Chapter 9 - The Verdict
The hammer fell swift and merciless.
Judge Harrison did not hesitate. “Effective immediately, the respondent Scott Miller’s visitation rights with the minor child, June Miller, are suspended indefinitely. Any future contact will be strictly at the discretion of the court following a psychological evaluation and completion of certified parenting and safety courses.”
Scott’s jaw dropped. “Your Honor! You can’t take my daughter away over a babysitting misunderstanding!”
“I am not taking her away over babysitting, Mr. Miller,” Judge Harrison retorted sharply. “I am protecting her from a father who treats her as chattel and endangers her life. Furthermore, you are ordered to surrender the $415 collected unlawfully to the petitioner, Holly Miller, within forty-eight hours, which will be deposited into a restricted educational trust fund in June’s name.”
“I don't have that cash right now!” Scott protested loudly.
“Then I suggest you return your new coffee machine,” Judge Harrison said without blinking. “Court is adjourned.”
The screen went black as the bailiff disconnected Scott’s feed.
Evelyn turned to me with a faint, satisfied smile. “That went better than expected. He buried himself the second he admitted to the deadbolt.”
I let out a breath I felt like I’d been holding for two straight days. My legs felt weak, but the crushing weight on my chest had lifted. June was safe. She would never have to be Scott’s unpaid servant again. She would never have to sit in a locked basement, listening to laughter upstairs while wondering why she wasn't good enough to be part of the family.
When I picked June up from school that afternoon, I took her to her favorite diner on the edge of town. We ordered milkshakes and a basket of curly fries.
“Dad’s not picking me up this weekend, is he?” she asked quietly, dipping a fry in ketchup.
“No, baby,” I said gently. “He’s not. You’re staying home with me.”
June let out a small, slow breath. Her little shoulders, which had been tense for weeks, finally sank down into a natural, relaxed posture.
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“Good,” she whispered. “I didn't want to go back there anyway.”
“I know, sweetie. You never have to go anywhere you aren't safe and valued.”
