A/N: Thanks for reading, reviewing and following! It's really appreciated, and I'm glad you liked the last chapter! It was a fun one to write. This one was pretty fun to write too. I think you'll be able to figure out which section I really enjoyed writing. I'm sorry for posting a little later today. I went to see 'Phantom of the Opera' with some friends. It was a re-staging of the original play and was really good. I didn't have time to proofread this before the show, and it needed to be reviewed. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Bianca woke up early, actually a full 30 minutes before the alarm was set to go off. She smiled softly at her sleeping wife. Marissa had stayed late at work the last two nights preparing for what was coming. As the redhead had expected, Pete had filed an appeal of the restraining order and the expedited custody hearing as well as filing a motion of his own that asked for Sam's immediate removal from the Walkers' home and for her to be placed in his client's care. Her wife had told her she really wasn't surprised at all by that last motion and had actually half expected it. Marissa and Claudia had been putting in long hours over the last two days as a result of the motions that were filed by Pete and had enlisted Lisa to help them. They wanted to make sure they were covered for every possible contingency, both legal and illegal. Marissa didn't trust either Pete or his client, and the reports she was receiving from Mitch were proving her right. Bianca didn't know everything that was going on, but she did know that her wife wasn't putting anything past her opposing counsel. Desperate people often resorted to desperate measures. This was something Marissa was all too familiar with because of JR. She was going to do everything she could legally to make sure Sam didn't fall victim to the desperate actions of Pete and Russ. To do this, she had to be prepared for any underhanded tactics they may employ.
Today, a hearing was set on the various motions that had been filed. This was the reason why Bianca had woken up early. While Marissa didn't seem nervous, Bianca was and probably enough for both of them. She knew there was no way she was going to be able to get back to sleep at this point so she carefully got out of bed, making a point not to disturb Marissa. The brunette grabbed her robe and padded down the hallway to the kitchen. While she wouldn't be able to argue against what she saw as frivolous motions, Bianca did plan on being there to give not only Marissa her support but also Sam and the rest of the Walker family. Bianca quickly decided that she would begin today's support of her wife with making breakfast, one where Marissa could sit back and relax before heading into battle. It wasn't a lot, but it was something. The brunette only wished she could do more.
With the coffee starting to brew, Bianca set about getting the ingredients together for pancakes after she had gotten the bacon started. The brunette hummed quietly to herself as she worked. She was startled momentarily by a pair of soft arms encircling her waist from behind.
A low chuckle escaped from Marissa at her wife's reaction. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
Bianca turned around to face the redhead while remaining in her embrace. She sighed happily and gave her wife a quick kiss. "What are you doing up? You still have a few minutes to sleep. You need the rest."
Marissa shrugged. "I woke up, and the bed was cold and lonely. It was because you weren't there, and you know I don't sleep very well without you next to me."
"That makes two of us. I'm sorry. I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep. My brain started going, and I couldn't turn it off. I didn't want to wake you. Then, I got the idea of fixing you and the kids breakfast. I know it's your turn to do it, but I know you have a lot on your mind today. I thought I could take one thing off your plate so you could relax a little before court. This was supposed to be a surprise."
"Hmmm, it still is and very thoughtful of you like always. Thank you. There's one thing missing though."
The brunette's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's that?"
Marissa grinned. "Our proper good morning kiss."
"But I just kissed you."
"Yes, and while I enjoyed it like I do all of your kisses, it wasn't our proper good morning kiss."
Warm chocolate eyes sparkled with amusement and more than a hint of lust. "Oh, I'm sorry. Will you give me a chance to make it up to you?"
"I suppose I can. I mean you are making me chocolate chip pancakes after all."
"Thank you." Bianca then captured Marissa's lips. It started slow, and soon, both women became lost in each other.
The couple reluctantly separated when the kiss became heated. Neither wanted to start something they couldn't finish, and there just really wasn't enough time to finish right now, at least not the way they would want. The only thing that would be accomplished if they continued would be that both women would be left frustrated.
"Much better. Good morning, beautiful."
The goofy grin that made Marissa's heart skip a beat spread across Bianca's face. "I couldn't agree more, and dang it, you beat me to it. I don't care though. I'm still going to say it. Good morning yourself, beautiful." Bianca then bent down and placed a loving kiss on Marissa's belly. "Good morning, little one."
