Chapter 36 Kinda Like Little Big Horn
The judge was on the bench flipping through the case file. He had a head full of salt and pepper hair cut neatly. His clean shaven face was punctuated by his gray eyes. A look on consternation flitted across his face and as quickly melted away. Judge Justin Millner moved precisely, authoritatively banging his gavel once to start the hearing. "Mr. Spooner, the state is ready?"
"Yes," Angus Spooner answered. Johnny wondered if he only imagined the pomposity of his demeanor.
" ?" inquired Judge Millner.
"Yes, Your honor," Charles replied evenly.
"I'd like to start by asking a few questions about your report, Mr. Spooner," the judge began.
Angus drew himself up straighter. "I'll be more than happy to expound upon any point."
"Good, good to hear. Then let's begin with Captain Gage," he stated.
"Of course. Your honor, I have a lot of experience with adoptions and well, I have serious doubts about Mister Gage," he began. "Besides the drinking issues I wrote about, there is always the unfortunate problem with integrity," he added with a phony shake of his head.
"I see," the judge gravely remarked. "Please explain."
"Well, uh, it's obvious, of course," Spooner hedged.
"Go on," the judge encouraged. JJ thought she heard a bit of cynicism in his tone. However, his countenance looked impassive.
"His background, of course," Angus said as if that was explanation enough.
"Oh, I see. You mean his history as the first paramedic to make a call from the field or his ten years of service as a county fireman?" the judge asked.
"No, his family background," Spooner explained. The judge leaned forward expectantly and simply waited. Johnny and JJ looked at Allen Charles thinking he might say something. He sat mute. "He's an…Indian," Angus finally said like he'd bitten into a rotten peach. "Alcoholism is a big problem with Indians. Everyone knows that. Hiding that leads to lying."
"Indian.." the judge repeated as he folded his hands. "You have proof of," the judge looked at a paper and read: alcoholism, gambling problems, veracity, and probable infidelity?"
As the last accusation was spoken, there was an audible gasp from the gallery. Johnny recognized Roy's voice and knew it was due to incredulity not belief. He was stock still. Sadly he'd heard it all before in one place or another. JJ stiffened in her chair. She hadn't anticipated the last charge and it took her by surprise. She worked to keep loathing from her face. Just hearing the list aloud was outrageous and vexing. Brian was the only one young enough to just voice his opinion without constraint, "That's just not true!"
"Shh," JJ soothed. Brian's face was a thundercloud, but he was quiet after he whispered, "What's veracity?" to his parents. Johnny wrote the answer on a piece of paper.
"It's all there," Angus replied.
"I see the report, Mr. Spooner. I was asking about statements from co-workers, financial information—you know evidence." Spooner shifted from one foot to another.
"I uh summarized the information," he offered.
"So, you interviewed people? Talked to the family, co-workers, teachers ,and Brian? Or perhaps you have copies of the statements made used for your summary." the judge pressed. "You have the reports with you?"
Spooner pulled at his tie then looked the judge in the eye. "I am the supervisor. As such I review reports from the social workers and if I see it is necessary, I often rework the final reports to make them more…concise."
"Yes, I have heard of your abilities to make reports 'more concise'," the judge replied blandly. Spooner smiled slightly still feeling in control. "So you also summarized the information on Mrs. Gage?" he continued without pausing. "Let's see, author…books of questionable morals?" He read on. Judge Millner looked over his reading glasses at Mrs. Gage. "I see you were a victim of crime, Mrs. Gage. My sympathies, never an easy thing." He went on mumbling bits and pieces. "Emotionally unstable…damaged…probable target of domestic abuse… Actually, I'm surprised we are even here, Mr. Spooner with all you have reported."
Angus shrugged and looked a bit chagrined. "The Gage's were very adamant, your honor." It was obvious he was laying this waste of time court time at their feet.
