As a homicide detective I'm used to being in a courtroom. Actually my whole career with the Milwaukee Police Department the district attorney' s office has favored putting me on the stand. Apparently being a young female officer appeals to jurors and judges alike, and I've been told being attractive doesn't hurt either.

Unfortunately most of these traits that have mead me a good witness in the past may hurt me today. The only way any of my assets could work in my favor is if the female judge now taking the entering the courtroom happened to be gay and like brunettes.

"All rise." The bailiff began, "The honorable Judge Marcella Leigh Powell presiding."

I took a deep breath hoping to calm my nerves. I had been hoping for weeks that this would go away or be settled outside a courtroom but here I was bright and early standing in front of a judge in family court.

"Mr. Dennison I see here you are petitioning for full custody of your five year old son Sebastian?" The judge asked as she glanced through the folder in front of her.

"Yes your honor." Aiden said confidently.

"May I ask why the current arrangement of shared custody is not working?"

"Two reasons your honor." Aiden began smugly. His arrogance I used to find endearing was really pissing me off, but I had to remain calm. "The major issue is my ex's job. She is lead detective of homicide for the MPD."

"I hope you're not implying that a civil worker is not capable of juggling job and family Mr. Dennison." Judge Powell injected.

The dumbfounded look on Aiden's face almost made me laugh, it was priceless. The judge's quick comment had derailed his train of thought but unfortunately he quickly regained his focus.

"Not at all your honor, I am only speaking of my ex and her specific job." Aiden made sure to finish with the flirtiest grin he could manage.

"Continue." Judge Powell replied with no sign of reaction to Aiden's advances, possibly score one for me.

"As lead detective, there are many demands on her time." Aiden made sure to wave towards me. What, I stop sleeping with him and he forgets my name? "She's called out to crime scenes day and night. I'm afraid our son is being looked after more by neighbors and friends more than his own mother." he finished with an emotional plea that was as fake as Pamela Anderson's tits.

I felt a sense of relief that Aiden had kept his garbage spewing to a minimum but that was short lived. He started up again after a short pause which he probably thought showed him regaining his composure. "Your honor I am also concerned with her lifestyle. She practically lives in a bar and I don't know what kind of women our son is being exposed to."

"Alright Mr. Dennison, I think I've heard enough." Judge Powell said as she turned to face me. One last deep breath before I heard, "Detective Davies, I have some questions for you about Mr. Dennison's allegations."

"Okay your honor." I said with as much confidence as I could muster.

"First of all, how time consuming is your job Dt. Davies?" Judge Powell asked with a slight smile.

A little more confidence flowed through me when I realized she was probably family. "I don't deny that my job at times requires a lot of my time but I have always devoted as much one on one time to my son as I can while working hard to provide for him and myself."

"Dt. Davies, when Sebastian is in your care what happens when you are called away?"

"I call my sister who lives next door to me and she watches him."

Aiden quickly interrupted, "Your honor her sister Kyla is the city medical examiner. Many times when Ashley is called away Kyla is as well. Then what?"

"Be quiet Mr. Dennison. You had your chance to speak. It is Dt. Davies turn. Now Detective what does happen when Ms. Davies is called to a scene as well."

I was ready for this question so Aiden's interruption did not affect me. "Either Kyla's husband watches him or I call Aiden to make arrangements. I would never leave my son unattended."

"Now what do you have to say in response to Mr. Dennison's claims about your lifestyle?" Judge Powell said to move along the proceedings.

"The bar he says I live in is my father's bar, his after retirement pet project. I work there some days or stop in for a drink other days but only when Sebastian is with his father. Your honor between my job, my dad's bar and my son I barely have time to sleep much less have much of a social life." I admitted sadly.

"Thank you Detective Davies. Now Mr. Dennison I see here you have been unemployed for several months. And before that you were only employed a few months at a time for the three years before that?"

"That's correct your honor."

"How d you plan to support your son full time and yourself with no income? And if you mention child support I will not hesitate to dismiss this case." Judge Powell warned sternly.

"Your honor, I am currently living with my parents until I get back on my feet." Aiden said with a slight sense of nerves.

"Mr. Dennison you've lived with your parents for over three years. Are you confident you will find a steady job? If not maybe we should include your parents who will be supporting you and your son."

"Your honor," I interrupted. I wasn't sure I was doing the right thing but this had to end. "I think I have a compromise."

"Go ahead Dt. Davies."

"I own a duplex and my tenant had to move home to care for his ailing mother. Aiden could live there and that way he's there if I'm called away as well as being able to monitor Sebastian's living environment."

"Interesting. Mr. Dennison is this an agreement you would consider?"

"It could work." Aiden said with a shrug.

"Dt. Davies, what kind of financial agreement do you have in mind?"

"Honestly I'm not sure your honor. I'm more concerned about Aiden finding a job first; we'll discuss that once he's employed." I hoped the judge would accept that non-answer.

"Alright if both sides are in agreement?" she looked between us both and in unison said, "Yes your honor!"

"Good, you will return in three months for a status update where we'll re-evaluate the situation. I hope by then you can report employment."

"Yes your honor." Aiden replied eagerly nodding his head.

"Dismissed."

I quickly exited the courtroom, Aiden's babbling having made me a half an hour late. I don't know which made me more furious: Aiden's arrogance, being late, or being stupid enough to offer to support her ex financially. Any way around it, this was not a good way to start the day.