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“I couldn’t afford to retain one and pay for Max’s care as well.”
“So, you put your child first, your husband’s ring first, and paid your medical bills first, before addressing the disposal, and you are not countering for anything other than full custody of Max at this time?”
“I just want my son – and for Eric to adopt him.”
“Then why include the bills?”
“Because my ex-husband was building a case against me based off his impression of our life, and I wanted to give you facts.”
“You’re too nice,” the judge said bluntly, pointing at her. “You are too nice to that man, and you need to learn how to stand up for yourself. Because of the obvious degrading manner in which Mr. Asher Keene referred to his son on an official record provided by the police department, I do not believe it is in Max’s best interest to be raised in that environment. He looks happy, healthy, and loved by both parents… and I would be happy to finalize the adoption papers once you fill them out and Mr. Keene approves them.”
The judge looked at her ex-husband expectantly.
“I absolutely do not approve!” Asher snapped – and the people witnessing the hearing started tittering nervously as his attorney put his head down in his hands.
“Interesting,” the judge said with a smirk. “Mrs. Morrison, I am awarding you full custody of your son to do with as you please…”
“WHAT?!” Asher screamed angrily.
“Oh, I’m going to enjoy this…” the judge muttered openly. “I am also granting the restraining order that was requested six months ago, lengthening the time you are to stay away from your ex-wife. Wanna make another comment, Mr. Keene?”
“Yeah, this is the most corrupt…”
“AND,” the judge spoke over him loudly. “I am also fining you, Mr. Keene, the cost of the disposal, Mrs. Morrison’s medical bills, the cost of her wedding ring repair, and an additional fee to compensate her for loss of work and emotional trauma – to the tune of fifty-seven hundred dollars,” he continued, pointing at Madison.
“Much too nice, young lady…”
“This is bull…”
“I CAN DO THIS ALL DAY, MR. KEENE!” the judge roared angrily. “And because I am terminating your custody rights, you will not pay any more in child support, but I am issuing alimony for the last two years that this fiasco has been going on… and you can also pay the court filing fees for the adoption that is going to happen right now. Do you want to comment on that, or shall I just find you in contempt of court also?”
Madison didn’t want to be cruel towards her ex – however – she also wasn’t about to open her mouth either. No, he dug his own hole, and was no longer a part of her life.
She slid her hand into Eric’s and felt him lace his fingers with hers.
“Is there any other comments, questions, concerns?” the judge said arrogantly, and looked around the room. “Does this meet with your satisfaction, Mrs. Morrison… Yes or No?”
“Yes, your Honor.”
“I bet,” the judge muttered. “And you, Mr. Keene? Did you or your lawyer have any further comments to make?”
“No, sir.”
The judge looked over the entire courtroom and then pointed his gavel towards Madison, nearly giving her heart failure.
“… And John? Make sure that your boys give him a chance to leave here unscathed. I really don’t want to see him again regarding accusations of police harassment or a bunch made-up charges like this case contained.”
“Why Eugene…” Lily’s husband protested, his lips twitching. “We uphold the law, your Honor, and follow it to the letter. I would recommend Mr. Keene stop for three seconds at every stop sign and use his turn signals faithfully. Safety first on the roads, you know...”
“John, don’t make me angry. Lily, get your husband under control before his smart mouth gets him in trouble.”
“Absolutely, your Honor,” Lily said formally. “… And thank you.”
“Case dismissed,” the judge slammed down the gavel several times, and instructed Madison and Eric to another room to fill out paperwork. Her mind was reeling at the events of the day, what had happened, what was said, and what this all meant for them.
“That’s it?” Eric said nervously to the judge, who was standing there.
“That’s it,” he replied, “You’ve got yourself a son, Mr. Morrison.”
