❛𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃, 𝐈'𝐌 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀 𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐑...❜ | 𝐍𝐨.𝟐

Chapter 12- The Battle Has Commenced...

(MILD MENTION OF RAPE)
I knock on Heather's door, hopeful she'll answer it. "Please be awake Heather, please be awake..."

She swings the door to her penthouse inward, standing there rubbing her emerald eyes in dirty grey sweats, "Em? What time is it?"

"It's eight o'clock, can you drive me to Woolwich Crown Court?"

"Why are you going to court?"

"Didn't i tell you? Luka is suing me for custody of Max..."

"What?! Over my fucking dead corpse!"

"Yeah it's...not great. Connor said he'd help us, but i have to go on my own today. I need a ride, our car broke down. Please?"

"Not another word. Let's move. I'll be shot in the ass before Luka Mendoza gets his nonce hands on my nephew."

Heather pulls up outside of the court to where the first hearing takes place, and i leap out of the car. "If i'm not there in ten seconds they'll automatically name me a bad parent. I'll see you in there."

"Okay!"

I burst through the courtroom doors, barely making it by an inch. "Hi, hi i'm here, sorry!"

"Miss Alton, i was just about to close up this hearing. Whatever took you so long?" the judge asks me. Every judge i've ever met has had respect for me knowing i work in the force. And there's no way i'll win this case if i'm on the judges bad side, "I'm sorry Your Honour, i got caught up at work." i flash her my badge and her intimidating demeanour turns to an impressed smile. "You work in the forces?"

"Yes, i'm a DCI at Thamesmead Police Station."

She nods to me with a smile, "Thank you for your work. No harm, no foul, although i strongly suggest you make it on time in the future. Please, take a seat."

"Your Honour, Miss Alton clearly used her job title to get on your good side!" Luka's lawyer says, and i can't believe who it is...

"Mrs Thorne, i'd appreciate it if you didn't act like a toddler in my courtroom, or you'll be off this case so fast your head will spin."

Rebecca. Of course. I knew she wouldn't let sleeping dogs lie.

"Yes, Your Honour." she sits down with a scowl on her face.

I take my own seat, and prepare for battle...

"We're here today and the next following weeks to discuss the wellbeing of Max Arthek Alton, the 5 year old son of Emmeline Alton and Luka Mendoza. Now then, the purpose of todays hearing is simple. I'm here to get a sense of the parties involved in this suit, and decide if a trial is needed. The two of you are not currently in any kind of relationship, correct?"

As much as i want to say 'no, would i ever?', i say "That's correct. Me and Luka have never been in any kind of relationship."

"It says here Miss Alton that he was in a relationship with your sister before Max was born, is that accurate?"

I take in a longing deep breath, hoping i don't have to bring up the sexual assault. "That's right, Your Honour, but their relationship ended when people found out i was pregnant."

"I see." the judge sets aside her papers, folding her hands on the bench.

"Alright then. Mr Mendoza, let's start with you. I've been looking over the filing documents your lawyer submitted, and i have to say...i'm baffled. You made this child with Miss Alton in an extremely unconventional way. What makes you think i would put a child with a convicted rapist?" Luka looks surprised. I try my best to hold back a grin of satisfaction.