35
‘Are you sure you don’t want us there, as moral support?’ Daniel’s mum looked searchingly at him. He shook his head.
‘No thanks, Mum. I think it’d be better if I went alone. You and Dad would just be sat about waiting.’
‘That doesn’t matter, son, we could still be there for you.’ His dad reassured him.
‘Thanks, but really, I’d rather do this alone.’
They both nodded their heads, understanding yet anxious.
Daniel was wearing a suit, as instructed by his solicitor. He imagined Alana Frost donning something very similar today in court: black and formal. He felt like he was going to a funeral. They had arranged to meet in her office beforehand and walk the short distance to the court together. Alana had wisely suggested this, rather than have him wait in the court foyer, where Jenna and her representation would be. The less contact he had with her the better. He could barely bring himself to look at her now.
As predicted, Alana Frost appeared pristine and very business-like. Wearing a dark, tailored suit and carrying a large file bulging with papers, she gave Daniel the once-over.
‘Good. You look the part,’ she stated in clipped tones, looking him up and down, ‘and remember, don’t interrupt if I’m speaking, or anyone else for that matter. Signal and whisper, or write any queries or comments down, yes?’ She looked piercingly into his eyes.
‘I understand,’ replied Daniel. Then gulped.
‘No matter what’s being said,’ she continued in the same no-nonsense nature, ‘and believe me, there’ll be things said you won’t like.’
His head shot up. ‘Like what?’
‘All sorts. They’ll dish the dirt – but,’ she said firmly, ‘so will we.’ He believed her. On balance, despite the astronomical fee she was charging him, he knew he’d be unable to do this without her. He didn’t doubt that Jenna would also have hired a good solicitor. His stomach churned; he felt positively sick with nerves. This was it. He was about to face the very day he’d been dreading. The culmination of what his body and mind had slowly suffered through stress and anxiety was about to be reached. Alana must have read his thoughts, as her face softened ever so slightly. She put a hand on his shoulder. ‘Stay strong, Daniel. We’re in this together,’ then she gave a tight smile.
They were the first on the list, which meant a prompt start, the usher informed them as they entered the waiting room. As it was a family hearing, it was to be held in the Judge’s Chambers rather than in an actual courtroom. Daniel’s eyes darted round the waiting area. There she was, her back to him, talking intently to her solicitor. Next to her was that prick JonJo. He wanted to wrap his hands round his neck. What the hell washedoing here? This concerned him and Jenna, not her boyfriend. Alana caught him staring and quickly nudged him.
‘Remember, you must keep your cool,’ she said quietly. ‘He won’t be allowed into the hearing.’
‘James and Connor,’ called the usher. That was them. Both parties made their way to the Judge’s Chambers. Daniel’s gaze burnt into Jenna’s back as he silently followed her. They were all seated round a large table, where the Judge sat at the top. Their file was spread out before him, with various notes made in the margins. At least he’d read the reports beforehand, thought Daniel bleakly. Then Alana coughed and opened the hearing.
‘Your Honour, my client is seeking full care and control of his daughter, Emily Louisa James.’ The rest became a slight blur to Daniel as he was forced to sit back and listen to all his family life being scrutinised and assessed. Alana outlined the input and influence Daniel had had on his only child. She highlighted the time, care and attention he had willingly poured into his precious little girl’s life. She spoke of his achievements in his career, which enabled him to provide very well financially for Emily.
At this point, Jenna’s solicitor interjected that Daniel’s career was indeed successful, which inevitably meant he would not be able to look after Emily full time, to which Daniel urgently whispered details of his intention to work from home and the proposed studio in his garden at home.
Then it was Jenna’s turn. God, listening to her solicitor, you’d think she was a saint. His stomach started to churn again at how she was a “stay-at-home mum” and couldn’t possibly leave her little girl. Never had a problem constantly dumping Emily on him or his parents, he thought with spite. Rage surged through him at how “Emily had taken to her boyfriend, who was a doting stepfather to be.” What?They were getting married?His blood boiled, then he remembered Alana’s counsel. He was deliberately being provoked. Him losing his temper would be playing straight into her hands. He looked across at her, sat primly straight-backed, hands neatly folded on the table, like butter wouldn’t melt. No mention of the drunken nights out, the girly weekends away, the shagging behind his back.
He picked up a pen on the desk and wrote clearly on a piece of notepaper for Jenna to see “Mention her drinking” then passed it to Alana. He enjoyed seeing the flicker of horror flash over her face and sat back with satisfaction. Jenna, in retaliation, whispered something in her solicitor’s ear. The Judge spoke next.
‘I’m going to adjourn for thirty minutes,’ he said decisively.
‘Yes, your Honour,’ both solicitors answered and they all rose to their feet. Outside, in the waiting area Daniel took Alana to one side.
‘You need to tell the Judge about her drinking,’ he hissed urgently.
Alana looked at him. ‘Listen, Daniel, I’ll use ammunition if and when we need it. So far Jenna’s being sensible.’
‘What?’ he squeaked.
‘The only negative comment was your working full time, whereas she doesn’t.’
‘Yeah, because I’m bloody well providing everything,’ he rasped.
‘Keep your cool,’ she ordered, looking sterner than ever, making him shrink back. He was on the verge of tears and forced himself to be composed. His head turned to the corner of the room where JonJo had an arm round Jenna. Bastard. They were soon called back into the Judge’s Chambers. The Judge gave direction to both representatives, stating he had read all the reports, listened to both parties and was about to give his summing up, followed with his order. All sat still, waiting with bated breath.
The Judge summarised all he had concluded from the case. He gave acknowledgement to both parents, stating they clearly loved and cared well for their daughter. He emphasised how important it was for each party to co-operate as much as possible, especially regarding future access, reiterating communication was key for the sake of their child. Then he gave his order. Emily was to remain living her mother, with weekend access to her father. Holidays would be shared equally. Flexibility and any adjustments to arrangements would have to be consented by both parties.
No!No, no, no.Daniel closed his eyes. A whooshing noise filled his ears. Alana discreetly put her hand on his lap.
‘I seek leave to appeal, your Honour.’
‘Granted,’ replied the Judge. There was a short silence, then all rose from their seats and vacated the Chambers. Jenna practically ran down the corridor to the waiting area.
He turned to Alana. ‘I can’t go in there.’ The last thing he could stomach was watching her and JonJo celebrate taking his child.
‘We’ll wait till they’ve gone.’ She sat him down on a bench near the doorway. He was shaking. ‘Give me a couple of weeks to work on the appeal.’ She tried to console him.
Daniel was numb with shock. His first instinct was to get home to his parents, then realising how devastated they would be, he decided he couldn’t face that. He got up and went to the gents, where he vomited the anger, hate, frustration and sheer injustice of it all down the toilet.
