ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 164

Tuesday October 14 , 2025

" All rise for the honorable Judge A.R. Van Owen  ! ," the bailiff bellowed as everyone came steadily to their feet while the judge approached the bench, walking a little slower than usual because she was still a bit sore after her very enjoyable secret weekend away with Senator Gregory Jacobs. As she took her seat she reached up to touch the small gold locket around her neck. A very sweet gift from Gregory which she had told Bucky was a door prize at the weekend " spiritual retreat".  He really was so gullible, she thought to herself as she said sternly," Please be seated. "

As everyone took their seats promptly with the exception of Richard who was still in the hospital recovering from his gunshot wounds ; Hillie had attempted to get a postponement until he could attend but A.R. had rejected it , A.R. said swiftly to Nigel and Hillie at one table and the Kayes with their lawyer at the other," I don't plan on spending a tremendous amount of time on this situation today. I have in the past several days reviewed the information I have received from the boy's past and present therapists. I have also sat down with the boy and discussed where he would like to remain. I do very much sympathize with the plight of all involved in this very emotional situation. "Her cold blue eyes swept over all gathered in her courtroom at the moment including Andrew and Glory Norland and her own mother who were seated behind Nigel. " I am aware of Judge Norland's current physical medical situation but although I sympathize the only important thing at present is the emotional, mental, physical and moral well being of Lewis Norland. I do not consider either home to be fit for the child in question."

Nigel widened his eye and leaned forward in his chair with his hands gripping the table.

Andrew and Glory looked at each other in much unease as Alice Rose tightly gripped her large shiny leather purse that she held on her lap.

Wilson thinned his lips and held his wife's hands to stop Tania from jumping up from her chair.

A.R. continued on ," I spoke with Lynn Lawton , Lewis's therapist , earlier today. She informed me that he should be returning home from the hospital by end of the week. Her recommendation is for him to partake of outpatient therapy twice a week with herself. But the question I face is what home should he return to. His father's home I find highly unsuitable due to the activities of his stepfather Mr. Nigel Norland. "

Nigel said swiftly," That was the past , your honor. I ..... I have changed. I....."

Hillie placed a restraining hand to his arm and shook her head warningly at him even as A.R. cast him a shrewd glance and said," Miss Pierce, do control your very emotional client. I would hate to have to hold him in contempt of court. "

" On the same ground, I also find his mother Tania Kaye to be an inappropriate and morally lacking parental figure. Young Lewis has emotional issues enough without factoring in a stepfather with a very sleazy past and a mother with substance abuse issues and a history of adultery. Which is why I must rule that the temporary legal guardianship given by myself to Andrew Norland must continue until further future notice. Once released from the hospital Lewis will reside with Andrew and Glory Norland. "

As a gasp overtook the courtroom , Nigel covered his devastated guilt stricken face with his shaking hands and Tania promptly fainted in Wilson's arms A.R. finished by saying," Both parents, Richard Norland and Tania Kaye , will receive supervised weekend visitation on an alternating basis with the boy. Court is now adjourned. "