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“Aggravated assault and theft of property, sir.”
The judge nodded and wrote. No reaction. Michael would kill for that kind of poker face, but it was his job. He probably heard things like that all day, and maybe even worse.
“Do you currently use any drugs or alcohol?” the judge asked, briefly looking up from his notes.
“No, sir.”
“He’s lying!” Marilyn yelled out, standing at her table. “He’s always using! He’s a drug addict and a sex addict! He’s toxic!”
Judge Pritchard banged his gavel down. “Quiet down or you will be removed. One more outburst like that and you won’t ever be allowed in here again, and that certainly won’t help your case.” His gaze was sharp on her, and she quickly sat down, eyebrows arched as she waited.
“Are you currently using, Mr. Brennan?”
“No, Your Honor, I’m sober. I’ve been sober for about a year. I got clean in prison and in recovery since I’ve been released. I attend nightly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and see a counselor weekly along with my parole officer.”
“Do you plan on relocating with the child?”
“No, sir.”
“How much money do you bring home weekly?”
Here’s where Marilyn would look better. She made far more money than he did. “About 500 dollars a week, Your Honor.”
“What’s your work schedule like at the mechanic shop?”
“Early. 6:30 in the morning to around 3:00 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. Occasional half days until noon on Saturdays.”
“Who would be able to watch your son when you have to be at work so early?”
Michael wasn’t ready for that question but had looked into resources he could use if it happened. “The school has a before school program that allows early drop off. My supervisor also said he could alter my schedule if needed. I can go in later and then Jace can ride the bus to the shop and wait for me to get off.”
“What is your dating situation like right now?”
Here’s where he’d blow it. How much detail did the judge expect? “I’m currently in a pretty serious relationship with someone. Just seeing her, and no one else.” He heard Marilyn scoff and wished she’d have another outburst, but she just glared at him and shook her head.
“And your living situation? Being on parole requires a good home address.”
“Yes, Your Honor. I’m currently living with my girlfriend, who has been approved by my parole officer.”
“Is there anything you would like to share with me before I end the questions?”
Michael looked at Haize, who was still smiling. Maybe he was doing better than he felt. “I can’t sit up here and say I’ll be a good dad, because I’ve never had the chance. I didn’t know about my son until I got out of prison. It’s not that I abandoned him. I simply didn’t know about him. But I want the chance to be a good dad to him. I want him to have the things I never did as a kid. I know my past is bad. I know I made bad decisions. I’m not that man anymore. People change, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Please let me have the chance to be a father to my son.”
“You can go sit down at the table,” Judge Pritchard said. “Now, I will review your answers as well as my investigation into both parents, as well as the people involved. Husbands, girlfriends, supervisors, all of it. I’ll even talk with your parole officer, Mr. Brennan. I want to thank you both for coming here today and answering my questions. We will reconvene here on Friday at 8:30 AM.” He hit his gavel and stood, leaving them in the courtroom.
Michael let out a deep breath, glad it was over, but still nervous about having to wait. It was Tuesday. Three more days was going to be excruciating.
“You hit it out of the park, Mikey.” Haize leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Aw, look at the lovebirds.” Marilyn approached them, pulling on Jace to join them. “Did you forget you were under oath up there, Mikey?”
“I’m not going to do this right here, Marilyn. And certainly not in front of Jace.”
“One girlfriend. Yeah right.” Marilyn looked at Haize. “He’s a man whore. He’s not being faithful to you.”
“I’m sorry, do I know you?” Haize stood and Michael followed, Marilyn standing firm and a little too close to them.
“I’m the woman your man can’t seem to get over.” She smirked. “He still wants me. He never could say no. What’s it like getting my sloppy seconds?”
