Truth Be Told

Chapter 8

Veronica's POV

After the FHDRA, Judge Toler wanted to meet with me in her chambers. I told Amber that I'll meet them back at the house. After they left, I headed to her chambers, silently praying that I don't get chewed out.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"It's open." Lynn spoke

"Hi, Judge Toler." I spoke as I walked in

"We're off the clock, you know it's Lynn. Have a seat Roni." She replied

"Alright, I know that look. Go ahead and chew me out." I spoke as I took a seat

"That's not why I wanted to meet with." She told me

"Okay, what's up?" I asked feeling a bit relieved

"I was very surprised to see you walk in my courtroom today. I was even more surprised to hear that you will be representing the defendant in this case. You made it very clear that you were going to taking a break from practicing law. What changed?" She asked me

"I'm not going to lie. My decision was based on personal insight and not professional. Amber is my goddaughter. Her mom and I are best friends." I explained

"I figured that much. I'm almost sure that they asked you to not butt in either, didn't they?" She asked me

"Yes, they did. But you know me Lynn. I can't just stand around and watch my friends and family get chewed and spit out." I told her

"You know this goes against the Code of Ethics, Veronica." Lynn told me

"I know Lynn, but you could please just overlook this just once. Please?" I pleaded

"*sighs* okay fine. Just this once. But you have to pretend that you don't know them and that you are a pro bono lawyer or something." Lynn explained

"No problem. Thank you, Lynn." I answered

"Now, the grandmother and aunt seemed to be doing everything, but the father appears as if they told him, "let us handle everything, you just show up." What's the real deal with them?" Lynn asked

"How much time do we have?" I asked

After explaining the entire situation, the same way that Sandra explained me, Lynn's entire countenance changed. I'm sure she now feels some type of way now that she knows the real truth. But as a judge, she has to remain professional and hear everyone out. I'm now headed home; I just hope that Amber or Sandra isn't upset with me. I thought it would be nice if we had a family night. I'm not sure how long they'll be staying so I want to spend as much time with them as I can.

"Hi, Auntie Roni." Ja'Layeah greeted me as I walked in the door

"Hi Sweet Pea. Where's everyone?" I asked as I tossed my keys in the dish

"Mommy and Auntie Amaiyah are upstairs, and Nana is in the kitchen." She replied

"Okay, well why don't you go upstairs with mommy while I go talk to Nana, okay?" I told her

"Okay." She spoke running upstairs

I silently prayed as I made my way into kitchen. This can go 1 or 2 ways; Sandra gives me the silent treatment, or she gives one worded answer. Walking into the kitchen, I saw that she is multitasking; cooking and cleaning as she goes. I took a deep breath before speaking.

"Hi." I spoke standing by the refrigerator

"Hi, I didn't hear you come in." Sandra answered

"I came through the front door." I replied