Chapter 6 - The Arrest
“Your Honor,” Sarah Bennett’s voice cut through the silence like a whip. “Along with this footage, we have submitted financial records proving Mr. Vance has embezzled over two million dollars to cover his accomplice’s gambling debts. We are requesting immediate, full custody be returned to my client, and the temporary restraining order be vacated.”
“Granted,” Judge Davies slammed her gavel. “In my thirty years on the bench, I have rarely seen such calculated, malicious abuse of the legal system—and of a child.”
The judge looked toward the bailiff. “Bailiff, lock the courtroom doors. Do not let anyone leave.”
Mark stood up, his hands shaking. “Your Honor, please, that video is taken out of context! She set me up! Jillian is dangerous!”
“The only dangerous person in this room is you, Mr. Vance,” Judge Davies snapped. “I am signing an emergency warrant for your arrest, and for the arrest of Vivian Cole, on charges of child endangerment, fraud, and perjury.”
Two heavily armed courthouse deputies moved in.
Vivian shrieked as a deputy grabbed her wrist, slapping cold steel cuffs onto her. “Get off me! Mark made me do it! It was his idea! He hit Leo, not me!”
“Shut up, Vivian!” Mark screamed as a deputy slammed him face-first onto the plaintiff’s table, cuffing his hands behind his back.
Jillian stood up. She walked slowly over to Mark. He craned his neck to look at her, his eyes wild with panic.
“You wanted a war, Mark,” Jillian whispered, leaning in close so only he could hear. “You lost.”
The heavy oak doors at the back of the courtroom opened. A CPS social worker walked in, holding the hand of a little boy.
Leo looked around the scary, wood-paneled room. Then, his eyes locked onto Jillian.
“Mommy!”
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Jillian dropped to her knees. Leo ran across the aisle, colliding with her. She buried her face in his neck, breathing in his scent, crying for the first time since she had come home.
“I’ve got you, baby,” she sobbed. “I’ve got you. Nobody is ever going to hurt you again.”