Marissa sighed happily. "I love you so much."
"No more than I love you."
"What can I do to help?"
"Nothing. Scratch that. You can go sit down and relax. I've got things under control." Bianca shooed her wife towards the kitchen table. "Go ahead and sit. I'll bring you some coffee."
"Fine. You know, you can be bossy sometimes. I like it." Marissa waggled her eyebrows.
Bianca raised an eyebrow. "So you've told me. How did you sleep?"
"Not bad, once I was able to turn my brain off. I didn't keep you up, did I?"
"No, you didn't." The brunette set a mug of coffee in front of her wife. "Are you ready for today?"
Marissa groaned appreciatively after taking a sip. "I love you even more than I did a few minutes ago."
Bianca laughed. "Nice to know that coffee enhances your feelings for me. Now, answer the question."
"As ready as I'm ever going to be."
"Morning, Mommies!"
The couple turned to see their youngest standing in the doorway clutching Minx.
"Good morning, Monkey!"
"Good morning, Baby!"
Gabby's eyes widened in delight. "We're having chocolate chip pancakes?!"
"Yep, I thought it'd be a nice treat for everyone. Have a seat, and I'll get you some milk." Usually, pancakes were reserved for the weekend or special occasions because there wasn't enough time to fix them and to really enjoy them during the week when they were rushing around getting ready for work and school.
Marissa helped Gabby get settled in her seat while Bianca went to retrieve her daughter's drink.
"Mornin'. Is that bacon?" AJ mumbled right before a huge yawn escaped.
"Good morning, Buddy, and yes, it is. Your Mom is making pancakes and bacon for us."
"Chocolate chip pancakes?" Miranda asked hopefully as she rubbed her eyes joining the others.
"Are there any other kind for this family?" Bianca smiled as she brought glasses of milk for all three children. "Good morning, AJ. Good morning, Mimo." She dropped a kiss on top of each of their heads.
"Morning, Mom. Morning, Ma."
"Good morning, Mimo. Why are all three of you up so early today?"
AJ and Gabby glanced at Miranda, the trio's appointed spokesperson.
"We know you have Sam's hearing today. We wanted to wish you good luck and tell you that we know you'll do good."
Marissa somehow managed to keep herself from crying at the children's thoughtfulness. "Thank you. We really do have amazing kids, B."
Bianca nodded and struggled to contain her own tears. "Yes, we do."
"Do you think the judge will let Sam stay with the Walkers?"
"I sure hope so, Mimo. I'm going to do my best to make sure that happens."
"If anyone can do it, Ma, it's you." AJ said with a confident smile.
Gabby nodded. "Yep, you can do it, Mommy. You're the bestest lawyer."
"Yes, she definitely is." Bianca added lovingly.
"I don't know if I'm the best, but I know I'm the luckiest with all of you behind me." Marissa said as she looked at her family. I hope I don't let them down. She needed to change the subject before her pregnancy hormone fueled emotions got the better of her. "Are you all ready for Halloween tomorrow?"
The kids all nodded excitedly, and soon, they were chattering away about their plan for trick or treating as they ate. They were really looking forward to the zoo's trick or treat event, especially Gabby.
Bianca sensed the reason behind her wife's change of subject. As she brought their plates over to the table, she whispered in the redhead's ear. "You could never let us down or disappoint us. We believe in you and always will no matter what."
Marissa beamed instantly, not really surprised though that Bianca knew what was going through her mind. It was just the boost of confidence that she needed. "Thank you."
/
After making a stop at her office, Marissa made her way to the courthouse. The redhead found Claudia and Lisa outside the courtroom waiting for her and looking a little anxious. "Good morning. What's up?"
Claudia spoke up first. "Morning. We're not quite sure, but something's going on. We were inside getting things ready when one of the clerks asked us to leave."
"Do you think Pete's behind it?"
Lisa shook her head. "No, I don't think so. We haven't seen him yet."
A clerk that Marissa knew and had a friendly relationship with caught her eye. She signaled for the redhead to follow her into the ladies' room.
"I'll be back. I need to make a pit stop."
