Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
As I walk with him into the courtroom, I can feel the weight of the ring on my finger. I want to lift my hand and look at it, but I don’t dare. All eyes are on us, but Miller doesn’t hesitate. Not even with the Davenports glaring at us. We walk to the front and shake hands with Mr. Carson, my lawyer. I’ve talked to him on the phone, but this is the first time I’ve met him in person.
He gestures to the chairs, and I sit down first with Miller following.
I look over at Jack and Mary, and a pit forms in my stomach. Could they have had something to do with my sister’s death? Are they really that evil?
The judge walks in, and we all rise. It’s not until we’re sitting down and there’s a commotion in the back that I see Logan, Zach, Skyler, Bree, Aria, Guy, and Ozzy all sitting in the row behind us.
The judge starts talking, and we all sit down.
I try to stay focused.
The judge addresses the room. “Good morning. This court convenes to hear the case of Jack and Mary Davenport versus Lindsey Casey and Miller Brody, a custody matter concerning the minor child, Elijah Davenport.”
“Objection, Your Honor.”
The judge lets out a quiet chuckle, glancing toward the Davenports’ attorney. “Mr. Gable, we haven’t even begun. On what grounds?”
Mr. Gable rises, buttoning his jacket. “Your Honor, we are here to address custody of Elijah Davenport, and I fail to see the relevance of Mr. Brody’s presence in this matter.”
My attorney exchanges a look with Miller. He gives a small nod.
He stands. “Your Honor, Mr. Brody is the fiancé of Miss Casey and a primary figure in the child’s current living arrangement. His presence is both relevant and necessary to these proceedings.”
Mrs. Davenport shoots to her feet. “That’s a lie. She’s manipulated her way into his life. This is exactly what she does.”
Miller stiffens beside me. My hands curl into fists in my lap.
“Mrs. Davenport, sit down,” the judge says sharply. “You will have an opportunity to speak through counsel.” I’m surprised actually. I thought for sure that the Davenports would have paid off the judge or something, but with the way he’s talking to her, maybe that’s not the case.
My attorney doesn’t miss a beat. “Your Honor, given the volatility already on display, we would also like to address the matter of the temporary restraining order currently in place against the Davenports.”
Mr. Gable exhales loudly. “Your Honor, that order is excessive and unwarranted. My clients have every right to see their grandchild.”
Miller rises before my attorney can respond, his voice controlled but firm. “Your Honor, with all due respect, Eli’s safety comes first.”
The courtroom stills.
The judge studies him. “Mr. Brody, you’ll speak through counsel.”
Miller nods once, jaw tight, and sits back down.
My attorney steps forward. “Your Honor, due to an ongoing investigation involving the Davenports, we are requesting that the temporary restraining order be extended and that any consideration of custody or visitation be postponed for no less than one week, pending further findings.”
Mr. Gable shakes his head. “This is a delaying tactic—nothing more.” He thumbs through his papers. “What ongoing investigation?”
“Or,” my attorney counters evenly, “it is a precaution to protect a minor child.” He pauses almost dramatically. “The file with the ongoing investigation is in front of you, Your Honor, and you as well, Mr. Gable.”
The judge opens the folders and reads for a few minutes. He then closes the file and holds it up. “Mr. Carson, there are some extreme allegations in this file.”
My attorney nods, and the judge leans back, steepling his fingers as the room falls silent.
“Given the circumstances and the mention of an active investigation, this court finds it prudent to proceed with caution.”
My breath catches.
“The temporary restraining order will remain in effect. Consideration of custody and visitation is hereby postponed for seven days, at which point this court expects a full update on the status of the investigation.”
Mrs. Davenport makes a sound of protest, but the judge’s gavel comes down once.
“Court is adjourned.”
My mouth falls open. Seven days. Another week of this. Miller turns to me and holds my hand. “Honey, you okay?”
I nod, and he helps me from my chair. Almost instantly, I’m enveloped in hugs from his family. “We got you,” Skyler whispers in my ear as she holds on to me.
Zach circles his arms around Skyler and rests his hands on her pregnant belly. “We’re going to lunch at Red’s. You two want to join us?”
Miller looks at me, and I nod. “Yeah, I can eat.”
Miller pulls me into his side. “We’ll meet you there.”
The Davenports glare at us as they walk by, but the Brodys are like a wall between me and them. Once they’re gone, Miller walks us to his car. “Have you heard from Mike?”