Stumbling to his feet, Fionn stared at the black-robed figure entering the courtroom, trying to pick up on any vibes from the judge who would decide his fate. Penn tugged on Fionn’s jacket, forcing him to sit back down. Listening to the bailiff inform the judge all parties were present in the matter, he looked around, seeing his uncle seated at the other table with, what he assumed was, his lawyer— confirmed when the judge spoke to him.
“Mr. Walker, you have informed the court that you wish to introduce new evidence that supports your client’s petition, is that correct?”
Rising, Walker answered, “Yes, Your Honor. May it please the Court, I’d like to submit it now.” Then he handed documents to the bailiff and to Penn.
After quickly skimming through the papers, Penn stood. “Your Honor, I must object. This is clearly a move by the opposing counsel to gain an unfair advantage by keeping this evidence undisclosed until today.”
“Denied. Mr. Anderson, this is not a criminal proceeding but one seeking to determine what is best for a minor. Any and all evidence will be considered today.”
Nodding, Penn asked, “May I ask the Court for a short recess in order to confer with my client regarding this new evidence?”
Holding his breath, Fionn watched as the judge frowned at Penn and, just when he thought the request would be denied, heard him say, “Ten minutes.” Within seconds,he found himself surrounded by enforcers as Penn led him out of the courtroom and into a small private room. “What the fuck happened?” Fionn asked, as Dylon closed the door.
Handing the young white dragon the papers the other attorney had given him, Penn said, “According to your uncle, our midwife certificate belongs to a child…also named Fionn…your mother had prior to you, but who died within months of his birth.”
“What a load of bullshit!” exclaimed Dylon.
“I don’t understand,” Fionn said, studying the documents. “Why does it matter? We have the midwife’s testimony…she was at my birth.”
“Yes,” said Penn, “but by submitting these new documents…which I believe are forgeries…our midwife’s testimony will only confirm she was at the birth of a male child who was named Fionn. Since she hasn’t seen you since that night, she can’t testify that you’re that child. In effect, her testimony will only strengthen your uncle’s claim.”
The fear Fionn had held in abeyance came roaring back as the impact of Penn’s words sank in. Rising, he had one goal and that was to flee, get as far away from his uncle as possible since Fionn now knew it was a lost cause. He should have expected it. Taking a step towards the door, Fionn was stopped by a hand on his arm.
“Whoa, where are you going, Fionn?” asked Dylon.
“Let go of me!” Struggling to free his arm, Fionn’s anger grew, no longer aimed at just his relatives but now including his lawyer and the man who was preventing his escape. Pulling forth his dragon’s strength, Fionn tried to pry Dylon’s fingers off him but when he couldn’t lifteven one, conceded defeat. “What the fuck are you?” Fionn growled, astonished at Dylon’s power.
“Sit,” Dylon said, forcing the dragon down in his chair.
Frustrated, Fionn spat, “Fine. Now what? You’re going to keep me a prisoner just like my father did?”
“Fionn, please,” said Penn, quietly. “No one is keeping you a prisoner. If you’ll just let me finish…”
Scowling, Fionn muttered, “Go ahead. I guess I don’t have a choice.”
Nodding at Dylon to remove his hand, Penn continued. “I expected something like this would happen, especially after Jackson informed me what kind of dragon you are.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?” snapped Fionn.
“I plan to go ahead and submit our midwife’s certificate to the court, and ask the midwife to confirm she was present at the birth. While she can’t swear the child listed on the certificate and you are the same, it’s important she verify the authenticity of it,” Penn explained.
“Why?” asked Fionn, sullenly.
“Because it is,” said Penn. “Don’t forget the other witness we have…the family lawyer who can testify to the dates of the gifts received from your relatives.” Gathering up the documents, he added, “Fionn, I know you haven’t had many people you could trust in your life but I’m asking you…please believe that I will win.”
“Yeah? Why should I? Right now, all I’m seeing is my uncle has outfoxed you with fake shit,” Fionn snorted, pissed that Penn would even request that leap of faith from him.
Slipping the papers into his briefcase and snapping it closed, Penn turned, locking his eyes with Fionn’s. “TheFates gave me the task to help you and I willnotfail them. Now, can I trust you to remain calm and not to react to any lies and bullshit your uncle throws out about you?”
Seeing the truth in Penn’s eyes, Fionn felt his anger recede and his hope rise again. Remembering his mother’s words…‘Trust everyone in the Blackwood Pack. They will protect you from anyone who means to do you harm.’ Fionn then turned to Dylon and, finding the proof of trust also in his face, answered Penn’s question, “I promise. No matter what happens, I won’t react.”
“Okay, then let’s get back in there and kick some butt,” grinned Penn.
Chapter 32
“None of this makes sense,” Slate said as he passed the documents to Logan. “How sure are you that it exists, Reif?”
“Have I seen it? No. The only evidence that it’s real is in the documents I’ve collected,” Reif answered.