"Leave your briefcase. I'll keep an eye on it." Lisa volunteered having seen the exchange.
/
"Good morning, Russ!"
Russ eyed his lawyer. Pete was wearing what could only be described as a shit-eating grin. "Morning. I'm hoping the look on your face means you have good news for me."
"That I do, my good man. That I do. I found out late last night who the judge hearing our case is going to be. It helps having good contacts in the clerks' office."
"I'm guessing it's good news then."
"It's great news. The judge is the honorable Nathan Taylor."
"Taylor? Any relation?"
"He sure is. He's my uncle, and I am his favorite nephew! You can consider that restraining order as good as gone. With that out of the way, you can clean up the mess you made a few days ago and start charming your niece while I work my legal magic by having my Uncle Nate order Sam to spend time with you. I'm also thinking of asking for some sanctions against Tasker and her crew. Oh, the look on her face is going to be priceless when she hears my uncle is presiding."
"Hmmm, pretty handy having an uncle on the bench. Isn't that some sort of conflict? Won't the other lawyer object or something?"
"Here's the thing about that. Tasker wants an expedited hearing on the restraining order and custody. I'm more than happy to oblige because I want an expedited hearing too. For that to happen though, we're going to have to go with the judge that's been assigned to our case. If she objects, that will cause a delay, one that I will vigorously object to in the interest of your rights. You are entitled to that."
Russ smiled. "Maybe you're earning your fee after all, Petey."
"Don't call me that!" Pete snapped. "We won't have to go with plan B now."
"Plan B is still on the table."
Pete really didn't want to hear that. He knew he had always walked a fine line when it came to legal ethics. When he first heard Russ's plan, he was all for it and had even suggested a change in the target his client had proposed. The lawyer knew it would be too big of a stretch to target who Russ wanted. No one would buy it for a second. But who Pete proposed? It would make perfect sense and be the perfect frame job. The more Pete thought about it now though, the more he was starting to realize that what Russ proposed was definitely crossing that line. Yes, Pete was desperate but not that desperate, at least not yet.
/
After seeing they were alone, Marissa greeted the clerk. "Hey, Paige. How are you doing?"
The blonde smiled. "I'm good. It's been a while since I've seen you around here."
"Yeah, it's been way too long since I've been able to argue a case. I've really missed it, but I've been busy."
"I've heard. Congratulations! You've hit the trifecta with getting married, being made partner and the baby. You deserve all of it."
"Thank you, and thank you for the flowers. Bianca and I loved them. I plan on thanking the other clerks while I'm here today."
"You're welcome. They'll be happy to see you." Paige was being completely honest. The clerks really did like her. Marissa was always nice to them and treated them all with respect. She never looked down on them like some other attorneys did. Plus, she always made sure everything she filed with the clerks was completed in full and done correctly. That made their jobs so much easier. "You look great by the way."
Marissa smiled. "Thanks. Now that the morning sickness has waned, I'm feeling a lot better."
"Good. So, you're probably wondering why no one's allowed in the courtroom yet this morning."
"It's crossed my mind."
"Okay, you didn't hear this from me, but there's been a change in the judge hearing your case."
This bit of news definitely had Marissa's attention. As of last night, the case was still unassigned. Judge Voss was originally assigned but had an emergency appendectomy earlier in the week. As a result, court dockets had to be rearranged with the other judges picking up the slack in his absence.
"I didn't want you to be blindsided."
"Thanks, I really appreciate it, and I didn't hear anything from you about it."
/
Lisa saw the clerk exit the ladies' room and nudged Claudia. A few minutes later, Marissa appeared with her best poker face firmly in place. Before either lawyer could question her, the Walkers and Sam showed up.
"Good morning." Marissa offered a reassuring smile to the nervous family. "How are you holding up, Sam?"
"Okay, I guess. I really just want all of this to be …" Sam's voice trailed off when she saw Russ. The man smiled and began to approach her.
Marissa stepped in front of Sam, effectively blocking Russ. Without taking her eyes off the man, she addressed his lawyer. "You might want to remind your client of the restraining order against him, Pete. No contact means no contact, even in here."
Russ sighed dramatically. "I just want to talk to my niece and get to know her. This is all one big misunderstanding. I would never do anything to hurt her. She's family. We're family, the only family that each of us has left."
