Undercover

Chapter 36 - Knots Untied

The entire hall was perplexed at the recent revelations. The judge was at a complete loss for words. All except for Maddison and Ron who had no idea what was going on. Everyone recognized Fred's features; or the person that posed to be Fred. The person that they all knew so well.

That person wore a look of shame. His eyes strayed to where Gabe sat. Gabe, in utter shock, stared into the man's sorry eyes. Gabe recognized those eyes. Those eyes that had always looked upon him coldly, unapprovingly. Gabe looked at him in disdain, got up but before he could leave;

Commander Matthew got him by the shoulder and whispered knowingly, "Don't make a conclusion before hearing the whole story."

Gabe reluctantly went back to his seat.

"Who is he?" Maddison asked. Her eyes dart from Sir. March to Gabe, Commander Matthew and back.

Sir. March made some movement with his mouth but not a single sound came out. Gabe sat slumped up next to her, arms crossed not willing to make eye contact and Commander Matthew couldn't stop fidgeting with his shirt buttons.

Fortunately, she didn't need to ask again because the judge began to stammer, "Y-you're Cameron Montaz!"

Upon hearing his name, he dropped his head to look at the floor. He could not bring himself to look anyone in the eye. He felt all the shame and guilt surrounding him and he felt horrible.

"He's your dad!?" Maddison flipped her head to face Gabe. Gabe began to tense up and she just dropped the subject.

"Are you the real Cameron Montaz? The famous preacher and now part of the nobility?!" The judge asked.

"Yes," he replied as quickly as possible.

The prosecutor's face grew red as he exclaimed, "Fraud! Your Honor, that man is a fraud!"

The poor attorney had become completely dumbfounded. He had not prepared for such a turn of events. Sweat began beading down his temples. He had to think of something quick or else he might just lose this case.

"Is your real name Cameron Montaz!?" the prosecutor asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"False!" an officer said.

"Aha! I knew it! You're a fraud! Your Honor t..."

He didn't get to finish his statant when the officer interrupted, "Not entirely true nor false."

Distant murmurs began to surface amongst the guards and the juries all around.

The judge hammered his gavel repeatedly. "Order!" The room dropped silent. The judge cleared his throat and began, " Let's give a chance to the defendant's attorney to speak."

"Objection!" Bargery protested.

"Motion denied!" The judge replied in quick succession.

Now, all eyes landed on Alil. "Motion for adjournment?" he said nervously in a tone an octave higher.

"Objection!" the prosecutor shouted.

"Adjournment approved!" the judge replied.

Bargery was enraged and stomped out of the court. The attorney approached Mr Montaz and stammered, "Are you really..."

Cameron lifted his weary face, "We must not speak here."

The attorney nodded and announced, "Guards, please escort him to the room."

"Can you even do that in court?" Maddison asked.

"You can do that here. I'm not too sure about how's it on earth but over here, as long as you have the chain on, it's as if you have the seal marked on you," Commander Matthew answered in a tone so serious that Maddison even questioned if he was talking to the same person.