Chapter 6 - The Judge's Wrath
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The chaotic noise of Gabriel and Samantha being forcefully dragged out of the courtroom finally faded into the heavy oak corridors of the courthouse.
Judge Beatrice Holloway let out a long, slow exhale. She took off her reading glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose, looking down at the empty defendant’s table. Then, her gaze softened completely as she looked toward Clara and Violet.
“Mrs. Linwood,” the judge said quietly.
“Yes, Your Honor,” Clara replied, her voice trembling as she held Violet tightly against her legs.
“I am officially rejecting your proposed divorce settlement,” the judge stated. “You will not be surrendering the marital home. You will not be surrendering the business shares or the financial accounts. In fact, I am issuing an immediate, emergency freeze on all of Mr. Linwood’s assets. Not a single penny leaves his accounts without my direct authorization.”
Clara nodded slowly, tears of overwhelming relief finally spilling down her cheeks.
“Furthermore,” Judge Holloway continued, looking directly at the little girl in the yellow cardigan. “Violet, do you have any other family? Grandparents? Aunts or uncles?”
Violet shook her head, burying her face into Clara’s maternity dress. “No. Mommy died. It’s just Daddy. And I don’t want to go back to him.”
The judge looked at Clara’s attorney. “Counselor, I am issuing an emergency protective order. Mrs. Linwood is granted immediate, temporary physical custody of Violet Linwood, pending a full investigation by Child Protective Services. Gabriel Linwood is barred from any contact whatsoever with both his wife and his daughter.”
“Thank you, Your Honor,” Clara’s attorney said respectfully.
Clara dropped to her knees, ignoring the heavy strain on her pregnant belly, and wrapped her arms completely around Violet. The little girl sobbed quietly into Clara’s shoulder, clinging to her like a lifeline.
“You did so good, sweetie,” Clara whispered fiercely into Violet’s hair. “You saved my life. You saved the baby’s life.”
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“I didn't want you to die, Mama Clara,” Violet whimpered.
“I’m right here,” Clara promised, kissing the top of her head. “And I am never, ever letting him hurt us again.”
