Chapter Thirty One
Jarrod and Nate walked in on each side of Maris and escorted her to their table after leaving the courthouse. Maris had only taken a few bites and promptly went to the water closet to be sick. The men had little appetite either and discussed the case. They both agreed that, depending on the judge's opinion on banning books, Alice likely had been a strong choice for their character witness.
"Make eye contact, Maris, with the judge and the clerk. Appear not to be ill or nervous. I know that's hard to do."
"I just keep thinking, a few more hours and this will be finally over."
Jarrod and Nate shared a look for they did not feel her confidence.
JD took the stand and was sworn in. He was impeccably dressed in a black suit, starched shirt, waxed mustache and trimmed gray hair. He looked ever so much like the fine gentlemanly grandfather.
His lawyer asked him if he had anything to say before he began his questioning. He did with much bravado,
"Maris, my darling daughter. I am distraught that you believed I damaged or had someone damage your belongings. I know how much that wind chime meant to you and it's why I had it sent to you on my orders. James David means so much to you and I know that. You have been an excellent mother but now I must step in to protect my heir. If you were thinking clearly, you would see that—"
Nate objected, "Prejuditory and inflammatory."
"Overruled."
Nate sat down annoyed.
"Please proceed, Mr. Autonberry."
"I never want to distress you, my dear. May I send a thousand dollars or so over to your conservator? To show no ill will on my part for your trunks."
She looked terrified. "No," she whispered.
JD looked at the judge and shrugged his shoulders, "Since her instability began, I haven't been able to reason with her."
Jarrod jumped up next, "I object!"
The judge narrowed his eyes, "Sustained. Please direct your answers to your attorney."
"I apologize, Judge. Maris means the world to me."
"Proceed, sir."
"We chose Maris out of tens of well-bred women for my son, David. He took one look at her and fell madly in love. We negotiated a prenuptial to protect her in case my son was not faithful to her—-he was an imperfect man, I admit—and unscrupulous individuals would prey on her. We lost him ten years ago. He always wanted me to take care of her and his son. I gave my word to my son which I am trying to keep. Which I have done. Until this past summer. Until Nick Barkley interjected himself in our lives."
His disdain for the name was evident. Maris was incredulous at his description.
"My son worried that Maris was too gullible, easily led, her naïveté—she has proven that."
"Objection, your honor. She has been examined many times and proved sane each time by independent professionals."
"Sustained,"
JD sighed as if he had been hurt, "Anyway, everything was—-is in place for my daughter to be nurtured and cared for."
"I understand your point, Mr. Autonberry. Continue."
"I am concerned about Nick Barkley preying on her. In Mr. Peterson's office—-my long-time attorney, money changing hands—a million dollars to walk away from Maris was brought up. Thankfully my attorney did not agree."
"What the hell?" Jarrod bellowed, "I was there. He offered my money to my brother which he turned down."
"And I was there too," Nate yelled.
The judge was annoyed by the noise, "You two will get your time, likely in writing but you cannot represent and testify at the same time. Sit down."
They both sat down and tears fell from Maris's eyes. She dabbed them and tried not to make a sound.
"Continue Mr Autonberry. It is already decided that your daughter will not receive funds from your trust. She signed that away at the first hearing."
"Mr. Autonberry, why do you believe that you should retain the custody of your grandson?"
"First of all, it was my son's wishes and that of Maris's dear departed father. I seek to honor them."
"What?" Maris sputtered. The judge silenced her with a look.
"Second, a boy needs a man to guide him. He will inherit all of Autonberry's assets one day. He must be schooled and guided. His time with his mother was excellent but it has passed. He is now a man."
"Thirdly, I am remarried. Because of Maris's sensitive nature and her possessiveness of me, I did not disclose my new status for I feared what it would do to Maris. I was married a year ago in Canada. I have the assets, a new wife, and—" he paused for emphasis. I have a brand new son, James David Autonberry Junior. We call him James. I want to bring my grandson to our happy home."
A pin could have dropped in the room. Even Peterson who had only found out last night couldn't keep the surprise off his face. The young attorney smirked at the staggered looks on Jarrod and Nate's face. Maris looked mortified, unable to process what he had said.
"No further questions."
"Mr Barkley? Mr Springer?"
"We ask for a brief recess to concur on our questions."
"Granted. One hour."