve this community just as much as our soldiers protect this country – which gives us both the freedom and ability to serve justice today… and frankly? Your client’s ‘measly’case holds no weight after listening to the audio recording of when Mrs. Morrison was attacked by him. In seeing the photographs of her hand that was injured by your client’s irrational behavior, combined with the photos of their family that your own personal paparazzi has provided? Well, that’s a pretty telling story… don’t you think?”
The judge held up several large photographs in his hand that Madison didn’t know about and froze, wondering what they had taken photos of and how invasive they were.
“These ill-gotten photos show me a loving family that cares for their child… so I would think long and hard about the next words that come out of your mouth, Antonetti – am I clear?”
“Yes, your Honor,” the lawyer sat down obediently.
“This is ridiculous,” Asher snapped hotly. “So, a bunch of cops are going to bully a judge around that he’s obviously buddies with? How is this even legal?”
You could have heard a pin drop in that moment as every set of eyes stared at Asher. Eric stood slowly, and she had never seen him angrier than he was in that moment.
“Your Honor, that man assaulted my wife and son while I was away, serving our country,” Eric’s voice broke as he finally looked at Madison, then looked at the judge. “No soldier should have to hear that his beloved family was victimized in their own home, while he is halfway around the world.”
“I agree, son. Sit down,” the judge said bluntly.
“Sir?” Eric said unmoving. “I would beg a favor since this is a family court of law?”
“What is it?”
“When this hearing is over? I would like to formally adopt Max as my own. Iamthat boy’s father, and while he might not be my blood? He’s my child. I’m the man that is going to raise him, teach him, and help him grow… and I want him to have my name.”
The judge’s lips twitched.
“Mrs. Morrison, do you agree to the adoption by your husband?”
“I do,” she said bravely, standing up and taking Eric’s hand. “He’s been helping Max to talk, walk, and is more of a father to him than Asher Keene has been. Asher has not utilized any of his weekend or holiday visitations since the divorce.”
“Wait? Doesn’t she have to have my permission for this farce too? Well, I don’t give it. What gives him the right to…”
“MR. KEENE! I’ll thank you to be silent and let me direct the line of conversation in this matter. Is this true, Mr. Keene, that you have not visited your son?”
“I’ve been working.”
“I believe your ex-wife works, too. Doesn’t she?” the judge pointed out, and looked at Asher. “Let me remind you that my next question is a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ question – it does not require elaboration. Didyoutakeyour sonfor a weekend or on a holiday since you were divorced from Mrs. Morrison?”
Asher stood there, and Madison could see he was gritting his teeth.
“Yes or no, Mr. Keene?”
“No, your Honor.”
“Was that your voice on the 911 recording?”
“Yes, your Honor.”
“I see,” the judge said, flipping open the folder before him. “And you are requesting that Mrs. Morrison payyouchild support, that you are requesting full custody of a child you haven’t visited in two years. It looks like you are also claiming entrapment, and that your ex-wife is actively slandering your good name in the community. Is this right so far?”
“Yes, your Honor.”
Asher was furious and it showed – and even his attorney looked very uncomfortable in that moment, remaining seated at the table and allowing Asher to stand alone.
