Chapter 7 - The Courtroom Showdown
The family courthouse was freezing cold and deadly silent on Friday morning.
Richard and Helen sat on the opposing bench, glaring at me with pure hatred.
Rebecca sat between them in an orange jumpsuit, crying fake, dramatic tears.
Her defense attorney stood up and addressed the judge.
"Your Honor, Dr. Sterling is a neglectful father who is projecting his guilt onto my client."
"We request immediate temporary custody be granted to the grandparents."
The judge looked over his glasses at my lawyer, Marcus.
"Does the father have a response to these allegations?" the judge asked.
Marcus stood up slowly, holding a small silver USB drive.
"Your Honor, we don't just have a response."
"We have undeniable audio proof of severe child abuse, extortion, and grand larceny."
Marcus handed the drive to the bailiff, who plugged it into the court's sound system.
The audio from Maya’s iPad played loudly through the courtroom speakers.
Rebecca’s cruel, violent threats echoed off the mahogany walls.
The color instantly drained from Richard and Helen’s faces.
They turned to look at their daughter in pure, unfiltered horror.
Rebecca was shaking violently, covering her ears and sobbing for real this time.
The judge slammed his gavel down so hard it chipped the wooden block.
"Bail is officially revoked for Ms. Hughes," the judge bellowed angrily.
"Bailiff, take her back into custody immediately."
"And I am issuing a permanent restraining order against the grandparents."
Rebecca screamed as the handcuffs clicked around her wrists once again.
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Her own parents didn't even stand up to comfort her.
They finally realized the terrifying truth of what she was.