The redhead was unmoved. This was the first time she and Russ had met face to face, and Marissa did not like what she saw. The man was smooth and sounding sincere, but it was just not ringing true to her. There was something in his eyes that set her edge and put her on high alert. She remembered her Dad telling her to trust her instincts, and her instincts were telling her not to trust the man in front of her as far as she could throw him. "I'll call a guard over if I need to."
Russ blinked first, unable to maintain the staring contest with the redhead.
Pete pulled his client away slightly when he saw one of the courthouse's guards eyeing them. "There's no reason to get nasty, Marissa, especially when we all know the order is going to be rescinded in a few minutes." Pete stated smugly.
"Yeah, we know nothing of the sort, and if it's alright with you, I think I'll let the judge decide."
Claudia was suspicious of Pete. He was either up to something or knew something. Either way, she didn't like it. "You seem awfully confident."
"I've just got a very good case and the experience to back it up. I'm surprised you're all out here. Why aren't you inside?"
Paige appeared. "The judge is ready for you now."
Pete waved his arm out in front of him motioning for the others to go ahead of him. "After you."
Claudia shook her head. "Thanks, but you can go first." She observed how Payne was eyeing the Walkers. Gail and Alex each had an arm around Sam doing their best to shield her while Carol stared daggers at the man. She really wasn't of the mind to turn their backs on either man.
Pete shrugged and guided his client inside.
"Hey, sorry I'm late." Bianca was a little out of breath.
Marissa turned and saw her wife. "Hey. You're just in time."
"Bianca, thank you for coming." Gail said gratefully.
"You're welcome, but there's no need to thank me. I'm exactly where I need to be."
Sam smiled softly. "Thanks, Bianca. I'm really glad you're here."
Marissa watched the two exchange a quick hug. "Alright, we need to get inside. You ready, Sam?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
The redhead chuckled. "That's our girl! I'm more than ready. Let's go kick some butt."
The family smiled and nodded before following the lawyers inside.
/
Team Sam entered the courtroom. While Lisa and Claudia set up things on their table, Marissa turned to the others and lowered her voice so the other side couldn't hear her. She wanted to go over things with them one more time.
"Remember what we talked about. Keep calm and don't lose your temper. They're going to say and do things to try and get under your skin, provoke you and make you lose your temper. Don't let them. It gives them control over the situation and could put you in a negative light with the judge."
Carol shook her head. "I hate all of this. I hate what she's doing to my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I also don't like all of those shots he's taking at you."
"Neither do I." Bianca muttered.
Marissa simply smiled and shrugged. "Well, that makes it unanimous. Here's the thing. I do my best to make sure it doesn't get to me. If he does manage to get one in, I don't let him know because I know what he's doing, and by not giving him the reaction he wants or the satisfaction he's looking for, it ends up really hacking him off and makes him lose his temper."
"You take control from him." Alex nodded in understanding.
"Yep and people like him, both of them actually, absolutely hate that." Marissa grinned. "Okay, remember to let me do the talking unless you're on the stand. I don't think you'll have to testify this time though, but if you do and I make an objection, stop your answer until the judge makes a ruling on it. If the judge addresses you directly, be respectful and address them accordingly."
"We remember. Address them as 'your honor'." Gail answered.
"Perfect, and …"
"Above all, don't respond to anything the other guy says when he's on the stand." Sam finished.
Marissa smiled. "Exactly. Okay, we're going to get started. I got this. Trust me."
Carol nodded. "We do, dear."
"Good luck." Bianca whispered to her wife before taking her seat next to Carol. The brunette recognized the gleam in hazel eyes before Marissa turned towards the front of the courtroom and knew all too well what it meant. Oh, this is going to be very unpleasant for someone, and I'm not going to be the least bit sorry about it either.
/
"So, that's Marissa Tasker and Bianca Montgomery. Their pictures don't do them justice. They're together, huh?" Russ flashed a lecherous smile at the couple.
Pete shook his head in disgust. "Focus, Russ."
/
The court officer addressed the courtroom. "All rise. Family Court Part 2 is now in session. The Honorable Sonya Kagan presiding."
Judge Kagan entered and took her seat. "Please be seated."
