Chapter 7: The Hearing
At nine the next morning, Marlene sat beside an attorney while Gabriel held Amelia’s hand across the courtroom.
Marlene’s attorney rose.
“Mr.
Hart travels extensively.
Mrs.
Hart has provided daily care for three years.”
Gabriel’s lawyer, Naomi Reed, placed the trust records on her table.
“Care funded by false claims and f0rged authorizations.”
“The financial allegations are disputed,” the attorney replied.
“Today concerns stability.”
Marlene dabbed her eyes.
“I made mistakes because I was desperate to keep the family together.”
Gabriel leaned toward Naomi.
“She’s making herself the victim.”
“Let her talk,” Naomi whispered.
“Every word closes another door.”
The judge looked at Gabriel.
“How many nights were you away last year?”
“Eighty-seven.”
Marlene’s attorney held up a calendar.
“Nearly three months.”
Amelia’s fingers slipped from Gabriel’s hand.
The judge removed his glasses.
“Until the financial investigation is complete, I am considering temporary placement with a neutral relative.”
“No,” Amelia whispered.
Gabriel stood.
“Your Honor, please—”
“Sit down, Mr.
Hart.”
The side door opened before he could obey.
Mrs.
Collins entered with Bryce and Theo behind her.
Naomi rose.
“Your Honor, we have three witnesses whose information became available this morning.”
Marlene turned sharply.
“Why are the boys here?”
Bryce stared at the floor.
“Because you told us to lie too.”
Marlene’s attorney touched her arm.
“Say nothing.”
Mrs.
Collins took the witness chair.
“Amelia arrived at school hungry six times.
She saved food in her backpack because she did not know where she would eat dinner.”
Gabriel gripped the table.
“Why wasn’t I called?”
“I called the home number.
Mrs.
Hart said you knew and asked us not to interfere.”
Mrs.
Collins handed Naomi printed emails.
“Then I contacted the number listed for Gabriel.
Marlene answered those messages as well.”
Theo climbed into the second chair.
“Grandma said Amelia had to look difficult when the clipboard lady came.”
Marlene stood.
“They are children.
They misunderstand games.”
Bryce finally looked at her.
“It wasn’t a game when you made me knock over Amelia’s things for the pictures.”
Naomi placed enlarged photographs before the judge.
One showed Amelia beside broken toys.
A reflection in the window showed Marlene arranging the pieces.
The judge faced Marlene.
“Did you stage this image?”
“I was documenting her behavior.”
“Answer the question.”
Marlene looked at Gabriel.
“Your wife knew you couldn’t handle that child alone.”
Gabriel surged to his feet.
“Do not use Nora against me.”
Marlene smiled faintly.
“Then perhaps you should read the letter she left with me.”
She removed a sealed envelope from her purse.
May you like
“Nora asked me to seek custody if Gabriel ever put work before Amelia,” Marlene said.
“And this letter proves it.”
