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Jeremy sat with his briefcase opened and papers spread out on the table when she was led into the small familiar room. The female officer she'd never met, wheeled her to the table, hooked a pair of cuffs to secure her in place, and closed the door. The lock cracked closed and the hair on the back of her neck rose. Her body involuntarily shivered.
"You still need the chair?" Jeremy asked.
"My feet are healing but it hurts when I walk sometimes. The doctor instructed another month to avoid any falls."
"You'll get there. Alright, the next hearing is on the 19th. You're facing jail time and/or probation. It'll be up to the judge what he deems necessary. We'll be asking leniency due to the trauma you and Henry have endured, your injuries, pregnancy, and the fact that you've been a model prisoner."
"Will that be enough?" she asked.
"We can only hope. It's gotten out that you were exonerated on the murder charges. The media is charged, and the public is outraged. We should be prepared for the mayhem that we could've had at the last hearing."
Regina hated this feeling. She wanted to make this a home and instead she's found that she's stuck being Sabrina Thompson. A woman blamed for what her husband did. She hoped she could get rid of the label soon.
"In light of that, we can only make the best of our situation. So, we'll be working hard until the hearing. Do you need anything?"
Regina asked, "Did you get the paperwork for the name change?"
Jeremy nodded, "I talked to the judge and submitted the request, but he's deferred the decision until the hearing."
"What about the guardianship to Robin?"
Jeremy pulled out a stack of papers. "That's the main reason I'm here. The judge granted your request. Pearl Duncan has been notified that he'll be moved next week. All you have to do is sign these papers. You should know before you sign them, it'll be hard to change the guardianship after you're released."
Regina nodded, "I know, but I don't care. Robin is the best place for him, and he'll have Roland. I'll feel so much better knowing he's there." She signed the papers in Sabrina Thompson's name hoping it would be the last time.
"Great. I'll get this turned in on my way back to the office. I talked to Robin and he's preparing for his arrival. There were some provisions he had to make. Rules that require he have his own room and such."
Regina sighed, "His house is a good size, but he must've had to clear out his home office to achieve that."
Jeremy shrugged, "I'm sure he'll make the changes. There's really not much more we can do at this point. How are you feeling?"
"Good. Better. The doctor said my legs are coming along and my feet are better than they were last week. So, I'm okay. The baby is moving like crazy now."
He took her hand. "Good. Hang in there, okay?"
Robin sat in the living room while the boys were in the bedroom for Henry's visit. The papers from child services sat open on his desk with Regina's, Sabrina's signature. A list of qualifications and licensing requirements. He'd have to get some references, which might prove difficult. A social services worker already conducted a home visit. They told him he'd have to make some changes.
Henry has to have his own room; the house has to meet standards for safety before he's able to be moved. Robin looked at the difference between foster and guardian requirements and scratched his head. There were tons of stuff in the document that he didn't understand. Luckily, Jeremy gave him all the judge's stipulations.
On a separate piece of paper, he read the list of requirements. Henry was to have his own room, Robin was responsible financially for him, he had to go to school, he had to have permission to talk to his mother, and Robin had to undergo a background check. He'd already gone down to fill out the paperwork and get fingerprinted at the police station.
Among the papers in front of him, were a number of printouts from the realtor he hired. He didn't want to tell Regina but since his last visit with her, he put the house on the market. He had 45 days to vacate his home. There were a few houses he was contemplating buying. The first was the white manor where Regina once lived. But he was worried the memories would be much too negative for them.
The second was around the block from Maggie and David's. Robin sighed thinking of the last time they spoke. Maggie had come into the teacher's lounge and paused at the door. "Hey."
"Hey, Maggie."
"How are you feeling?"
"Better. Maggie are we okay?" He watched her lips press together.
"Robin, you know we love you but you getting involved with this woman has thrown us for a loop. I don't understand."
"She's not who you think she is. She nearly…we almost lost her. She's having my baby, Maggie."
"Oh, Robin." Tears were in her eyes. "What about Henry? Is that even his name?"
"Until they release her, he'll be staying with me." He saw her eyes flash. "I'm taking him on."
