Car Crash Neglect Christmas Divorce novel · Chapter 18 of 24

Chapter 18: Board Seat

Claire's POV

The judge ruled at nine the next morning, and she did not make us wait for it.

"Sole legal and physical custody to the mother," she said.

"The father may see the child on Saturdays from two to four, at the county visitation center, in the presence of a supervisor."

"The order will be reviewed in six months."

"Ms. Lorimer is barred from every visit."

Dean's mother rose in the second row.

"Your Honor, he is her father."

"And on Saturdays, he will be one," the judge said. "Sit down, madam."

She sat.

Her pearls shook once.

"The affidavit stays with the county prosecutor," the judge went on. "Mr. Albrecht, I strongly suggest you do not sign anything else before you speak to counsel."

"We're adjourned."

My shoulders came down, and I found that my hands were shaking.

Zelda's cousin squeezed my hand so hard it hurt, and I squeezed back.

In the corridor, Dean was waiting by the window.

He had lost weight in three weeks.

His tie was crooked, and for the first time since I had known him, he had nothing ready to say.

"Claire," he said. "Please."

"Saturdays at two," I said. "Don't be twenty minutes late."

His face crumpled.

I walked past him to the elevators, with my stitches healed and my coat buttoned.

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