Chapter 7: The Morning Robert Found Out
The courthouse was quiet at eight-fifteen in the morning.
Patricia was already there when my mother and I arrived, a folder under her arm, speaking in low tones with a younger colleague.
She broke off when she saw us.
"Robert's attorney called me at seven," she said.
"Robert knows."
"How?"
"The filing is public record.
His attorney monitors the docket." She guided us toward a bench in the hallway.
"He filed a counter-motion forty minutes ago claiming you are mentally unfit and that the child was placed with Dana voluntarily for medical reasons."
"Voluntarily." The word tasted like something rotten.
"He's going to argue that you consented to a temporary placement while you recovered, and that you are now, in his words, in a state of emotional crisis that makes your account unreliable."
"I never signed anything."
"I know.
That is going to be a problem for him." She glanced toward the courtroom doors.
"He's here.
His attorney is Garrett Moss.
Moss is aggressive.
He will try to rattle you.
Do not respond to anything he says directly.
Look at me or look at the judge."
I nodded.
"One more thing." She paused.
"Robert requested that Willie be brought in for a brief interview with a court-appointed child advocate this morning.
I've agreed to it.
I want the judge to hear from Willie directly, in a safe setting, because what Willie saw is the foundation of this entire case."
My stomach tightened.
"He's eight."
"I know.
The advocate is very experienced with children.
Willie will not be in the courtroom.
He will be in a separate room with someone who knows how to talk to him." She held my gaze.
"He already told you the truth once.
He will tell it again."
The courtroom doors opened.
Robert was already seated at the table across the aisle.
He was wearing the gray suit he wore to important meetings.
His attorney leaned close and said something in his ear.
Robert looked up and found my eyes across the room.
He looked away first.
The judge entered at eight-thirty-two.
She was a small woman with reading glasses and a stillness that filled the room.
Patricia stood.
"Your Honor, we are requesting an emergency order for the immediate location and return of an infant female, biological daughter of the petitioner, currently in the custody of Dana Calloway, the respondent's sister, following what we will demonstrate was an unauthorized transfer of the child at birth, without the mother's knowledge or consent, accompanied by a deliberate false report of the child's death."
Garrett Moss was on his feet before she finished.
"Your Honor, the petitioner is currently under psychiatric care for a documented anxiety disorder and has a history of—"
"Mr.
Moss." The judge's voice did not rise.
"You will have your turn."
He sat down.
May you like
The judge looked at Patricia.
"Proceed."