Claudia and Lisa glanced at Marissa who was giving nothing away. Pete, on the other hand, was nothing short of stunned and remained standing while the others sat as instructed. It was clear he was not expecting to see this particular judge.
"I must first apologize for …" Judge Kagan glanced up from her notes and saw Pete still standing. "Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Taylor?"
"Huh? Oh, no, your honor." The flummoxed lawyer quickly took his seat.
"As I was saying, I apologize for the late start. As you are no doubt aware, Judge Voss was scheduled to hear this case, but due to a health emergency, he will be unable to. I am happy to say that he is on the mend and will be back on the bench in approximately one month. In the meantime, his caseload is being divided between myself and another judge."
Russ leaned over to his lawyer. "I thought you said we were supposed to have your uncle handling this. She doesn't look like an uncle to me."
"We were. I don't understand."
The judge looked over to the men's table. "Am I interrupting you gentlemen?" Judge Kagan demanded the attention of all those in her courtroom and frowned upon those that did not give her that courtesy and respect.
Her tone had both men straighten up immediately while Lisa had to bite the inside of her cheek to prevent her from busting out laughing at the chastised men. She knew if she did, she would first hear it from the judge, then Claudia and finally Marissa. It was that last person she didn't want to disappoint the most.
Pete sputtered. "No, no, your honor."
Judge Kagan sighed. "Spit it out, Mr. Taylor. There is obviously something on your mind, and I would rather hear it now then to keep dealing with your disruptions which I will only tolerate for so long."
The lawyer swallowed hard and stood. "I apologize, your honor, but I was under the impression that another judge would be hearing this case."
Claudia raised an eyebrow and glanced at her co-counsel. Marissa's expression hadn't changed. Note to self, never play poker with Marissa.
The judge removed her glasses and eyed the man. Of course he was expecting someone else. Marissa doesn't seem surprised one way or the other. It just goes to show you that the courthouse grapevine is only as good as your source. "Ah yes, Judge Nathan Taylor was going to hear this case, but when he found out who would be arguing it, he recused himself. He obviously saw a conflict since you are his nephew."
Lisa and Claudia exchanged a knowing look. Pete's reaction made perfect sense to them now. It was clear he'd been counting on that when he saw them in the hallway.
When Pete made no move to sit, the judge continued. "Is there another problem, Mr. Taylor?"
"Well, your honor, I believe you know opposing counsel personally. That could be seen as a conflict."
He was pushing her, but Judge Kagan's expression remained passive. "That is true. The same could also be said for you because I know you outside of the courtroom. Plus, I'm friends with both of your parents as well as your uncle. Ms. Tasker, do you have a problem with me hearing this case? Do you see a conflict?"
"No, your honor. I trust your judgment."
"Since I know both of you personally and neither Ms. Tasker nor I see a conflict, I am not inclined to recuse myself. You are free to appeal, Mr. Taylor, but this hearing would then be delayed for at least a month. Most likely, it would be longer than that. During this time, the restraining order would remain in place since we're dealing with the welfare of a child. What would you like to do, Mr. Taylor?"
"Could I have a moment to confer with my client?"
The judge waved her hand. "By all means."
/
Marissa turned and gave a reassuring smile to Sam and the Walkers who in turn nodded.
Bianca locked eyes with her wife, and the couple shared a silent exchange. The brunette communicating her suspicions that her wife knew about this change. Marissa gave a small shrug and tilted her head acknowledging the fact before she turned back to face the judge.
Claudia leaned in and whispered. "Why do I have the feeling that you're not surprised by this at all?"
"Beats me." Marissa replied with her poker face firmly back in place. She was thankful that Paige had given her the heads up on what had been going on with the judges. Marissa knew Judge Taylor. He had presided over her custody fight with JR over AJ. He was smart, fair and ethical. She wasn't really surprised that he recused himself. What his nephew lacked in ethics, he more than made up for.
/
"A month?! I don't want to wait a month just for this issue to be decided. I mean that doesn't count the issue of permanent custody at all, does it?"
"No, it doesn't."
"I don't have that kind of time. Is this judge on the up and up? She won't lean towards the other side, will she?"