"Well, I wouldn't have even set a date on my docket based on this write up if I hadn't requested a copy of the social worker's original interview reports after seeing your name on the report. Let's see what Ms. Lister has to say. John Gage, fire captain, highly regarded by fire department and hospital staff, worked five years as a paramedic, neighbors at former apartment and current neighborhood reports he is very helpful, mows grass of several elderly neighbors, repairs done at apartment complex for various neighbors without pay when he was single, known for his integrity, likes the outdoors, orphan, has an easy way with kids, enthusiastic and energetic. Oh, yes he is part American Indian and spent some of his life on a reservation. He and his wife are writing children's books on Indian life and customs." He looked up at Johnny, "Nice photographs, by the way Mr. Gage." Millner's eyes swung to Angus. "Funny how this report is polar opposite of your concise summary, Mister Spooner," the judge stated with distain.
Angus Spooner was surprised enough he was speechless and the judge pressed on.
"Let's see what Ms. Lister has to report on Mrs. Gage," remarked Millner as he looked back down at the file. "JaneLee Gage: grew up as a missionaries' daughter, lived in Chicago, St. Louis and various parts of the Appalachians, one brother Max, killed in Vietnam, she graduated early from high school, has an RN degree her earned after her mother went into remission from cancer, worked as a home nurse in New York, inherited some money from one client, known as a efficient and compassionate nurse, author of ten romance novels, both parents now deceased, two thriller novels and is soon to release a new mystery novel about arson, an up and coming writer, a victim of crime, but has sought help, has been a leader of woman's support group, volunteers at Brian's elementary school, part of the women's auxiliary for the fire department, fills in at Rampart Hospital as a nurse, and teaches children at Sunday school" finished the judge as he looked up over the file folder. "Not the emotional wreck with questionable morals you painted, now is it?" He put up his hand to silence Angus Spooner who had started to speak. "And before you object, I read 'those' parts of her romance novels." He looked to JJ, "Well written, passionate but tasteful," he pronounced with a slight smile.
JJ sat stock still unsure what to think. Johnny smiled turning to their lawyer and Allen Charles gave him a' see it's all fine look'. Johnny draped his arm around his wife's shoulders and rubbed them reassuringly.
Spooner paled and his mouth was a tight line.
Judge Millner looked at Brian. "Son, I'm sorry you had to hear this drivel."
Brian answered directly as only a child can, "Yeah, It's too bad Mr. Spooner has issues." The judge laughed heartily. "None of what Mr. Spooner said is true, you know, right?" The judge nodded.
"So Brian, how do you feel about this adoption?" Millner asked.
"I really want to be a Gage, sir. Are you the one who decides?" Brian replied.
"Yes, son, I am the one who decides. Why do you want to be a Gage?
"They've been good to me and love me. I love them too. I never had a brother or sister before them. I love Nova. She is into worms now. Named them Sherman and Patty. They are night crawlers from the bait store she adopted after a fishing trip. They live in the compost heap. Or at least that's what Nova thinks. She looks for their babies around the yard. She's funny. I even have my first pet. Dudley was Moms' cat, but I help take of him now. He can even sleep with me. Duds like to play fetch like a dog. He's goofy. We also have two horses and I am learning to ride."
Judge Millner chuckled. "Duds sounds pretty great. Does Nova sleep with Sherman and Patty?"
"Well she wanted to, but Moms said she might roll over and squish them while she slept. I think it Moms really didn't want to have worms pooping in the bed," Brian shrugged and tilted his head to one side. Titters rippled around the room. "Now I have two more brothers or sisters coming. I have cousins now too, plus uncles and aunts. Some of my aunts and uncles came today. I don't remember my other dad much, sir. Dad, I mean Mr. Gage, he spends time with me, does stuff with me. We've made bird houses, a tree house, you know stuff like that. I help him fix things too. He said he'll show me how to take photographs. He is the kinda man I want to be someday. My first mom was great. I love her, miss her. Mrs. Gage, Moms, she was with me at the wreck, visited me in the hospital and checked on Mom before she, uh, she died. I was lucky enough to go home with the Gages after that. Moms is a great mom to me. She reads stories using the best voices. She lets me and my friends make forts in the living room. In fact, she usually helps. Not every kid gets two wonderful Moms, right? I just want to have this all over and go home sir."
