CHAPTER TEN

Thanks a lot you bitch. A text message blared across her screen. Laura switched off her mobile. Now she had to change her mobile number…again.

She opened her laptop to check her emails when she decided to phone her friend Rick and ask him if he had divulged her whereabouts to Sam.

She rang his mobile…he didn't answer. That was strange, if his mobile was used for business, shouldn't he answer it?

She tried his home phone and learned it had been disconnected. The last chance was to email him but if he was busy it could be days before he replied to it.

Another idea was to actually go and visit. It would mean taking a day trip into the city but where would she find the time? The hearing was on Monday and she needed to schedule one last meeting with Morag.

Would she see me? Laura wondered as she bought up Morag's email. She wrote a quick message and clicked Send.

20 minutes later, she got a respond, Morag must be online as well. The answer was:

We are pretty much under control, there's no need for another meeting. I'll see you at the court house Monday Morning.

Laura's heart sank as she thought: she hates me.

It was the morning of the hearing. Laura woke up early-6 am even though the hearing wasn't until 8am. She never felt so nervous before.

She changed her outfit several times before she finally settled on one-a black skirt, white blouse with gold patterns on it. It was simple but nice. She put on some stockings and grabbed her black pumps. She left the pile of clothes on the bed and went into the kitchen.

Jacob woke at seven and got ready for school. " Mum…are you sure you don't want me to come?"

" Absolutely. The best thing for you to do is concentrate on school…and not to worry."

" But…what if he wins? He'll take me away and I might not see you again."

" That won't happen." Laura said firmly kissing him on the forehead. Her cell phone beeped and glanced down at it. It was a text from Sam.

Be prepared. Was all it said.

Morag met her client in the hallway just outside the courtroom. She wore the usual courtroom garb, it was the first time Laura has ever seen her in it. She looked very…professional.

" Are you ready?" Morag asked her in a cool voice, without a trace of friendliness. Her face wore no expression either.

" Yes…I think so." She replied.

They entered the courtroom. There wasn't the usual audience or family or friends, or even a jury. It was would be the judge's decision after he or she hears each of the cases from either side. Laura had requested the hearing to be behind closed doors, and she had gotten her wish.

The door opened again and the security guard entered and a few minutes later so did Westerman.

Sam came in last and Laura sighed. He always liked to make a grand entrance.

The bailiff arrived and a few minutes later so did the judge. Laura clasped her hands together and looked over at her ex-husband. He smiled smugly at her-as if he'd already won.

" All rise for the Honorable Judge Riley." The bailiff commanded and they did as they were told. The Judge sat down and ordered them to sit.

It was a tough hearing. Both sides had equal evidence against the other…both trying to find faults. Westerman turned to his client and glared, " Why did you not tell me about your gambling problems?"

" That was in the past…before we were married. It's hardly relevant." Sam waved his hand dismissively, " They are grasping at straws I'm telling you."

In the end, both side reached a stale mate. The Judge ordering a 30 minute recess as Morag and Laura went outside for some air.

" I knew it was going to be tough but Westerman stops at nothing." She complained, " He has no heart."

" I did warn you." Morag replied.

" I know…I didn't want to believe you. Listen, we need to talk about the other night-"

" This is not the time nor the place." Morag interrupted. Laura sighed as Morag headed for the courtroom.

" The odds are not in our favor." Westerman told his client, " You've had a colorful past. Do you think the Judge will let someone with a gambling and drinking problem take care of a fifteen year old over someone who is stable and employed?"

" But you are the best lawyer…that's why I hired you." Sam narrowed his eyes, " If you can't do your job then I'll find someone else who will."

" There's no need to do that…look, I know someone who might be able to help us."

" Oh yeah? Who…and how can they help us?"

" I'm close with the Mayor. He might be able to fix things for us." Westerman smiled, " It may cost me a little but it will be worth the look on Bellingham's face when she loses."

" Call him."

Westerman dialed Josh West's number.

" Hello."

" Josh…this is Peter."

" Peter! Gee…it's been a long time."

" A very long time. We'll have to get together soon but I need a huge favour to ask of you."

" And what's that?"

Westerman told him what's been happening. " Morag Bellingham has been on my back for awhile." Josh replied, " I'll fix the hearing for you but it will cost you. I don't do anything for free."

" I know that Josh. So will you help me?"

" I'll be there in 20 minutes."

Morag walked out of the courtroom looking a bit worried.

" What's wrong?" Laura asked her.

" Judge Riley has suddenly been called away and we will be getting a replacement Judge."

" Oh." Laura said. The recess was over and they all headed back into the courtroom. They waited for what it felt like an eternity before the new Judge finally arrived.

Morag's face went white. " Oh my God." She muttered.

" What's the matter?"

" It's the Judge."

Laura glanced up at the Judge-a female one this time.

" What about her?"

" She's Judge Gilroy. She's the same one who put my brother behind bars."