Page 91 of Maverick

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."

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