Just Try It

Chapter 37- The Interview

Wednesday, February 15th 6:20pm

Seymour Dojo and Fitness Center

When Sondra arrived at the counter Libby Mac Inness noticed the light bruise on her delicate features, and wondered if she would have to go easy on the girl. She made her voice gentle as she said, "I have to ask you some questions about what happened with your mom the other day. I just want you to answer the questions as honestly as you can, okay?"

She was surprised when Sondra dug in her bag as she said cheerfully, "I know. I looked it up. Before you start your questions, I'd like to show you the video and tell you what happened."

Libby's eyes narrowed and she was too surprised to keep her voice gentle as she demanded, "How did you get that? I haven't even seen it yet."

Sondra nodded to Sean's office and set it up as she explained, "Sean made me a copy. The school used Seymour Security when they updated a couple of months ago. When he found out what happened he looked it up." Sondra then started the video.

Libby's eyes narrowed, but she let Sondra give her version of what was happening as the video played. When it came to the spot where Sondra's mom slapped her, Libby couldn't help but wince. A quick glance at Sondra showed that she wasn't looking at the screen. Instead, even as she continued her commentary of her mom's visit, she stared into space with a stoney face. Libby Mac Inness wasn't sure how she kept time so perfectly with the silent video, but returned her eyes to the screen as Sondra explained what her mom was saying.

When the video ended, Sondra switched to talking about her childhood with her grandmother and her most recent trip to Tony's bar. Even though it clearly seemed abusive to her, Libby knew proving this type of case was a nightmare. Parents would say they found a safe place for their child to stay periodically, and government assistance records would back them up. Sondra even admitted that her grandmother had never claimed her on any taxes. As for the slap, the video would help, but the bruise would most likely be gone by the next day. Reluctantly, Ms. Mac Inness began to explain the difficulties in proving Sondra's case and gathering enough evidence in the short amount of time before their preliminary hearing.

To her surprise, Sondra wasn't discouraged. Instead, Sondra smiled and reached into her backpack again. She came out with a large stack of envelopes that she placed in Libby's hands. Then, she admitted, "I have letters that show that I have lived with my grandma since I was little, and school records that show the home information was always for my grandmother, and mom never even listed as an emergency contact. There are letters from neighbors and police officers. The neighbors that have lived next to me since I was in diapers will be in later, and the police officer who arrested my mom and step-dad is here tonight too. He was working undercover at the bar when I was there, and saw it all. He knows more about what they are into than I do, and you can interview them in person tonight.

Ms. Mac Inness couldn't help but be impressed with the number of sealed envelopes Sondra placed in her hand. Usually she had to drag details and contact information out of people. Having it all just dropped in her hand was a new experience. She began to hope there might be something she would be able to do after all. She then looked at Sondra and asked warily, "What exactly do you want me to do?"

Sondra explained, "I don't want my mom to be able to pull me from my school and my home when she runs. She is just out on bail now, and she isn't planning on sticking around for her court date. When she runs, I want my grandma to be given official guardianship of me."

Ms. Mac Inness nodded, and informed Sondra, "I was afraid you would be wanting all rights removed already.  This I might be able to actually do.  I can set up an emergency hearing for tomorrow." At Sondra's smile, Ms. Mac Inness felt she had to warn Sondra, "Some judges may not consider your situation to be severe enough to validate even temporary removal of parental rights even with all the information. The fraud involved might draw their attention, and it helps that you have family set up to live with and would be continuing a consistent routine. You never know what the judge might decide is best. Some might even decide to place you in neither home. Would you be willing to risk being placed at the shelter?"