Judge Bishop nodded as she looked back to Ms. James. “Do you have anything else, Ms. James? Nothing you produce will make this look any better for your client.”
Ms. James shook her head. “Nothing else, Your Honor.”
Kennedy’s head snapped toward her. “Nothing else? Do something. That’s what you were hired for. I did not abuse my children. They attacked me, and I defended myself. Don’t you see what’s happening here? This is nothing but the influence of that murdering bitch. She will stop at nothing to turn everybody against me and ruin my life.”
That started Mrs. West up again, too. The courtroom was filled with nothing but yelling and cursing directed toward me. I sat quietly, squeezing the hell out of Killian’s hand. I wasn’t afraid, but the anger I felt was enough to have me leaping over the railing that separated us and wrapping my hands around Kennedy’s neck.
Judge Bishop slammed the gavel. “That’s enough. Remove both of these women from my courtroom and lock them up.”
We all watched as the two of them were escorted out, kicking and screaming. Kennedy’s boyfriend shook his head as he left the courtroom, too. Once it was quiet, the judge spoke again.
“Given the severity of the allegations and the evidence presented, I’m inclined to grant the emergency removal. The problem here is the mother’s concern about placement.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood from my seat, against Ms. Vera and Killian’s attempts to make me sit down.
“May I have permission to speak, Your Honor?”
She looked at me for a moment then motioned for me to continue.
“Your Honor, I would never hurt my sisters. I love them. I helped raise them from the time they were babies until my incarceration. Yes, I was convicted of manslaughter. I served my time, and I was a model inmate. My mother intentionally severed the relationship with my sisters. For ten years, she refused every phone call and every letter I wrote to them.
“When she learned I would be released, she forbid me to try and repair the relationship she severed. Under normal circumstances, I could understand her reasoning, but this isn’t normal. I take full responsibility in the part I played in ending a man’s life, but I don’t regret it because I finally saved myself from years of abuse that I fully believe my mother knew was happening. I saved my sisters from the same fate.
“I have been on the straight and narrow since I came home on parole, and I am not a danger to my sisters. If it would help bring them home faster, I will leave my aunt and uncle’s home and find somewhere else to live.”
Several gasps went up around the small space. I could hear everyone talking to me, but I kept my gaze locked on the judge.
“You said you’re on parole. That means you’ve been given an approved residence. You’d have to go through the parole board or your parole officer to get a change approved, and this is a time-sensitive matter.”
Ms. Vera stood. “Your Honor, my name is Vera Washington. I’m Ms. Chambers’s appointed parole officer. She’s been a model parolee, and I know how much this means to her. If she can find adequate placement, I will sign off on it.”
“That’s all fine and dandy, Ms. Washington, but—”
“She can stay with me.”
My head snapped in Killian’s direction. He stood from his seat. The judge squinted.
“Is that you, Mr. Lake?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’d like to offer my home to Ms. Chambers. I’ve known her since we were kids. I’m willing to accept responsibility for her. I’ll make sure she stays on the right path. I’ll ensure she gets to and from work and adheres to the terms of her parole.”
“And I’ll check in with her twice a week,” Ms. Vera added. “We are currently on an every-other-week schedule, but I’m willing to amend that if it helps with this process.”
Judge Bishop was quiet for a moment, I guess assessing the option. She scribbled something down, then nodded.
“Given the circumstances, I will agree to releasing Adrienne and Amiyah into the custody of their aunt and uncle following Ms. Chambers’ departure from the home.”
“Thank you, Your Honor,” I said. “May I ask a question?”
“Go ahead.”
“Will I be able to see them? My mother has petitioned to have me restrained from seeing my sisters.”
Erica interjected. “Your honor, I filed an emergency motion to dismiss the restraining order yesterday, given the circumstances, and it was accepted.”
That made my heart flutter. She hadn’t told me that piece of information yet. Erica reached into her briefcase and produced a document.
“I also filed a request for visitation on Ms. Chambers’ behalf.”
