CHAPTER ELEVEN

Morag stared at the Judge with hatred. She knows in her heart that Judge is crooked. She hasn't got any proof though. And now here was Judge Gilroy again…it was all a bit too coincidental for her liking.

She looked around the courtroom to her dismay Josh West had sat down behind Westerman and his client. So he had something do with this! But what on earth for? Did he actually know Sam Tate?

Laura looked over at Morag. She looked quite…pissed off. She was glaring at a man who was sitting behind Sam and his lawyer. The man looked quite familiar but Laura couldn't quite place him. What was he doing here? Laura wanted a private hearing, no outsiders allowed.

She turned back round to face the Judge and another round of 20 questions from Peter Westerman began and had the nerve to ask her a question about a love affair she once had.

" I object!" Morag exclaimed suddenly.

" On what grounds Ms. Bellingham?" The Judge asked.

" My client's private life is not on trial here."

" Sustained. Westerman, continue." Gilroy directed.

Laura glared at Sam, how dare he bring that up? It didn't have anything to do with their son.

" I have no further questions your honour." Westerman said before sitting down.

Morag stood up, " Mr. Tate…is it true that you used to physically harm your wife?"

Sam Tate glared, " I never laid a hand on her. Laura is very good in making things up…don't tell me you fell for them."

" She says you used to physically harm her in front of your son." Morag faced the Judge, " Your Honour, what kind of example would Mr. Tate set for his son if his son sees her harming someone…especially a woman? It may have serious repercussions in later life. If it hasn't happened already."

" Objection…she doesn't have any proof-" Westerman blurted out.

" I just pointed out he used to do it in front of their son-"

" Sustained. Ms. Bellingham unless Jacob will be testifying against his father, you cannot make false accusations."

" But they aren't-" Morag blustered. What was she talking about? The proof was sitting right next to her.

Laura patted her hand assuringly. Morag got on with it. " In conclusion I would like to point out that Mr. Tate would be incapable in looking after a fifteen year old boy because of his past-and present-behavior. I would like you to take that into account. Thank you." She sat down but she already knew Westerman had won.

" I would like to take a short recess…fifteen minutes." Gilroy declared and once again, the court was adjourned.

They walked into the hallway. Morag was steaming, her face was very red, " I cannot believe the nerve of Westerman." She hissed.

" Who was that man? I thought this was a private meeting."

" That was the Mayor. I suppose he knows your ex-husband…or Westerman. I think either of them has put him up to this and Joshua West got Gilroy to lead this hearing."

" You told me the trail of your brother was fixed because that Judge is crooked…how do you think our chances are?"

Morag couldn't look at her. " Not very good." She murmured.

" You mean…no matter what we say I'll lose my son?" Laura's face went ashen, " Morag, this cannot happen. You have to do something."

" It's out of my hands now. I've said all I could. Unless your son agrees to testify against his father-which he hasn't-then there isn't a lot we can do." Morag finally looked at her client, her blue eyes filled with anger and something else…pity? No, it was sadness. Morag was sad for her. It gave her some hope.

Maybe she really does care.

" I've taken each of your cases in account," Gilroy began, " And I have come to the conclusion that sole custody of Jacob David Tate will be given to Samuel Michael Tate."

" What?" Morag exploded, " This is preposterous!"

Laura's eyes filled with tears and she clutched her solicitor's arm. Sam gave her a cunning smile as he congratulated Peter Westerman.

" Morag do something," Laura pleaded, " He can't take my son away!"

" My client has a restraining order-" Morag began but the Judge interrupted.

" Which is invalid."

" This is outrageous!" Morag snapped and whirled to face the Mayor, " You've fixed this you slimy weasel haven't you?"

" Order Ms Bellingham."

Morag quieted down..

" There are some conditions however," Gilroy went on, " Ms. Tate will be granted visitation for once a month-"

" Once a month!" this time it was Laura who exploded.

" that is all. Meeting is adjourned." They all stood as the Judge left the courtroom. Laura made a beehive for Sam.

" Sam, please think what you're doing. We've only just moved here. Surely you won't have Jacob uprooted again?"

" Ms. Bellingham keep your client away from Sam." Peter commanded his rival.

" Laura-" Morag started but Laura ignored her.

" Sam, I-"

" What makes you think I'll listen to you?" Sam demanded, " Jacob is my kid now. I can do whatever I please. But I'm feeling rather generous today. You have until the end of the week with him. I'll be over to collect him on Friday afternoon. Have him ready."

Laura was so angry she was ready to pounce on him. Luckily Morag sensed her anger and refrained her.

Peter Westerman and Sam left the court. Laura wheeled on the Mayor. She didn't know him but knew she hated him.

" You've fixed this somehow. You'll pay for this."