Chapter 6 - The Broken Mask
Russell slowly backed away from the angry bailiff and collapsed into his chair.
His tailored charcoal suit suddenly looked wrinkled, and his confident posture was completely gone.
Judge Leonard leaned down over the massive wooden bench, focusing entirely on my brave son.
The judge patiently asked, "Why do you wear that shirt every day, Toby?"
Toby looked down at the tiny embroidered moon near his front pocket.
Toby softly explained, "My mom bought this for me with her very last dollar."
He continued, "She worked on her hands and knees scrubbing floors just so I could have something special."
I pressed my hands over my mouth to quiet the sob trying to tear its way out of my throat.
Welch scoffed loudly, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling.
The lawyer mockingly interrupted, "Your Honor, this is an incredibly touching, obviously rehearsed sob story."
He added, "It proves nothing except that Brenda Davenport is manipulating this child to win sympathy."
Toby slowly turned his head to look directly at the expensive attorney.
Toby stated firmly, "My mom did not tell me to say anything."
He added, "She actually told me to be quiet and be polite, no matter what happened today."
Judge Leonard nodded, clearly impressed by the boy's calm demeanor in such a terrifying place.
The judge asked, "Then why did you stand up, Toby?"
Toby answered, "Because that lawyer said my mom cannot take care of me, and that is a giant lie."
He turned to look at his father, who was now visibly shaking in his expensive seat.
Toby declared, "My dad is the one who does not know how to take care of a kid."
Russell slammed his fist down on the defense table.
Russell screamed across the room, "Shut your mouth right now, you ungrateful brat!"
A collective gasp echoed through the gallery as spectators watched the wealthy father completely lose control.
Judge Leonard furiously slammed his gavel down, the sound echoing like a gunshot.
The judge roared, "One more word from you, Mister Davenport, and you will spend the night in the county jail!"
Russell sank down in his chair, his face bright red with uncontrollable rage.
The mask of the perfect, caring father had completely shattered in front of everyone.
Toby calmly reached up and grabbed the top button of his faded navy collar.
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Toby quietly said, "My mom thinks I have a bad memory, but I actually remember everything."
He finished, "And I brought all the proof you need right here."
