Sunny Corner
Copyright© 2017 by Old Man with a Pen
Chapter 18
Mitchell’s Creek, Sunny Corner, New South Wales, Australia:18
Of course we had to go to court. I knew it would happen ... the ACFCSS knew it ... and Ms Wren made it happen very fast. Much faster than the Child Protection people wanted it.
We arrived 15 minutes early and presented our arrival to the Clerk of the Court. Ms Wren insisted on suits, clean white shirts, a somber tie and polished shoes. Before entering we shut off all electronic devices.
When the judge entered we stood and waited for her to be seated before we sat.
The announcement was made by the Clerk.
“If it please the court, in the matter of Orphan Girl, the plaintiff and counsel are present. The defense has not yet made an appearance.”
“Has a determination as to the tardiness of the State been made?”
“No, your Honor. No message or extenuating circumstance has been received by this court.”
“So noted.” She scribbled on a notepad. “The court will recess for fifteen minutes.”
“All rise.”
The State appeared as the judge was leaving her seat.
The judge glared at the late arrival but continued to retire to chambers.
When court reconvened, everyone was in their proper places as determined by seniority.
The trial/hearing commenced.
The State was especially vocal about my indigent appearance, my continued joblessness, my not seeking employment, and most especially about my prospecting. I had showed an utter lack of concern about the death of my paramour, as the state put it, and my dilatory consideration concerning the Orphan Girl ... the fruit of my wanton behavior.
Nursing Sister Jenkins was presented as a witness to my absence at the birth and death. Much was made of my prospecting at the time.
There were many gasps of indignity from the open court about my callous behavior.
Then it was our turn.
Ms Wren started out out by requesting formally information about how many single mothers were recipients of State funds. The State claimed privileged information.
To read the complete story you need to be logged in:
Log In or
Register for a Free account
(Why register?)
* Allows you 3 stories to read in 24 hours.