The judge had been intently leaning forward while Brian talked, but it didn't escape his notice that the Gages both teared up. He gestured to the group sitting together in the gallery. "Those your aunts and uncles?"
Brian looked back. "Yep, some of them." He grinned. "Not everybody has Mexican, Irish and black uncles. Just lucky kids like me, Brian explained innocently. " My Uncle Ted is black, but he is working today," he added.
"Thank you Brian. That was a very complete answer." The judge turned to Johnny and JJ. "Captain and Mrs. Gage, I apologize for all the slander that was heard in this courtroom. Mr. Spooner does indeed have issues." The judge twisted to face Angus Spooner. "I had heard rumors about your leanings. I am sickened by how you have lied to block this adoption. I wonder what other lies you've spun and whose reputations you've sullied. You are charged with perjury in this hearing, Mr. Spooner. I suggest you get a good attorney with your one phone call." He nodded at the bailiff who escorted a stunned Spooner to be booked. "We'd be in a pickle now without a representative from the state, but if Ms. Lister would be so kind to come forward," Millner finished motioning to Vera Lister.
Ms. Lister walked in quick clipped steps carrying her briefcase and stood behind the table recently vacated by Spooner. "Judge, I whole heartedly recommend you approve the adoption of Brian Harrison to John and JaneLee Gage. I found them to have provided a loving, supportive home for Brian. Without any relatives to appeal to, Brian is very fortunate to have found such a wonderful family."
Millner fixed his gaze on the Gages. "Captain Gage, Mrs. Gage I am approving this adoption. You understand Brian is now your legal son. You are legally responsible for his health and safety until he is eighteen."
"Yes," they both replied smiling broadly. Johnny hugged Brian to his side.
"Brian, have you discussed what name you want to use?" inquired Millner.
"Yes sir. I want to drop my old middle name and use my last name as my new middle name. Brian Harrison Gage has a nice sound to it."
"Then that's what the adoption certificate will reflect Brian", Judge Millner said.
Brian asked breathlessly, "So when I go back to school, I can start calling myself Brian Gage?"
"Of course son," the judge replied and he addressed Johnny and JJ. "We will type in his new name and you can pick up the paperwork today in the clerk's office. We'll give you a copy to present to his school. His new birth certificate, social security card will come via mail in a few weeks. Congratulations. Brian is a lucky boy." He banged the gavel and then turned to confer with the bailiff.
Ms. Lister stopped. "I am so pleased for you Brian," she said. "Mr. Gage, Mrs. Gage congratulations. I know Brian couldn't be in better hands." Then she nodded pleasantly and walked away. Sometimes being a social worker had its rewards, she thought.
From the gallery, Roy and the others rushed forward save Elaine. She slipped to crack open the door and gesture for Nova, Rachel and Eric to come in. For a bit there was a tangle of people hugging then they flowed out into the hall. JJ looked back as she was swept away and her eyes met Johnny's. He smiled as she was pulled with the group around the corner. He sensed Roy by his side.
Roy was looking down obviously troubled. "That stuff he said was pure bull, Johnny. Spooner … it's hard to fathom, you know?" Unspoken was the apology for not really understanding the garbage Johnny must have put up with and heard over the years.
"Yeah pally," Johnny replied, "I believe JJ used her fancy author words and put it best. He's a jackass." Roy looked up, his blue eyes went wide for a second and he chuffed. "Course for all the Spooners, there are the people like the judge, Charles and Ms. Lister...you. Good outweighs the bad," Johnny finished punctuating it with a crooked smile.
Roy smiled back. Johnny's upbeat attitude never ceased to amaze him. He draped an arm over his best friend's shoulders. "I believe I owe you a beer, junior." They passed through the doorway and into the throng of people.
"Junior? Really Roy?" Johnny fussed halfheartedly. "We are BOTH captains you know…"
"Of course," Roy replied. "Of course we are. However, I am senior captain because of my years in service," he added cheekily.
Johnny turned to face him, ready to start a rant and saw the twinkle in Roy's eyes. "Twit.." he muttered. "That's two beers, DeSoto."