ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 27

" Looking for Judge Richard Norland ," the tall slender young woman in an inexpensive trim looking dark blue pantsuit and sensible shoes said with a cheerful smile after Richard opened the front door to her that morning.

Richard frowned slightly. " I'm Judge Norland. How may I assist you, young lady? "

The woman just kept smiling perkily as her hand reached into the large satchel she carried in her other hand and pulled out a large manila envelope that looked quite official to him. She handed it to him and said," You have been served, sir , Judge Norland. Have a most wonderful day ! "

Then the woman walked swiftly off the porch as Richard swallowed back a curse just as Nigel came into the hallway behind him to ask who was at the door.

Richard quickly opened it and drew out the documents within. His eyes read through it all fast and with a gradually sinking heart. He lowered the papers and envelope to sigh.

Nigel asked once more," Richard, what is it ? What is that? Talk to me , man. "

Richard looked at his husband. " Tania works fast. Or I should say my former partner Claire works fast. Apparently Tania has retained Lowen Esquire Services, what a truly stupid name for a law firm, to represent her in this custody matter. They've filed a petition with the court for full custody of Lewis on the grounds that I am an unfit father and that this is an unsafe home for him. " Richard laughed bitterly. " Tania is undoubtedly using her own family connections as well. We have a court hearing on Friday. And , the judge is my very first ex-wife Beverly who went back to her maiden name Stewart I see."

Nigel took the paperwork from him in growing outrage and began to read through the ridiculous amount of legalese he saw with his one working eye. " What bollocks ! You are not unfit at anything and our home is not unsafe. The social worker who did our home check for Richie and Tanisha deemed our home perfectly well and fit for children. And , can your ex be in charge of this thing here ? Isn't that a conflict of interest for her ? She's your ex and Niles' mother for heaven sake. "

Richard smiled bitterly. " I consider it to be so. Although Beverly was never very fond of Tania really. She always considered Tania to be a flighty airhead and a rich twit that played at life. Of course Beverly is still not my biggest fan either. I'm going to touch base with this Hillie Pierce at Jeremiah's law firm and have her request that Beverly recuse herself. "

Nigel nodded as his eye was still working through the papers. " Yes and I will call my father. See if him and his magicial connections can pull us L.L. instead as a judge. After all , L.L. is the one doing the mediation on Wednesday. Makes sense he's the actual judge. If it gets that far. "

Richard was about to say something when his phone rang shrilly.

" Richard Norland here. "

" Just the man I was looking for," Jeremiah said in a smooth confident voice on the other end of the phone. " I have a question for you. You can say no if you want but I am hoping you say yes."

Richard furrowed his brow slightly. "What? I can't be your name partner. I'm a judge now. "

Jeremiah laughed. " Oh I know that. Besides Ethan carries just as much clout as you do, my friend. By the way he came through surgery good and is recovering nicely. Zipp Dennis is as well. Must be odd sharing a bond like a kidney. There's very few people I'd give a kidney to. "

Richard Norland was one, Jeremiah thought as he continued on," Would you be my best man at my wedding in December? "

Richard was stunned. Nobody had ever asked him that before outside of his brother when he married DuBuis and that was just because Spencer knew nobody else to ask. Of course he had turned him down because he was stupid then. Like his brother he didn't have many friends. Associates ,  yes. Friends, no. " I..... I am flattered. No,  I'm honored. And , yes , I will be your best man. Thank you. "

Nigel looked up from his reading at his husband's words and smiled slightly.

" Excellent," Jeremiah said. " Now let's get to work on this custody suit of yours. Don't worry. Hillie is a shark. She rarely loses. Unless it's to that brother of hers. "