Chapter 30
30
MAVERICK
I stand before the judge, my suit feeling too tight, the collar chafing my neck. The air in the courtroom is thick with tension, and I can almost feel Alexis trembling beside me. Across the aisle, Jason slouches in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. His lawyer keeps throwing him warning glances, but Jason seems determined to make a spectacle of himself.
"Your Honor," I begin, my voice steady despite the exhaustion weighing on me, "we're here today because Jason Matthews has repeatedly demonstrated his unfitness as a father and his blatant disregard for the well-being of his daughter."
Jason's lawyer jumps up. "Objection, Your Honor. Counsel is making unsubstantiated claims."
"Overruled," the judge says, her gaze fixed on me. "Continue, Mr. Walker."
I nod, gathering my thoughts. "Thank you, Your Honor. The evidence before you paints a clear picture of a man more interested in tormenting his ex-partner than caring for his child."
I wave to the stack of documents on my desk, a duplicate of everything we've already submitted to the judge. "We have police reports detailing multiple instances where Mr. Matthews showed up at Ms. Rodriguez's home, intoxicated and belligerent. He's made threats against her life, vandalized her property, and on one occasion, attempted to take their daughter without permission."
Jason snorts loudly, earning a sharp look from the judge.
"Furthermore," I continue, "Mr. Matthews has consistently failed to show up for scheduled visitations with his daughter. When he does appear, he's often under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We have testimony from the child's pediatrician expressing concern about signs of neglect observed after weekends spent with her father."
Jason's lawyer stands again. "Your Honor, my client denies these allegations. We have witnesses who can attest to Mr. Matthews' commitment to his daughter."
The judge nods. "We'll hear from your witnesses, counsel. Mr. Walker, please continue."
I take a deep breath. "Your Honor, this isn't just about missed visitations or occasional lapses in judgment. Mr. Matthews has shown a pattern of behavior that puts both Ms. Rodriguez and her daughter at risk. He sent threatening text messages, left voicemails filled with graphic descriptions of violence, and even attempted to sabotage Ms. Rodriguez's employment by harassing her at work."
At my fucking club. And you can bet I have those videos ready to submit too. He will not get away with this shit.
I turn to face Jason, who's now leaning forward, his face twisted in anger. "Mr. Matthews isn't interested in being a father. He's using this custody battle as a way to continue controlling and intimidating Ms. Rodriguez. It's not about love for his daughter; it's about power and revenge."
Jason's lawyer starts to object, but Jason beats him to it. "That's bullshit!" he shouts, jumping to his feet. "She's the one who's crazy! She's turning my kid against me!"
"Mr. Matthews, control yourself or you'll be held in contempt," the judge warns sternly.
I seize the moment. "Your Honor, Mr. Matthews' outburst only serves to illustrate my point. This man is volatile, unpredictable, and frankly, dangerous. His daughter deserves stability, love, and a safe environment. Ms. Rodriguez has provided that consistently, despite the constant stress and fear Mr. Matthews has subjected her to."
I look the judge in the eye, pouring every ounce of conviction I have into my words. "We're not asking for Mr. Matthews to be cut out of his daughter's life entirely. We're asking for supervised visitation and for primary custody to be awarded to Ms. Rodriguez. This isn't about punishing Mr. Matthews; it's about protecting an innocent child and giving her the best chance at a happy, healthy life."
The air feels charged, like the moment before a thunderstorm breaks as the judge's gaze sweeps over the courtroom. The back of my neck gets tight. I've been in rooms this tense and it doesn't normally end well. The way I grew up, I've learned to read a fucking room, and the story in this room is all fucking bad.
"I've reviewed all the documentation submitted by both sides," Judge Hernandez begins, her voice clear and authoritative. "And I must say, Mr. Walker, I tend to agree with your assessment of the situation."
A small gasp escapes Alexis beside me, and I give her hand a reassuring squeeze under the table. Jason's smirk falters, replaced by a look of disbelief.
Jason's lawyer, Mr. Peterson, jumps to his feet. "Your Honor, if I may draw your attention to the character references we've provided?—"
Judge Hernandez holds up a hand, silencing him. "I've read them, Mr. Peterson. And frankly, they all sound remarkably similar, as if one person wrote them all. I don't find them particularly believable."
Peterson's face flushes, and he tugs at his collar. "Your Honor, I can assure you?—"
"Can you produce any of these character witnesses to speak in person on Mr. Matthews' behalf?" the judge interrupts, her piercing gaze fixed on Peterson.
The lawyer turns to Jason, and they have a hushed, frantic conversation. I watch as Jason's face grows redder by the second, his fists clenching at his sides. Finally, Peterson turns back to the judge, defeat written across his features.
"I'm afraid we cannot produce any in-person witnesses at this time, Your Honor," he admits.
