The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing #5)(52)

“Why is he still on the bench at his age?” Hannah asked. “Isn’t he long past retirement?”

“He obviously loves his work,” Cal said. “This is a small county and he’s been around a long time. His record is exemplary. He’s never been overturned in appeal. He appears to be a simple country judge but there’s nothing simple about him. He has a sophisticated knowledge of the law and its applications. And he is fair.”

The courthouse was small and newer than most of the other buildings in Leadville and yet it was probably fifty years old. The hardwood floors were scuffed, the spectator benches few. There weren’t many cases being heard and Mrs. Addison was nowhere to be seen.

Hannah and Cal took their places at the defense table at the front of the courtroom. Kate and Owen sat in the spectator’s section right behind them. There was a sheriff’s deputy, a court stenographer, a clerk and a woman who appeared to be a security or corrections officer. Then Hannah saw Helen walk into the room. She gave a little smile and wave and took a seat next to Kate and Owen. They all chatted quietly for a moment.

Then Mrs. Addison and her attorney entered the room and walked down the short aisle to the front. Mrs. Addison smiled and nodded as if she knew the people around her. She did not look like her picture; her picture had not done her justice. She wasn’t a little old lady by any means. She appeared much younger than her years and sophisticated. Her hair was short and stylish in a salt-and-pepper cap; her figure was fit and trim. Her makeup was expertly applied and her black pantsuit was runway perfect. She ran her fingers through her hair on one side, briefly drawing attention to diamond earrings. She smiled at Hannah. She stood out in the room because of her beauty and attire.

Her lawyer was young, perhaps around thirty, and he was very sharply dressed, as well.

“Do you know any more about her lawyer?” Hannah asked Cal very softly.

“No. But I looked him up when his name appeared on the paperwork. He hasn’t had time to get much experience but he has a good record.”

Hannah couldn’t imagine this rich-looking creature wanting custody of a five-year-old on crutches, nor could she envision Mrs. Addison rolling around on the floor with Noah, fishing with him, piggybacking him along a mountain trail. It must be about the trust, Hannah thought. What else could it be? Erin said her mother would never see the truth about Roger. Could she want the inheritance for Roger? But surely no one could be that foolish, that cruel.

Everyone in the courtroom stood as the judge entered and settled himself behind his large desk. He was smaller in person than in his photo. She felt a rising panic. She wasn’t sure what she had hoped for in a judge. Maybe a powerful Santa-like figure, someone who would be both kind and protective.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “I’ve read through all the documents, the suits and countersuits, reviewed the in loco parentis petition, also known as grandparents’ rights, the will, the bequests, and have listened to and read all the depositions. I chose a hearing this morning because it’s a good opportunity to hear all sides of the argument in the form of a discussion, a conversation. Perhaps there’s a solution that hasn’t presented itself yet but once we hear each other, something will materialize. But let me begin this conversation by removing some of the suspense—I will not be reversing guardianship. The will and accompanying deposition are very clear and very reasonable. It was Ms. Waters’s wish that in the event of her death her son be raised by Ms. Russell. It appears she had very sound reason for making that decision. I won’t object to that.”

Hannah let out her breath audibly, nearly collapsing against Cal. But Mrs. Addison broke down and began to sob. She cried against her folded arms, head down on the table. Her lawyer patted her back.

“Mr. Renwick, do we need a recess?” the judge asked Victoria Addison’s lawyer.

“Please give me a moment, Your Honor,” the young man said. He stroked her back and whispered to her.

Everyone in the courtroom seemed to hang in suspense, waiting. Finally, Mrs. Addison lifted her head very dramatically, dabbing her wet cheeks, giving her nose a dainty blow, sniffing back emotion.

“It’s okay, Your Honor,” she said, a quiver in her voice. “I apologize.”

“Let me know if you need time to collect yourself,” the judge said. “As I was saying, the issue of legal guardianship appears to be settled to the court’s satisfaction. By my count, this will be the third court in these United States to settle it. Ms. Waters did an excellent job of seeing to her son’s future welfare. I have learned that she was familiar with the law and she followed it to the letter.”

Cal stood. “Your Honor, in that case, can we dismiss these proceedings so my client can get on with her life?”

“Not so fast, Mr. Jones. Not everyone here is satisfied quite yet. My primary concern is with our minor child. Five years old.” He clucked and shook his head. “And he has suffered an enormous loss. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to hear from the grandmother. According to sworn testimonies, you have not been a part of this young man’s life. Do I understand that correctly?”

Mrs. Addison nodded, eyes closed, her chin quivering. “I have so many regrets. And now here I am, begging. Noah is my last living family and I’m being shut out of his life...”

“I was given to understand you have a son...”