Chapter 7 - The Emergency Hearing
Before the FBI moved in, David’s high-priced, sleazy family lawyer filed an emergency ex parte motion for sole custody of Chloe, claiming Rachel was a flight risk and I was a disgruntled, vindictive spouse.
The hearing took place in a sterile family courthouse. David sat at the petitioner’s table in a wrinkled suit, looking exhausted but arrogant. Helen sat behind him, glaring daggers at Rachel and me.
“Your Honor,” David’s lawyer began, “my client is a devoted father who has been subjected to a malicious smear campaign by his soon-to-be ex-wife. We demand immediate physical custody of the minor child and a restraining order against the biological mother.”
The judge, a stern woman with no patience for theatrics, looked at me. “Does the respondent have counsel?”
I stood up. “I do not need counsel for this matter, Your Honor, because this court no longer has jurisdiction over the petitioner’s custody claims.”
David scoffed out loud. “She thinks she’s above the law!”
“No,” I said, pulling a stack of federal indictments from my briefcase and dropping them heavily onto the table. “I think you are under federal investigation. Your Honor, I am submitting these sealed documents from the State Fraud Bureau and the FBI. David has been officially indicted for medical neglect, child endangerment, wire fraud, and identity theft.”
The judge’s eyes widened as she scanned the top sheet.
David’s lawyer leaned over, looked at the papers, and physically pushed his chair away from David. “Your Honor... I was unaware of these criminal charges. I must request to withdraw as counsel immediately.”
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“Sit down, counselor, you’re not going anywhere yet,” the judge barked. She glared at David. “Mr. David Vance, your emergency motion is denied with extreme prejudice. Custody is immediately restored to the biological mother, Rachel. Furthermore—”
The courtroom doors banged open.