Pete sighed. He knew the answer all too well. The only thing Judge Kagan would ensure was a level playing field. She wouldn't and couldn't be swayed by personal connections. He could appeal but knew he would lose. No, he'd have to play the hand he was dealt, and he still believed that Marissa Tasker was not half the lawyer he was. "No, she won't. We should just keep going."
Russ studied the lawyer for a brief moment. "Fine."
Pete stood and faced the judge with a smile plastered on his face.
"Am I to take it that you have a decision for me, Mr. Taylor?"
"Yes, your honor. My client and I have every faith in your discretion and ability to render and fair and just decision."
The judge wasn't impressed with Pete's backtracking and sucking up but didn't let it show. She had a job to do and would do it fairly. "Let's get started then, shall we?"
/
"From what I've read, Mr. Taylor, your client states that he is the biological uncle of the minor Samantha Robinson and is seeking full custody." Judge Kagan paused as she read the case notes. She read where the girl had lost both of her parents and was placed into the system where she promptly fell through the cracks. After falling in with the wrong crowd, she ended up in serious trouble. That is when Bianca Montgomery stepped into the picture and enlisted Marissa Tasker in her cause. They were able to broker a deal with the district attorney and helped find her find a new home.
"Yes, your honor. My client and his wife would like to get to know the niece that he's never had the chance to know and didn't even know existed until recently. Opposing counsel has filed a restraining order that is egregious and over the top. It's based on a complete misunderstanding and overreaction. It's not needed, and to keep family apart like this is simply an abuse of the law."
"We're not to summations yet, counselor."
"I'm sorry, your honor. I just get emotional when I see an injustice." Pete quickly sat seeing the judge was not impressed.
"Ms. Tasker."
Marissa stood. "Yes, your honor."
"Since Mr. Taylor gave me his opinion, would you care to give yours?"
"I would. The order is not frivolous. Mr. Payne approached my client at school."
"I just wanted to talk to her. I just want to get to know you, Samantha."
Judge Kagan rapped her gavel. "Mr. Taylor, I suggest you advise your client to remain seated and to be quiet."
"Of course, your honor. He's very emotional and heartsick about this whole affair. It's hard to be separated from family."
"Ms. Tasker, please continue."
"At that time, Mr. Payne stated that he wanted to talk. Sam said she didn't want to."
"I'm sorry. Your client goes by Sam?"
"Yes, your honor. She prefers Sam."
"I'll make a note of it. Please go on."
Marissa nodded. "Things escalated when Sam refused."
"Oh please."
The judge rapped her gavel again and eyed Taylor and Payne.
Marissa shook her head. She knew what they were trying to do. By constantly interrupting her, they believed it would throw her off her rhythm causing her to not present a cohesive argument. Bring it. "Mr. Payne threatened my client."
Pete jumped to his feet. "Objection! I cannot sit by while counsel slanders my client! This is simply outrageous. I would argue that this lawsuit is nothing but part of Ms. Tasker's agenda."
"Enough! Objection is overruled. Now, sit down, Mr. Taylor. Any further interruptions by either you or your client, and I'll cite you for contempt. This is my courtroom and not yours, and I will not have it turned into a circus. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, your honor." Pete muttered and took his seat.
"Ms. Tasker, do you have any evidence of this threat?"
"I do, your honor. I have several affidavits from witnesses."
"I doubt that your client and an associate's wife are hardly objective." Pete mumbled.
"That's $100. Would you care to continue and make it more?" Judge Kagan was getting irritated.
"No, your honor."
"You were saying you have affidavits?"
"Yes, we do." Marissa motioned to Lisa who handed them to the bailiff. "In addition to that of my client, we have statements from a friend of hers, Molly Sampson and a teacher, Stefanie Douglas."
"What was the nature of the threat?"
"Mr. Payne threatened to call the police and stated that he would make sure that she was sent back to juvenile detention. Given Sam's history, she was understandably frightened."
"Your honor, I'm sorry, but I must object. Mrs. Douglas's husband works for Ms. Tasker. And as to the other girl, this Molly Sampson, I would hardly say that she's objective."
"You've got that right. She's Samantha's friend. Probably because of the influence of those two." Russ smirked.
The judge raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me? What do you mean by that exactly?"
