George Azelle was already seated in the front of the courtroom, with an attorney beside him.
He saw them and rose from his seat, moving toward them. He wore a charcoal gray suit and a crisp white shirt. His hair had been tamed into a smooth ponytail. “Dr. Cates. Chief Barton.”
“Mr. Azelle,” Ellie said.
Behind them the courtroom doors banged open. Julia’s attorney, John MacDonald, bustled in, carrying a worn leatherette briefcase. He looked tired, which was hardly surprising, given that they’d all been up until four o’clock that morning, looking for anything to use against Azelle. “Sorry I’m late.”
George looked at the opposing counsel, no doubt noting John’s brown corduroy suit and pilled green shirt. “I’m George Azelle,” he said, reaching for the man’s hand.
“Oh. Hullo,” John said, then herded Julia and Ellie to their desk.
The judge entered the courtroom and took her seat. From there, she stared down at all of them. Without preamble, she began. “I’ve read your motion, Mr. Azelle. As you know, Dr. Cates has been temporary foster parent for your daughter for nearly four months and had recently begun adoption proceedings.”
“That was before, Your Honor, when the child’s identity was unknown,” his attorney said.
“I’m well aware of the time sequence, and I understand the procedural history of this case. The question for this court is placement of the minor child. Obviously, public policy favors the reunification of biological families whenever possible, but these are far from ordinary family circumstances.”
“Mr. Azelle has a history of domestic violence, Your Honor,” John said.
“Objection!” Azelle’s attorney was on his feet again.
“Sit down, counsel. I know he’s never been formally charged with that.” The judge took off her reading glasses and set them on her desk, then looked at Julia. “The white elephant in this courtroom is you, Dr. Cates. You’re hardly the average foster parent seeking permanent custody. You’re one of the preeminent child psychiatrists in this country.”
“I’m not here in that capacity, Your Honor.”
“I’m aware of that, Doctor. It would represent a conflict of interest. You’re here because you won’t withdraw your petition for adoption.”
John started to stand up. Julia stopped him with a touch. No one could plead for Alice better than she could. She looked up at the judge, said, “In any other instance, Your Honor, I would have withdrawn if a family member had come forward. But I’ve read the records in this case and I’m deeply concerned for the child’s safety. The mother’s body has never been found and there’s no finding of not guilty on the record. Mr. Azelle claims to be innocent, but in my experience most guilty people do. I just want what’s best for this poor child who has already suffered so much. As you can see from my report, she’s an extremely traumatized child. Until recently, she was completely mute. I’m making progress with her because she trusts me. To remove her from my care would cause her irreparable harm.”
“Come on, Your Honor,” Azelle’s attorney said. “She’s a psychiatrist. My client can afford to replace her. The truth is, my client has already suffered a tremendous loss of time with his daughter. Justice demands that he be given immediate custody.”
The judge put her glasses back on and looked at them all. “I’m going to take this under advisement. I’ll appoint a guardian ad litem to assess the child’s special needs and current condition and let you know when I’ve reached a decision. Until then, the child will remain with Dr. Cates. Mr. Azelle is to be granted supervised visitation.”
The attorney shot to his feet. “But, Your Honor—”
“That’s my ruling, counselor. We’re going to proceed with the utmost care here. This child has already suffered enough. And I’m sure your client only wants what’s best for his daughter.” She hit the bench with her gavel. “Next case.”
It took Julia a moment to process what had just happened. She still had custody of Alice—for now, at least.
She heard John talking to Ellie about the logistics of visitation.
Julia knew all that. She couldn’t count the number of times she’d been appointed guardian ad litem to protect a child’s interests.
She eased away from the desk and started to leave the courtroom. In the back, by the doors, she saw Max waiting for her.
Then someone grabbed her arm. The grip was a little too tight.
George Azelle pulled her aside. His Hollywood smile was gone, watered down now by failure. In his eyes was a sadness she hadn’t expected. “I need to see her.”
She had no choice but to agree. “Tomorrow. But I won’t tell her who you are. She wouldn’t understand, anyway. We’re at 1617 River Road. Be there at one.” She pulled free of his arm and began to walk away.