"You've always been a good guy. I just hope you know what you're doing with her. Do you really know who she is? How do you really feel about her?" She took a step and held his hand.
Robin dipped his head, "I'm in love with her."
"Robin, I don't know what to think. I liked her but she was never who she said she was. How do I know if it was an act?"
"It wasn't." he tightened his hand on hers. "I watched her tear herself apart to protect Henry and I can't even describe to you what kind of horrors she faced. Maggie, he nearly killed her. He took a scalpel and peeled the skin from her body and did God knows what else she hasn't told me."
"Oh, my god." Her face had drained of color. "Robin."
"I love her, and Henry and I want them to be mine. I need her. Maggie, I need her," his voice cracked.
They held each other in a much-needed embrace.
Robin shook his head from the memory and looked down at the house. It was a three-bedroom, but maybe it wasn't big enough.
Then, he picked up the last listing, his favorite. It was a two-story five-bedroom home by the water. It was out a few miles from town and would provide them privacy. It was perfect. He picked up the phone and dialed the number to set up a walkthrough.
Robin loved the house. The upstairs was bigger than it seemed. Three bedrooms were tucked in sporadic corners, the banister even had safety measures they'd need for the baby. The two bedrooms downstairs were large. They could use one for offices, playroom, whatever they would need.
The master was warm with the sun shining in. The floors were hardwood instead of carpet in the main rooms. He noted new carpet had been put into the bedrooms. The fixtures were updated, the appliances were stainless steel. He'd need to replace the refrigerator. It was perfect.
"This is it," he told the agent.
"Mr. Locksley this house would be the perfect home for you and your family. We can put it in the application. We'll just wait on the qualifications for the loan. The down payment is 20 % of the asking price. I'll take the offer to the owners."
"Good. I'll wait to hear from you," he shook his hand.
Henry put down his bag in the room that had been cleared out for him at Robins. A bed, new it looked, sat in the center with Superman bedding. Lately, he'd been on a kick, and Robin went out and got him the blankets he'd asked for. Posters of his favorite superheroes were on the walls. The desk held a few pictures in frames of his mom and him throughout the years.
"What do you think?"
Henry's only response was to turn and hug him. "Thanks, Robin." He closed his eyes and couldn't imagine being in a better place.
Robin pulled away to look at his face. "How about dinner at Granny's?" That earned him a smile. Henry nodded. "Let's go. Roland is in the kitchen already looking through the fridge."
When they walked in, Ruby welcomed them with a tight smile. "Robin. Roland." She eyed Henry up and down. "Table or booth?" She said to Henry's feet.
"Booth is fine, if you have it," Robin said gaining her attention. They were seated in the back, he noted. To avoid the stares they were getting, he sat with is back to the room. His nerves were already on edge from being in town and having everyone he knew stare at him. Mr. Trotter had eyed him the entire time it took him to fill his gas tank.
Archie had watched him when he stopped by to get his mail out of his post office box. Mr. Gold had been in the market when he stopped in to get the boys comic books from the stacks. They exchanged an awkward nod.
Ruby snapped him back to the present, "What can I get you to drink?"
Roland smiled with his dimples, "Chocolate milk, please." Henry mumbled, "Water, please." Robin lifted his head to meet Ruby's gaze. Her eyes kept darting to Henry, and it made his skin prickle. "Water and we'll take the poppers, mozzarella balls, cheesy potatoes, and fried pickles."
Ruby jotted down their order on a pad. "I'll get that right out." When she turned to walk away, Robin tried to distract the boys with conversation. They were going to watch the next superhero movie at the house after dinner. He'd managed to get them talking and he risked a glance over his shoulder. The entire room was filled with conversations, but glances were thrown his way often.
He cringed when Leroy walked toward them, and his shoulders tightened. Leroy had given him nothing but heat and headaches since they found out he'd been involved with Regina. "How's it going, Robin?" He shook his hand applying a little too much pressure.
"We're hanging in, Leroy. How's Dora?" They expressed equal measured looks in challenge.
"She's fine. Just had her garden rehauled and they're putting a pond in the backyard. Hell, I don't know what we need with a pond, but it makes her happy."
