Chapter 40 #2
Her eyes returned to Rebecca's face. "However, such modification will only be considered if the following conditions are met.
" She held up one finger. "First, the individual therapist must provide a written recommendation that increased visitation is appropriate and in Charisse's best interests.
" A second finger joined the first. "Second, the co-parenting therapist must verify that Ms. Walsh has demonstrated consistent, appropriate communication and respect for boundaries.
" Her voice remained measured, but her knuckles whitened slightly around her pen as she raised a third finger.
"Third, Ms. Walsh must demonstrate one full year of compliance with the visitation schedule without cancellations or modifications, except in cases of genuine emergency.
" She leaned forward, her final finger rising to complete the count.
"And fourth, Ms. Walsh must demonstrate consistent employment for the full twelve-month period preceding the date of her petition. "
She paused, letting that sink in.
"Let me be clear, this is not punitive. This is protective.
Your conduct today demonstrated a willingness to lie, manipulate, and weaponize your daughter for financial gain.
Until you demonstrate that you can put Charisse's needs above your own, supervised visitation is what serves Charisse's best interests. "
Mitchell was writing frantically, his jaw clenched.
"Furthermore, all communication between Ms. Walsh and Mr. Byrne regarding Charisse will be conducted solely through a court-approved co-parenting application.
No phone calls. No text messages. No in-person conversations except as facilitated by the co-parenting therapist. This protects both parties and creates a documented record of all exchanges. "
Judge Weston's expression softened slightly, but the steel remained.
"Ms. Walsh will have no contact whatsoever with Ms. Andrea Doyle.
Period. Not at custody exchanges, not in public, not through intermediaries.
If Ms. Walsh encounters Ms. Doyle in public, she will remove herself from the situation immediately.
Any violation of this order will result in immediate contempt proceedings and potential criminal charges for harassment. "
Rebecca's head was in her hands now, her shoulders shaking with sobs.
"Child support will be recalculated based on the new visitation schedule.
Given that Mr. Byrne now has Charisse approximately ninety-nine percent of the time, Ms. Walsh's child support obligation is eliminated effective immediately.
However, once Ms. Walsh secures the gainful employment required by this order, child support payments to Mr. Byrne will be calculated based on the then-current schedule and her verified income.
Mr. Byrne will be responsible for all of Charisse's expenses, except during supervised visits. "
The irony wasn't lost on anyone. Rebecca had come into this courtroom trying to get more money and was leaving owing it.
The judge sat back in her chair. "Finally," she said, her voice dropping to a lower register that carried throughout the now-silent courtroom, "I am referring this matter to the District Attorney's office for prosecution of perjury charges.
" She tapped her index finger once on the bench for emphasis.
"Hear me. I'm not referring this for review, but for prosecution.
The evidence of your false testimony is overwhelming and documented.
" She leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped together so tightly that the strain in her fists was visible.
"Ms. Walsh, you didn't just lie. You fabricated stalking allegations, wasted this court's resources, and attempted to use the legal system as a weapon. That demands criminal consequences."
The courtroom went even quieter, if that was possible.
"I want to be clear about something. Charisse deserves a relationship with both of her parents. This order is not designed to eliminate Ms. Walsh from her daughter's life. It's designed to create a path forward where that relationship can be healthy and appropriate."
Her gaze moved back to Rebecca.
Judge Weston leaned forward, her voice firm. "There is a path back to your daughter, Ms. Walsh. It requires therapy, steady work, and putting Charisse first. Not manipulation. Not lies. Real change."
She stood. "This court is adjourned. Mr. Caldwell, please prepare the modified order and submit it within five business days." The gavel came down with a sharp crack.
"All rise!"
I stood on shaking legs, barely able to process what had just happened. Behind me, Andi was already moving. She practically vaulted the wooden barrier and threw herself into my arms.
"Oh my God," she whispered.
I pulled her close, my body still shaking. "The judge didn’t leave her much room."
Her family swarmed around us. Her dad held out his hand for a firm handshake. Her mom pulled Andi and me into a fierce hug. The relief was palpable, almost overwhelming.
Victor approached, his professional composure barely containing a satisfied smile. "Well. That was more decisive than even I anticipated."
"Supervised visitation for a year?" I asked, still processing.
"Minimum of a year. And only if she complies with every condition the judge set." Victor glanced toward where Mitchell and a still-sobbing Rebecca. "Judge Weston doesn't mess around when it comes to protecting children from parental manipulation. And that perjury referral? That's serious."
"What happens next?"
"We file the order, get the co-parenting app set up, and coordinate with the visitation supervisor." Victor's expression turned more serious. "And you prepare to tell Charisse what's happening. She'll have questions."
My stomach tightened. I'd been so focused on winning that I hadn't fully thought through having to explain to Charisse why her mother could only see her twice a month with a stranger watching.
"I'll help," Andi said quietly, reading my expression. "However you need me to."
Victor nodded approvingly. "Take the weekend. Enjoy this victory. We'll meet Monday to go over everything." He shook my hand one more time. "Congratulations. Both of you."
Across the aisle, Rebecca was being helped out of the courtroom by Mitchell, barely able to walk. For a brief moment, I felt something that might have been pity. Then I remembered the lies, the manipulation, the way she'd tried to destroy what Andi and I had built, and the feeling evaporated.
"Let's get out of here," Andi whispered.
We made our way through the courthouse; her family peeling off with promises to celebrate properly that weekend at Sunday dinner. Once we were alone in the parking garage, I pulled Andi close again.
I shook my head in disbelief. "A whole year. Supervised. No excuses."
"And criminal charges," Andi added. "The judge said prosecution, that sounds like it's not just a suggestion."
"I know." I rested my forehead against hers. "It's over. It's really over."
"What do we do now?"
I gave a small smile. "Let's go pick up Charisse from Mrs. Murphy's." Already thinking about how to tell her the truth, and how to keep her heart safe while I did.