Page 75 of Second Start: Family
Things seemed to be winding down when Naomi’s lawyer said, “Judge, we do have a serious matter to add to our filings.”
“What is that?”
“As much as we hate to say it—” He clearly didn’t hate saying it. “—the father in this case — this situation,” he amended before the judge corrected him again. “—has been consorting with a woman of dubious moral character, a woman—”
Hall jolted in his chair.
He would have done more if Eric hadn’t clamped on his arm.
“—accused of sexually assaulting a young, male student in her previous post. Indeed, a young, male student of the same age as Daniel Quick.”
“Who is this woman?”
“Her name is Kenzie Smith. Lamentably,” the lawyer continued more loudly, “she is employed as a teacher in Mason. Indeed, she teaches two of Mr. Quick’s younger children and he has chosen to bring her into their home and their lives. The danger to this boy cannot be overstated. The immediate approval of my client’s petition is the clear remedy for a situation—”
Eric stood, “Your Honor, we have no evidence of these accusations being thrown around by Mr. Morton. None at all. Facts are—”
“The facts are as I’ve stated them and—”
“—what matter and—”
The judge banged the gavel with authority.
“Both of you, sit. Mr. Morton you will submit your evidence of these charges to me and Mr. Larkin by noon tomorrow.”
“I was certain you would want this vital information as soon as possible, so I instructed my office to send you and Mr. Larkin the material now. And we are ready to proceed based on it immediately. In the interests of Daniel Quick’s welfare and future, with the scholarship test looming, time is—”
“I will look at your material. We will reconvene in one hour to further consider how to proceed.”
*
“Eric—”
“Don’t say a word. Not until we’re in my truck,” Eric ordered Halls as they jogged down the courthouse steps and angled toward the parking area.
As they neared his truck, Eric stopped and turned to the two Quicks. “Maybe Dan should wait in your truck, Hall.”
“Wh—? No. I will not treat him like the enemy.”
“Heisthe opposing side.” But Eric must have seen something in Hall’s face, because he then turned to Dan. “I want your word that you will not share with your aunt or her attorney — or anyone — anything you hear or see unless you get permission from me or your father. No, make that meandyour father. Nothing.”
Dan shot a look at Hall. Hall tried to return it but Dan’s bounced off before they connected. Dan dropped his gaze to consideration of his shoes.
Eric’s silence and stillness demanded an answer.
“Yes, sir,” Dan said quietly. Then he raised his head and met Eric’s look. “You have my word.”
“Okay, then. Get in back. Hall, you in the passenger seat. Good thing I have this set up as a mobile office.”
As he got in, he hit speed dial.
“Pauline, some documents are supposed to be coming in now from opposing counsel’s office. As soon as it comes in, forward it to me on the secure email. Then track down K.D. and see if she’s available for a phone call within the hour if I need her … Yeah, Cully, too. Good idea.”
He ended the call.
“Cully Grainger, Shakespeare County Sheriff?” Hall asked.
“Yep. He can be a resource. So can K.D. — my significant other, who’s a deputy. Want them lined up until we know what we’re dealing with. Which raises the question, what do you know about this, Hall?”
