Page 133 of Cloudless
Posey shakes her head, but shock flows through me as Jasper raises his hand like he’s at school. “Can I say something?”
Surprise flashes across the judge’s face before she can conceal it. “Yes, of course, Jasper.”
He swallows thickly before looking down at his hand clasped tightly in his sister’s. “I don’t think I like Grandma and Grandpa.”
Judge Harris’ eyes flick to my grandparents, whose seats squeak with their sudden movements. She turns back to Jasper. “And why don’t you like them, Jasper?”
His voice is timid as he says, “They say mean things about Lulu. They say she’s not ready to be what we need. That she’s not strong enough.” A hard edge replaces the timidness in his voice. “That makes me mad. How can they know what we need when they don’t even know what my favorite color is? How do they know what’s best for us when they don’t know how to calm Posey down after she has a nightmare? They don’t even know that Posey doesn’t like the crust on her PB&J.” His eyes flash as he says, “They want me to take grandpa’s place at his job whenhe retires, but I really want to play hockey. Kam said it’s okay for me to say if I don’t like someone, as long as I’m still nice to them.” He sits up straighter in his seat. “I’ve never not been nice to them,I promise.”
They want me to take grandpa’s place at his job when he retires.
My eyes flash to Maxwell in time to watch his jaw clench.
The judge grinds her teeth as she nods her head. “Thank you for being so brave. Kam is right. It’s important to say when we don’t like someone.” Her eyes harden as they fall on the adults that act more like children. “But that doesn’t give us permission to be mean to them or force them into something for the sake of legacy.” The softness returns to her eyes as they land on me. “I’ve heard all I need to hear. I’m ready to make my decision.”
CHAPTER 66
HOME
LILA
“I am awarding full custody of Posey and Jasper Sullivan to their sister, Lila Sullivan. Effective immediately.” Her warm eyes flick to mine. “It looks like you found your village, Miss Sullivan.”
My heart stalls in my chest as Maxwell’s chair clatters against the floor. “You can’t do this! We have ample evidence why thatchildshould not have custody of those kids!”
Despite my heart being firmly lodged in my throat, my legs carry me swiftly to my wide-eyed siblings. Not even seconds later, a solid wall of muscle acts as a barrier between me and my grandparents. Ellie practically vibrates with rage next to me as she seethes under her breath. “Karma’s a bitch, isn’t it, old man?”
Mr. Thorne’s face turns a ghostly shade of white as he backs away slowly from the scene developing in front of him like he’s cornered by a wild animal instead of a grown ass man.
“Mr. Abernathy! You will exit this Court with dignity before I find you in contempt.” The judge’s clenched teeth and stern palm halt the words threatening to spill from his mouth. “Yes, that’s right. You think I didn’t notice the slanderous letters regarding Mr. Stryker’s and Miss Sullivan’s character were not signed affidavits? I can’t help but wonder why that is, Mr.Thorne.” The bailiff’s eyes flash with worry as he aligns himself between the judge and the table on the other side of the room. “The next time you find yourself in a courtroom, you would do well not to insult the judge's intelligence, Mr. Abernathy.” A tilt of her head is all that’s required to stop his coming words. “And yes, I believe there will be a next time, but not on this matter. You seem to be well acquainted with the Court of Law.”
“But—But?—”
How the judge doesn’t roll her eyes, I’ll never know. “Stammering is not befitting of a man ofyourstature, Mr. Abernathy.” A smile touches the corner of her lips as she glances at me. “Court is adjourned.”
“All rise.”
Since I can’t rise any more than I already am, I incline my head and return her smile as she disappears into her chambers.
Maxwell’s face turns a bright shade of red as he backs away from the bailiff like a small child would his mother. “You can’t do this to me! I have connections! Powerful connections!”
The placating tone of the bailiff’s voice brings a smile to my face. “I’m sure you do, Mr. Abernathy. If you would please allow me to escort you to your car, we could all get on with our day.”
Victoria’s voice filters through the room for the first time as she lodges her handbag firmly on her shoulder. “Oh, for heaven's sake, Maxwell. Give it a rest already. I told you we didn’t have a case. Can’t you see you’re only making a fool of yourself?”
Dax’s shoulders shake from barely contained laughter in front of me as I watch through the gap of his arm and Kam’s.
Maxwell’s nostrils flare as he wags a finger in Victoria’s face. “Do not talk back tome, woman!”
She rolls her eyes at her unhinged husband as she turns to leave. “I’ll be in the car. Don’t youdaremake me late for my hair appointment, Maxwell. I won’t have Alexander waiting for me.He’s booked out for months.” Her eyes flash to mine before she dips her head. “Goodbye, Lila.”
The gap in the guy’s arms closes, cutting off my view, as Maxwell’s eyes blaze with a storm of fire. “Don’t you walk away from me when I’m talking to you!Iam the man ofthishouse, andyouwill listen tome.” His words fade as he storms after his wife, who is clearly unaffected by his behavior.
Dax whistles as he stuffs his hands in his pockets. “If they’ll act like that in public, I’d hate to see how they act at home.”
As the door slams closed behind Maxwell, the bailiff lets out an exhausted breath and drags his feet all the way to the door leading to the judge's chambers. He disappears without another word.
My dress bounces around my waist as Jasper pulls on the hem. “How’d we do, Lulu?”