"I'm sure that'll look good. She planning on adding fish?" Robin didn't realize how tight his throat was and how harsh his voice had gotten until he glanced at Henry wincing at his words.
"Yea, she's adding those big ugly ones. Koi, I think they're called."
"Good choice."
Leroy looked down at Roland and scuffed his hair, "You being good for you pop?"
Roland grinned with wickedness a boy could muster in his eyes, "Yup."
He eyed Henry, "I see you've got a visitor today."
Robin felt the heat rising up his neck. "Henry is staying with us now. I'm taking guardianship until Regina comes home." His eyes turned to slits when Leroy frowned.
"Home?"
Robin met his gaze straight on, "Yes, home."
"I thought her name was Sabrina. She doesn't belong here, Robin. And with all due respect, the boy doesn't either."
Robin's eyes went molten and his neck hardened to rock. "Who are you to say where she belongs? Henry is mine now, and if you want to continue being a part of our lives, you'll accept him. I like you, Leroy. I've always respected you. I expect you to do the same. You don't know what is going on and you're not going to. You mind your own business and stop spreading rumors around town."
Leroy's hands were gripping the booth, his knuckles had turned white. His jaw was hard, and his mouth twisted into a snarl. When he opened his mouth to retaliate, Granny interrupted. "Why, Robin. I haven't seen you in here in weeks. How goes it?" Robin saw her give Leroy a stern look that had him turning on his heel and retreating from them.
"Granny!" Roland jumped to his feet to hug the woman.
"Well, it looks like you're happy to see me. Hi, Henry."
Henry lifted his head and smiled hesitantly, "Hi."
She winked at Robin, "I have some left-over pie in the back. I think it might find it's way to your table after you've eaten."
His smile turned genuine. "Pecan?"
She laughed, "You got it. Don't let Leroy get to you, Robin. He's just as confused as this town." Her hand was on his shoulder.
"Thanks, Granny." When she walked away, he turned to Henry. "You okay?"
He nodded his head and the rest of their dinner was uneventful and enjoyable. Robin noted it had cleared out and knew he had Granny to thank.
Regina stood for the first time in awhile in her black no-nonsense dress and black flats. The bandages couldn't be hidden, and she hated it. They'd cut her hair and it swung just under her chin in a bob. Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw the woman she wanted to be instead of the woman she used to be.
"Ready?" Jeremy stood at her side.
"As I'm ever going to be," she said.
An officer in his late fifties packing an unexpected amount of muscle stood by the Judge's booth when she entered and sat at the table. The room was full of people, cameras took up the entire wall on the opposite side of the room with people manning them. Glancing behind her she tried to get a glimpse of Robin and the boys. There were too many people and flashes.
Jeremy put a hand on her shoulder, "Keep your eyes forward. It'll look better to the press," he whispered.
"All rise," the officer announced. She was helped to her feet and felt the shock rise up her leg. Wincing, her hand closed like a vice on Jeremey's arm. "The honorable J. Knight presiding."
Knight sat in the booth, "You may be seated," he said. Today, he had a microphone he spoke into to allow his voice to carry. "Let's start with some housekeeping matters. First, journalists are to keep to the blocked-off areas. Anyone who gets a wild hair in the gallery to shout profanities will be held in contempt. We have a few extra officers stationed at the doors and on each side of the room to make sure we all behave ourselves. This is not a trial, it's a hearing."
Whispers and chatter ceased. "Let's get started. Let the court reflect the presence of the defendant, Sabrina J. Thompson is present. Counselors introduce yourselves for the record."
"Jeremy Mars for the defendant, your honor. Thomas Sherry as a consultant."
The state introduced themselves to each one by one. A journalist held out a tape recorder and microphone to catch the names as another wrote it down on a page.
Knight said, "Docket number S2654, The state vs Sabrina Thompson on the charges of identity theft, fraud, and child endangerment. I'll allow the state to go first."
The woman Regina knew as Rebecca stood in front of the table while her colleagues sat down. The room was silent, a blinking red light showed Regina the cameras were focused on her.
"Your honor, Mrs. Thompson presumed the identity of six individuals where their name, finances, credit, and reputations were compromised. The identity theft charges hold true and two of the individuals will be pursuing civil action outside of this courtroom."