Pete jumped in and answered for his client. He didn't need him to go there. "He didn't mean anything, your honor. He's just …"
"Emotional. Yeah, so I've been told repeatedly, and for that emotional outburst, that's $100 for you, Mr. Payne."
"Are you serious?"
"We can make it $200 if you'd like."
Pete shook his head at his client before turning back to the judge. "No, your honor. We're good."
Sam, who was seated between Carol and Gail, whispered to Carol. "What's he trying to say?"
"Don't worry right now. We'll talk about it when we get home."
Bianca overheard the two while keeping her eyes on Marissa. She knew what the men were implying, and she could tell her wife knew as well. Bianca saw the slightest of shifts in her posture. No one else would've noticed it because they didn't know the redhead like she did. It was brief, and she quickly regained her composure. The only thing the men had accomplished was to add fuel to the fire.
"Where were we? Affidavits."
"Yes, your honor. As I was saying, we have affidavits stating Mr. Payne threatened my client with the claim that he could send her back to juvenile detention and subsequently back into the foster care system." Marissa nodded again to Lisa who withdrew another file and handed it to the bailiff. "She was understandably frightened given what she experienced before. What you have now is documentation of that experience along with a sworn affidavit from Michael Jensen, the district attorney." The last statement was a pointed dig at Pete, and the wince everyone saw was proof that it hit its mark. "In addition to the statements from Mrs. Douglas and Miss Sampson, we also have statements from three teachers and 10 other students who witnessed this confrontation which included Mr. Payne attempting to physically remove my client from school property against her will."
Judge Kagan raised an eyebrow hearing this.
"He only wanted to talk to her, and she was being unreasonable and uncooperative."
Marissa didn't take the bait to address Pete directly and instead spoke to the judge. "A 16 year old girl was confronted by a middle aged man that she didn't know. He threatened her verbally. He tried to physically remove her from a place where she felt safe. I believe she was acting in a perfectly reasonable manner. No one in their right mind would think differently. Children are instructed after all to not go off with strangers. This is something that is unfortunately backed up by tragic accounts on the news. After Mrs. Douglas intervened and had Sam and her friend get into her car, she drove them to the Miranda Center. Because of the nature of what the Center does, it has excellent security systems in place, and they knew that Sam would feel safe there. It was at this point that Mr. Payne followed them which obviously added to the fear that my client was experiencing. Once they arrived at the Center, Mr. Payne tried to enter as well under false pretenses. We also have affidavits from the Center's security guards testifying to that fact. This is why we requested a restraining order. Given the circumstances, we felt it was necessary for not only for Sam's safety but her piece of mind."
Judge Kagan reviewed the statements while Marissa spoke. "It seems you've been busy, Mr. Payne."
"I wasn't threatening her, judge. She's family, and I want to get to know her. Family should stay together."
"That is why we are applying for custody. We believe it is in Samantha's best interests for her to be placed in my client's custody immediately."
"What do you say to that, Ms. Tasker? And by the way, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Payne, she prefers Sam."
Marissa nodded slightly to acknowledge the judge's words. "I couldn't disagree more with opposing counsel, your honor. Sam is in a stable and loving home. She is an honors student at her school and volunteers at the Miranda Center."
"It's not volunteering if it's part of a plea deal."
"Mr. Taylor, that is now $200 you owe the court."
Son of a bitch. Pete winced.
"According to Mr. Jensen, Sam completed that part of her plea deal several months ago and did so ahead of schedule." The judge noted. "She still volunteers?"
"Yes, your honor. I have an affidavit from Ms. Bianca Montgomery who is the founder and CEO of the Miranda Center stating that fact. She's here today to attest to that if needed."
"I believe her statement will be fine for today's hearing. Please have a seat, Ms. Tasker. I'm curious, Mr. Taylor, why do you and your client think it's such a good idea to remove this girl from her home and place her with someone she doesn't know, someone that's she scared of?"
Pete stood. "If they could talk without the undue influence of others being around, they could get to know each other. I'm confident they could establish a loving relationship and any doubts that she has of my client's intentions would disappear."
