His Healing Touch novel · Chapter 21 of 24

Chapter 21: What the Judge Read

The judge came back at two with a single sheet of paper in her hand.

The room stood without being asked.

She did not begin with the order.

"I have read everything in this file," she said.

"Including a report from the court's evaluator, which I will now read aloud, because it is shorter than anything either party has said to me."

She put on her glasses.

"'The child is attached to his father and to Ms. Tennant."

"He is regulated in their home."

"He asked me, in his own words, to keep the person who stays.'"

Beside me Stewart's hand closed around mine.

"'When asked about his mother, he laid her card at the far edge of the table, and said she was loud."

"He has not been neglected."

"He has been listened to, probably for the first time.'"

The judge turned the page.

"The petition for sole custody is denied. Interim custody becomes permanent. Mr. Acheson has sole legal and primary physical custody of Frederick Acheson."

The man in the third row slumped back with relief.

"Ms. Acheson will have supervised visits, no fewer than one a week, for six months."

"They are subject to review, and conditioned on completion of a parenting program."

She glanced at the empty petitioner's table.

"I note for the record that Ms. Acheson is not present. She has been escorted from the building."

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