Regina felt a pang of regret for the women she pretended to be. Luckily, she didn't use their credit much and hoped to make amends if she could. Luckily, she had money set aside to pay them back.
"Mrs. Thompson used credit cards for each individual and compromised the credibility of each one. There were homes, cars, and personal belongings taken and used by the defendant."
Regina wanted to say that she took care of those things, but she was advised to stare ahead and have no reaction. So, she tried to do that but knew her eyes would give her away if she looked at the cameras.
Rebecca went on to list the items and their value and the state in which they were used if any damages were accrued. She talked about what items were bought with a credit card, each place the purchases were made, the amount she owed, and whether or not the agency filed a fraud report. The total amount of each person was said. Each total was listed on a document handed to the judge.
Judge Knight looked over the page and licked the edge of his thumb when he turned each page. He took a pen from his table and jotted a few things down. "The record will record that the itemized list and monetary values have been identified and those have been verified by my office."
Jeremy stood and said, "Your honor the defendant is fully aware of the consequences for assuming such identities and wishes to compensate the women for any monetary damages she's caused. Sydney Glass, her procurer of identities has taken the responsibility for these cases."
"Objection. Your honor, the sharing of information about another open case is unnecessary and has no bearing on the charges filed by the defendant."
Knight nodded, "Sustained."
Jeremy cleared his throat. "My client did willingly take part and therefore takes responsibility for these charges."
"Very well," Knight said turning to Rebecca. "You may continue."
Rebecca said, "Your honor, I'd like to turn it over to William Trulane a social services worker for the state of California to discuss the child endangerment charges."
"You may proceed," Knight said resting his chin on his hand.
Trulane stood, he was a tall man with big hands and a deep voice. Regina could see he was thinner than the jacket he was wearing showed. It was big and hung from his shoulders encasing him in fabric.
"Your honor, I received a report by the defendant's teacher after the child, Samuel Thompson was absent for ten consecutive days. The mother did not notify the school the child would be absent. The child was marked absent and several calls to the parents went unanswered. The teacher filed the report and a wellness check was done by my colleague, George Redwood." The officer handed the court officer the document he was given, and it was assigned a number.
"Mr. Redwood arrived at the home where Simon Thompson, the boy's father told him to get off the property. He was not forthcoming with information pertaining to the location of the boy. Mr. Redwood reported to my supervisor his failed attempt. Four more attempts to visit with the family were attempted before contacting the police."
Another page was handed to the court officer and assigned a number. "The fourth and last visit, the house was empty, and a police officer determined the location of the family members were unknown. We were forced to keep the case open and a worker each month was ordered to attempt a house visit. These show each attempt by the workers and the condition of the house."
More papers were turned over for another assigned number. "It was unknown to us if the boy was getting adequate housing, nutrition, or education. Therefore, it is our prerogative to ascertain such information. We understand the boy took on identities of a false nature and entered the school with forged documents."
Knight asked Jeremy, "Will you be providing proof of such?"
Jeremy stood, "Yes, your honor." He handed over a stack of documents and reports for an assigned number.
"Your honor, while the identity of the boy changed over time, Samuel was always provided adequate housing and nutrition. If you look at the itemized credit card bills, you'll see grocery bills along with household items ensuring this. You'll also find school records indicating adequate education and each school he attended. Reports from the principals of each school have provided you with a full report card for him during his stay."
The judge announced, "Alright, we're going to take a recess for me to go over what has been presented. Let's reconvene at 2:30 that way you all can get some lunch. Does that sound fine?"
Nods and agreeing statements were said around the room. "Alright." He banged his gavel and the room rose as he made his exit.
Regina was carefully brought up from her seat while they put cuffs on her, she met eyes with Robin. He had the boys next to him with a hand on each of their shoulders. He mouthed, I love you before she was taken through the side door and sat in a wheelchair and led to a room where she was cuffed to a table and she waited for lunch.
In the room alone, she allowed her tears to fall at the sight of Henry next to Robin looking so scared. Robin's protective hand on his shoulder made her feel better. But having them so close and not being able to touch them was worse than the loneliness of being in a cell. She locked her hands around her belly and let herself fall apart.
.