Picture Perfect

Chapter 3

As a homicide detective I'm used to being in a courtroom. Throughout my entire career with the Milwaukee Police Department the District Attorney's office has favored putting me on the stand. Apparently being a young female officer appeals to jurors and judges alike, and I've been told being attractive doesn't hurt either.
Unfortunately most of these traits that have made me a good witness in the past may hurt me today. The only way any of my assets could work in my favor is if the female judge now taking the stand happened to be queer and liked brunettes.
"All rise." The bailiff began. "The honorable Judge Marcella Leigh Powell presiding."
I took a deep breath hoping to calm my nerves. I had been hoping for weeks that this would go away or be settled outside a courtroom but here I was bright and early standing in front of a judge in family court.
"Mr. Davis, I see here you are petitioning for full custody of your five year old son Sebastian?" The judge asked as she glanced through the case file in front of her.
"Yes your honor." Aaron said confidently.
"May I ask why the current arrangement of shared custody is not working."
"There are a few reasons your honor." Aaron began smugly. His arrogance I used to find endearing was really starting to piss me off, but I had to remain calm at all costs. "The major issue is my ex's job. She is lead detective of homicide for the MPD."
"I hope you're not implying that a civil worker is not capable of taking care of both their job and family Mr. Davis." Judge Powell injected.
"Not at all your honor, I am only speaking of my ex and her specific job." Aaron made sure to finish with the flirted grin he could manage.
"Do you have more specific concerns about said job?" Judge Powell replied with no sign of reaction to Aaron's advances, possible score one for me.
"Of course your honor, I will continue. As lead detective, there are many demands on her time." Aaron made sure to wave towards me. What, I stop sleeping with him and he forgets my name? "She's called out to crime scenes day  and night. I'm afraid our son is being looked after more by neighbors and friends than by his own mother." He finished with an emotional plea that was obviously fake. I felt a sense of relief that Aaron had kept his garbage spewing to a minimum but unfortunately that was short lived. He started up again after a short pause which he probably thought showed him regaining his composure. "Your honor I am also concerned with her lifestyle. She practically lives in a bar and I don't know what kind of women our son is being exposed to."
"Alright Mr. Davis, I think I've heard enough." Judge Powell said as she turned to face me. One last deep breath before I heard, "Detective Morris, I have some questions for you about Mr. Davis' allegations."
"Okay your honor." I said with as much confidence as I could muster. "First of all, how time consuming is your job Detective Morris?" Judge Powell asked with a slight smile.
A little more confidence flowed through me when I realized she was probably family. "I don't deny that my job at times requires a lot of my attention but I have always devoted as much one on one time to my son as I can while working hard to provide for him and myself."
"Detective Morris, when Sebastian is in your care what happens when you are called into work."
"I call my sister who lives behind me and he stays at her house."
Aaron quickly interrupted, "Your honor her sister Kayla is the city's medical examiner. Many times when Ashlee is called away Kayla is as well. Then what?"
"Be quiet Mr. Davis. You had your chance to bring up your concerns. Now I am asking Detective Morris questions based on those concerns." The judge warned then continued. "Detective Morris, what does happen when your sister is also called into work?"
I was ready for this question so Aaron's interruption did not affect me. It's not like the judge need him to tell her that Kayla was Milwaukee's ME. "Between Kayla's husband and their twin teenage boys there is usually someone available. My parents also live close enough if I need to call them. If none of them are able to watch Sebastian I call Aaron to see if he's available. I have, on occasion, had to call in another detective to head up an investigation when no one is available."
"Now what do you have to say in response to Mr. Davis' claims about your lifestyle?" Judge Powell said to move along the proceedings.
"The bar he says I practically live in is my father's bar, his after retirement pet project. I work there some days or stop in for a drink other days but only when Sebastian is with his father. Honestly your honor between my son, my job with MPD and my dad's bar I have very little free time for a social life." I admitted sadly. "I'm not sure where his idea about exposure to various women came from."
"Thank you Detective Morris. Now Mr. Davis I see here you have been unemployed for several months at a time multiple times over the last three years."
"That's correct your honor." He quickly answered.
"How do you plan to support your son full time and yourself with no income? And if you mention child support I will not hesitate to dismiss this case." Judge Powell warned sternly.
"Your honor, I am currently living with my parents until I get back on my feet." Aaron said with a slight sense of nerves.
"Mr. Morris you've lived with your parents for over three years. Are you confident you will now find a steady job? If not maybe we should include your parents in the proceedings seeing as they will be supporting you and your son."
"Your honor," I interrupted. I wasn't sure I was doing the right thing but this had to end. This was already getting ugly. "I think I have a compromise."
"Go ahead Detective Morris."
"I own a duplex and my tenant had to move home to care for his ailing mother. Aaron could move in and that way he's there if I'm called away as well as being able to monitor Sebastian's living environment."
    "Interesting idea." Judge Powell then addressed Aaron. "Mr. Davis, is this an arrangement you would consider?"
    "It could work." Aaron said with a shrug.
    "Detective Morris, what kind of financial agreement do you have in mind?"
    "Honestly I'm not sure your honor. I'm more concerned about Aaron finding a job first; we'll discuss that once he's employed." I hoped the judge would accept that non-answer.
    "Alright, if both sides are in agreement?" She looked between us both and in unison we said, "Yes your honor."
    "Then I accept the arrangement. In three months you will both return to update me on the situation. Mr. Davis I hope by then you can report employment of some sort."
    "Yes your honor." Aaron replied eagerly nodding his head.
    "Dismissed."
    I quickly exited the courtroom. Aaron's babbling had made me a half hour late. I don't know which made me more furious: Aaron's arrogance, being late or being stupid enough to off to support my ex financially. Any way around it, this was not a good way to start the day.