Judge Hernandez nods, her expression grave. "I see. Well, given the evidence presented and the lack of credible character witnesses for Mr. Matthews, I'm prepared to make my ruling."
Suddenly, Jason leaps to his feet, his chair clattering to the floor behind him. He whirls to face Alexis, his face contorted with rage. "You bitch!" he snarls, spittle flying from his lips. "You think this is over? I'll make you pay for this! You'll never be safe, you hear me? Never!"
The courtroom erupts into chaos. The bailiff rushes forward, but Jason is already lunging towards Alexis. I stand quickly, placing myself between them, my hand outstretched to stop him.
"Remove Mr. Matthews from my courtroom immediately!" Judge Hernandez orders, her voice cutting through the commotion like a knife.
The bailiff moves towards Jason, but he's too slow. With a violent burst of speed that shocks everyone present, Jason barrels past him, heading straight for Alexis. Without hesitation, I step into him, my body moving on pure instinct. In one fluid motion, I step forward, grab Jason's outstretched arm, and twist it behind his back with a sickening crack. The courtroom falls silent as Jason's scream of pain pierces the air.
"Don't you dare touch her," I growl, my voice low and dangerous. Alexis' shaking hand is on my back, and my rage rachets higher. As much as I want to punch this fucker until he's moaning on the floor, I won't do anything that might reflect badly on Alex.
The bailiff finally reaches us, his eyes wide.. As he takes hold of the now whimpering Jason, I release my grip, my hands shaking slightly from the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Judge Hernandez's gavel slams down, bringing order to the stunned courtroom. "Bailiff, escort Mr. Matthews to the infirmary, then place him under arrest," she commands, her voice steely. "Mr. Matthews, your behavior today has only served to confirm the concerns raised by Mr. Walker," Judge Hernandez says, her voice cold with fury. "In light of the evidence presented and your actions here today, I am awarding full custody of your daughter to Ms. Rodriguez."
Jason's face pales, his struggles against the bailiff intensifying. "You can't do that!" he shouts.
The judge's gaze is steel. "I can, and I have. Furthermore, you will have no visitation rights until you have completed an anger management course to this court's satisfaction. And let me be clear, Mr. Matthews – any further threats or attempts to contact Ms. Rodriguez outside of court-approved channels will result in severe consequences."
As Jason is finally removed from the courtroom, his shouts echoing down the hallway, I turn to Alexis. Tears stream down her face, but there's relief in her eyes.
"It's over," I tell her softly. "You did it. You and your daughter are safe now."
Alexis nods, unable to speak through her tears. I give her a moment to compose herself before turning back to the judge.
"Thank you, Your Honor," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "We appreciate your careful consideration of this case."
Judge Hernandez nods. "Mr. Walker, ensure that Ms. Rodriguez is aware of the resources available to her for protection and support. This court stands adjourned."
The gavel comes down with a resounding crack, and just like that, it's over. Months of preparation, sleepless nights, and constant worry, all wrapped up with a bang of the gavel. This is exactly why I became a lawyer – to help people like Alexis find justice and safety.
I guide Alexis to my car, her body still trembling from the courtroom ordeal. The drive back to her house is silent, save for her quiet sobs. I can feel the weight of her relief and fear mingling in the air between us.
As I pull up to her house and cut the engine, I turn to face her. "Alexis, you can't stay here anymore," I say, my voice gentle but firm. "It's not safe. My brother Colton works with a group that helps women and children in domestic violence situations. They can provide you with a safe place to live."
Her eyes widen, a mix of fear and hope flickering across her face.
"I'm going to give them your number," I continue. "This place... there's too much access. Jason knows it too well. And I'll increase security at the club, just to be safe."
Alexis nods, wiping away a stray tear. "Maverick, I... I don't know how to thank you. Everything you've done for me, for my daughter... I've never met a man as good as you."
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, her praise making me feel awkward. "It's nothing," I mutter, then gently nudge her. "You should head inside now. Pack what you need. They'll be in touch soon."
She nods, but before she opens the door, she leans in suddenly. I realize what's happening a split second before her lips are about to touch mine. Gently, I put my hand on her shoulder, stopping her.
"Alexis," I say softly, "I'm flattered, but... I'm too old for you. And besides," I pause, the words forming on my tongue before I even realize it, "I'm in love with someone else."
It's the first time I've said it out loud, and it feels right. Like a truth I've known for a while but was afraid to acknowledge.
Alexis's cheeks flush red, and she backs away quickly. "Oh God, I'm so sorry," she stammers. "I didn't mean to... I just... I'm sorry."
"It's okay," I assure her. "You've been through a lot. Go on inside now. Take care of yourself and your daughter."
She nods, still blushing, and gets out of the car. As I watch her walk to her front door, I can't help but think about Cadence, and how right it felt to finally admit my feelings, even if it wasn't to her.