Stones' Diary: Built for Pressura'

Chapter 59.) Smoke & Mirrors

"Ms. Summers... it says here that you are Pharmaceutical Researcher, and bring in roughly one hundred and fifty grand a year... yet you are requesting spousal and child support?" Judge Ross queried after skimming through Lucy's paperwork.

They were on day 3 of the custody hearing and Bryson was regretting their sexual encounters all over again. The judge was playing by the books but the lawyer Lucy hired was on top of his game.

"Correct," Lucy's lawyer answered.

Bryson unbuttoned his suit and slouched in the chair as he shook his head. "We're supposed to be here for my daughter, what does this have to do with anything?" He whispered to his lawyer.

"Your honor, what does spousal support have to do with the custody of the child if the pair were never married?"

"We're just dotting the I's," the judge casually replied before glancing towards Laiya, "would you like to approach the stand?"

Avoiding Lucy's gaze, Laiya shook her head. She made it clear that she did not want to be put in the middle but Lucy felt otherwise.

"Okay, well let's call the first witness, Eve Stanley."

Bryson inwardly groaned as Eve made her way forward dressed as if she had a funeral to attend. Never in his life did he think that things would turn so sour but here he was, fighting for custody of his child. A child that was hidden from him until things got too heavy.

"So, Miss Stanley, you may give your experience on Ms. Summers and your sister," the judge motioned for Eve to speak.

"My mom is a great mother, always has been. She has multiple careers and still makes time for those important."

"Gon' sit up in this courtroom and lie with a straight face," Bryson muttered.

The judge glanced down momentarily then stared at Eve, "On this document, it states that Ms. Summers has missed a bit of your childhood due to her Medical career, no?"

"I mean..." Eve cleared her throat and shifted briefly before flashing a smile, "What parent doesn't work overtime or late hours every once in a while? It's expensive to live here in Virginia, especially if you're single."

"But," the judge held his finger up, "this testimony was based on when she was married. Meaning, one parent could have agreed on who would work certain shifts to spend more time with you, no?"

Eve glanced at Bryson and knitted her brows.

"Miss Stanley?"

"I'm sorry, what was the question?"

"If your mother missed a majority of your childhood and your young adulthood for work, how are things different now?" He asked.

"Because she's a great mom,"

"And is Mr. Davidson not a great father for wanting to spend time with his daughter? Your sister?"

"I never said that," she became offended.

"I'm only asking Miss Stanley, what makes one parent a better fit than the other?"

Clearing her throat, Eve stared at Lucy for a while before staring at Bryson, "He allowed his children to live under the same roof of a known crack addict."

Bryson slowly sat up and tilted his head as he stared at Eve dubiously. She was the last person he expected to pull that stunt.

The judge turned to Bryson, "Mr. Davidson?"

"Your Honor," Bryson's lawyer stood, "Mr. Davidson at the time did not know that the oldest child was his and the caregiver was the mother whom he believed was clean. That has nothing to do with this trial."