Yes. I heard you tell the court that you did that much. But just entering the room where he was whipping your children didn’t stop him, did it. That wasn’t enough.
He says he’s going to kill us.
Sir?
He says he’s going to kill us if we done anything.
Mr. Raines told you he would kill you?
Yes sir. That’s exactly what he told us.
That he would kill you if you tried to prevent him from whipping your children.
Yes sir.
If we told on him too, Betty said. If we called somebody on the phone.
That’s right, Luther said. If we called somebody, he says he’s going to hear us, and he’s going to kill us like we was dogs.
So he threatened you both.
He put a threat on us both right in our own house, Luther said.
The judge looked at the file on his desk for a moment. Then he raised his head. This is the second time this has occurred. Isn’t that right?
Yes sir, Your Honor. He done it once before, Luther said.
Do you know where he is now?
No.
Where do you think he might be?
He could be about anywhere. He might be in New York City.
New York City. Do you think that’s where he is?
Might be Vegas too. He’s always talking bout making a killing in Las Vegas.
The judge looked at him. Well. I thank you both for your testimony. You may sit down.
The judge then called the guardian ad litem. The young attorney stood and approached the table and reported his interview with the two children. He closed by submitting his own recommendation to the court.
I’m to understand from what you’ve just informed the court that you concur with the recommendation of the county attorney and the Social Services? the judge said.
That’s right, Your Honor.
Thank you, the judge said. He looked out into the courtroom. In a case like this one, he said, I have to make two determinations. First, on the filing of the Petition of Dependency and Neglect. Secondly, I must make a determination about the custody of the two children. The court has heard the various parties involved in this case. Is there anyone who wants to say something more?
Betty stood up from where she sat behind the table.
Yes? the judge said. Do you have something more to say, Mrs. Wallace?
You’re not going to take my children, are you? Betty said. I love my children.
Yes, ma’am. I appreciate that, the judge said. I believe you and your husband do love your children. That’s not in dispute here.
Don’t take them. Please.
But Mrs. Wallace, it’s evident to the court from the testimony we’ve heard today, including your own testimony, that you can’t protect them. Your uncle has abused them twice. For now, they’re better off in foster care.
But don’t take them. Please don’t.
The court has to decide what is in the best interest of the children.
They’re suppose to be with their mama and daddy.
In most instances, that’s right. The court makes every effort to keep the children with their parents. But in this case, it’s the court’s decision that they’re better served by being placed in foster care. At least for the time being. Until your uncle has been found, Mrs. Wallace.
You mean you’re going to take them away?
You may still see them. Under supervision. They won’t be taken out of the local vicinity. They’ll still be in Holt County and you can visit them on a regular basis.
Oh no! Betty cried. Oh no! No! No! Then she screamed something that was not even words. Her voice rang in the room and it echoed shrilly against the dark paneled walls. She fell back into the church bench and banged her head. Her eyes rolled wildly. Luther tried to help her and she bit his hand.
The judge stood up in surprise. Somebody help her there, he said. Somebody bring this woman a glass of water.
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