Choosing Hope -Moss Bluff Series Book Two

Chapter 8

Thank you for reading Enjoy

Chapter 8

Beckett

This isn't going to be a simple proceeding. Just watching the way Georgia and Blake argue quietly with the mayor and Fitz's attorney it's clear that they aren't willing to accept her terms. That's fine, I'd rather see the guy rot in jail for what he's done anyway.

Ma and Blake take their seats with the rest of us just before the judge enters the room. Rising and waiting for him to call the court to order, we take our seats and wait.

Looking down the row, I see Quinn with Leo, her hand tight in his, while her eyes are bugged out watching Fitz and his attorney make their requests. Ma got the best prosecutor she could to represent us and while we didn't know that Fitz would have the mayor on his side, I doubt he expected Ma to call in the big guns. She will. I know that.

"We would like to request a dismissal of all charges against Mr. Fitzgibbons. There's no evidence that shows he went to Mrs Bradford's home with the intent to harm anyone. He only wanted to see his daughter."

"Your honor, we have multiple witnesses who can testify to Mr. Fitzgibbons behavior and verify his physical aggression and demeanor at the time of the incident."

"They can't speak to his state of mind! Your honor really, even the mayor is here to attest for his actions."

"Enough! Both of you!" The gavel came down hard as the judge pounded it down. "The charges stand. From the police report and witness statements at the time, there's enough evidence to justify a hearing. Mr. Wells please proceed with your opening statement and first witness."

We listened as our attorney spoke about Georgia and her willingness to take Fitz into her home, how she supported Quinn when she found out she was pregnant and the circumstances Fitz was in. He spoke about presenting evidence to Fitz state of mind, his drug use and his continued problems.

Once finished, Georgia was the first witness to take the stand. Getting to her feet, with her head held high, Georgia swore her oath and took a seat.

"For the record can you please state your full name and your relationship to Mr. Fitzgibbons." Wells instructed her.

"Georgia Mills Bradford Stafford. I am Breyden, Beckett and Quinn's step mother. I housed Fitz in my home at Point Conception in California a year and a half ago when their fraternity house was burned down."

"Did you know Mr Fitzgibbons well?"

"Not in the beginning. As I said I took in the entire house of young men when they needed help. My son Blake and my son in law Matthew purchased a home and leased it to the school for the fraternity to then use. As time passed, I got to know him and he was involved with my daughter Quinn."

"How were they involved?"

"Quinn is the mother of Fitz's daughter."

"Can you explain the circumstances that happened when you first noticed a change in Mr Fitzgibbons behavior ?"

"Speculation!"

"I'm demonstrating a pattern, your honor."

"I'll allow it." The judge nods for Georgia to continue.

"I don't know the specifics but Fitz was injured in a football practice right before the combine. I know he seeked medical attention and was under a doctor's care. He was given pain medication. He was upset and angry about the injury and lashed out at those close to him, including my daughter, Quinn."

"What was Quinn's relationship with Fitz?"

"Speculation!"

"She's Quinn's mother and they were living under her roof. Mrs. Bradford has first hand knowledge."