Marissa stood. "Your honor, if I may, I have included a statement from a counselor that Sam reached out to along with everything else we've provided to you. It offers her professional opinion of this situation. I also have an affidavit from the social worker assigned to Sam's case as well as reports from her investigation of the Walkers. It is our belief that Sam should remain in the custody of the Walkers while this issue is being resolved. Under their care, she has not only thrived but has flourished. She has a stable and loving home and is happy and feels secure and safe there."
Judge Kagan pulled out the statements and read. "I have to say that after hearing what Ms. Tasker related and reading these statements that what Sam is experiencing is more than doubts, Mr. Taylor. She has some very real concerns and fears, all of which are the result of your client's actions. To that end, I am denying your petition for immediate custody as well as visitation at this time. I am also granting Ms. Tasker's petition for a restraining order against your client. He is to remain a distance of at least 500 feet away from Sam. This order will be extended an additional 30 days effective immediately. I'm also going to extend that to you, Mr. Taylor."
"Excuse me, your honor. Why? How can I do my job if I can't have access to her?"
"Let me finish. I'm including you based on your actions at the Miranda Center that have been documented by the statement of Officer Brot Monroe. If you wish to question Sam regarding this case, you will contact Ms. Tasker first to set it up, and it will be conducted in her presence or that of a designated representative. I will not tolerate the intimidation of a minor child by anyone. I am also granting the petition for Sam to remain in the Walkers' home. As Ms. Tasker stated, it is obvious by all reports that it is in her best interest to remain there until the issue of permanent custody is resolved. Before you ask, Mr. Taylor, your client will make himself available to a designated social worker to be interviewed and investigated. If, and only if, they deem it appropriate, will your client be able to have supervised visitation with Sam. We will meet again to revisit this topic." The judge pulled out her calendar. "How does three weeks from today sound?"
Marissa reviewed her calendar before glancing at the Walkers who nodded. "That's fine with us, your honor."
Pete nodded, clearly unhappy. "With us too, your honor."
"Good. I will see you all then." Judge Kagan rapped her gavel and stepped down from her seat before disappearing out a side door.
Pete angrily gathered his things and stalked out of the room with Russ.
/
Team Sam released a collective, relieved breath. Marissa turned to her clients and was immediately engulfed in hugs from each of the Walkers as well as Sam.
"Thanks, Marissa! You were awesome! So, I don't have to see him and he has to stay away from me?"
"Yes, and you're welcome."
"Thank you." Gail said gratefully.
"Yeah, I can't thank you enough for this." Alex added.
Carol nodded. "They're right, dear. Thank you. We owe you a great deal."
"You're welcome, but I didn't do this on my own. It was a team effort, and it's not over. This was round one. We have a lot of work to do still, but we'll get it done. Now, get out of here and give yourselves a break for today."
The family happily obliged after thanking Lisa, Claudia and Bianca.
"That was impressive, Boss."
"Lisa's right. It was. You knew about the judges being switched, didn't you?"
"I might have heard something about it somewhere, but I can't remember where." Marissa replied with a grin.
Claudia shook her head and chuckled. "Come on, Lisa. I'll buy you lunch."
"You're on!" Lisa responded happily as she finished packing up their files.
"I'll see you later." Marissa then looked at her wife.
Bianca was leaning against the railing separating the lawyers from the gallery. The brunette smiled brightly. "You were amazing."
"Thanks. I couldn't let them down."
"You didn't, and I knew you wouldn't. Did I ever tell you how sexy you are when you're in lawyer mode?"
Marissa laughed. "You might have mentioned it before. I'll tell you what. Let me buy you lunch. Our little one is hungry and wants chili chees fries. Maybe afterwards, we can both make it an early day."
Bianca grinned mischievously at her wife's none too subtle hint. "I do love your ideas, Counselor."
"God, I love when you call me that. I knew the chili cheese fries would get you too."
"You know me all too well."
/
Pete and Russ were leaving the clerks' offices after paying their fines when Russ spotted the Walkers leaving the courthouse. One person in particular caught his eye. He remembered the countless glares she had thrown his way during the hearing. Yeah, she was the perfect mark. He was going to enjoy taking her down.
"She's the one we're going to use."
"Who?"
"The wannabe grandmother, Carol Walker. She's perfect for plan B. She doesn't know it yet, but granny is going to help me get my big payday."