Chapter 22: Sole Custody

On Friday at ten the hearing room was colder than it had been, and nobody coughed.

The judge came in with a single sheet of paper and did not sit down right away.

"I will be brief," she said.

"I have found that Mr. Althouse has not told this court the truth. I have read his own words to prove it."

Brad looked at the table.

"Mrs. Althouse is awarded sole physical and legal custody of Junie Althouse."

My sister's hand found my shoulder from the row behind.

I did not move.

"The family home will be sold," the judge said.

"The deed shows both names, and the money that bought it came from Mrs. Althouse's late mother."

"She receives her half of the sale."

"Your Honor," Brad's lawyer said.

"Sit down, counsel."

He sat.

"Mr. Althouse will have supervised visits with his daughter at a visitation center, two hours every other Sunday."

"I will review them in six months, on the report of the center and proof that he has completed an alcohol program."

Brad's shoulders sagged.

"Mr. Althouse has said in public that he is the father of Eli Rohrer," the judge said.

"He will establish paternity and pay support for that child."

She looked past him, to the gallery.

"Mrs. Rohrer keeps custody of her son."