Chapter 6 — The Ruling

Judge Harlan’s eyes were like flint as they locked onto Grant.

The silence was so absolute you could hear the wall clock ticking.

“Mr. Bellamy,” the judge said, dangerously quiet.

“You have presented this court with a narrative of a mother’s unfitness based on poverty — a poverty that, I am beginning to suspect, you actively engineered by withholding support. You presented photographic evidence of neglect that you yourself manufactured. And you attempted to dispose of a child’s property because it contradicted the false reality you were paying thousands of dollars to build.”

Carroway stood, panicked. “Your Honor, my client—”

“If you speak again before I address you, Counselor, I will hold you in contempt and have you escorted to a holding cell,” Judge Harlan roared.