Page 154 of Test the Ice
“My name is Mark Poole. I am a freelance private investigator hired by Mr. Young. Those documents show Mr. Whitney has intended to use this custody filing to punish Ms. Moreno for refusing a relationship with him.”
What?
Benedict’s lawyer grips onto his arm as he tries to stand. He glares at him and pulls Benedict to sit.
The judge says nothing as he flips through the papers, his eyes narrow as he scans each one. “How did you obtain these?”
“They were obtained through a cooperating witness, your honor. They are willing to testify to that if need be.”
The judge blinks after staring long and hard at the PI.
He turns to Benedict’s lawyer. “Care to explain why I’m holding copies of multiple emails from your client to various outside sources regarding his plan”—he flips to the first paper—“to destroy Ms. Moreno?”
I gasp.
The judge flips to another page. “And this email in particular is to you…” He flicks his glare onto the lawyer. “It reads, ‘If she doesn’t cave, then I’m taking that kid. It’s only half hers anyway. Figure it out, and figure it out fast.’”
“It?” I press my hand to my mouth. “You called your daughter an ‘it’?”
“This is fucking ridiculous!” Benedict shouts. “He probably constructed these emails himself!” He stands and turns toward the PI. “What cooperating witness do you even have? You’re a lying piece of shit!”
“Your personal assistant,” he says. “The one who filters all your emails.”
Benedict looks as if someone slapped him. “Tell her I said she’s fucking fired.”
The judge slams his gavel three times. I jump with every loud bang. He stares at Benedict. “This motion is a misuse ofthe court’s time. The evidence clearly proves your bad faith, Mr. Whitney, as well as your behavior in my courtroom.”
I almost sag with relief.
“This was not an emergency–it was retaliation. Therefore, this emergency request is denied and dismissed. I strongly advise you to think twice before filing further unfounded claims again.”
Judge Ramirez looks to his bailiff. “Escort him out of my courtroom immediately. I want him off the premises.”
The bailiff heads for Benedict as Judge Ramirez continues on.
“And if he acts disorderly in any manner, I will hold him in contempt of court.”
I swear the bailiff's mouth twitches. “Yes, your honor.”
Benedict’s jaw is rock solid, the angular side of it sharper than ever. He brushes his lawyer’s hand off his arm and walks out of the courtroom without looking in my direction.
My eyes fill with water, but I bite the inside of my cheek to keep my emotions in line.
“You are dismissed, Ms. Moreno.”
I smile tightly at the judge.
“And for what it’s worth…I think your daughter is just fine with you and Mr. Young.”
Me too.
He stands and then exits the courtroom to his chambers.
I turn around and immediately search the room for Malaki, only to find him right in front of me.
Our eyes lock, his blue eyes filled with worry as he scans my face.
He takes a step toward me, and I can’t take it.
