Chapter 232 - Return bout (4)

4 March, Municipal Courthouse, City K

Turning directly to Lieutenant Li, the judge said "Lieutenant, have all the security checks come back?"

"The key checks have. There are still some from the legal staff and staff in the Yao family home that have not been finalised as checking certain information has been challenging. The only two that have not come back acceptable are those of Mister and Madam Yao themselves…"

"What!" spat out Madam Yao. "Dominic is my grandson, and I should not have to prove anything."

Calmly, Lieutenant Li continued "As I was about to say before I was interrupted, there is a couple of reasons for that, but both of them have refused to meet with anyone to address the issues raised so we have not been…

"Why in the damn world should we have to bend to you. The demands were inconvenient, and they could not accept it. We are civilians and should not be subject to military whims," came a loud statement from Madam Yao.

"And they refused to speak to us about things," added Mister Yao.

Matthew, seeing this lent over and whispered to Lexi "See I told you. Just sit back and watch."

Lexi, had to stifle her laughter, as Matthew had absolutely predicted what was going to occur.

Lieutenant Li, without being worried about the antics from Richard's parents continued "When we attempted to schedule the meetings, we stated that we needed to speak to them about some issues, and would do so at a time and place convenient to the Yao's. The response we received was that it was inconvenient to them for a meeting, but if they had a few minutes they would let us know that we could come. As we attempted to explain, the issues would take a couple of hours to work through but reassured them they could have their lawyers present if they felt threatened to discuss the concerns."

"Damn lies. It was never offered."

Continuing, without a worry Lieutenant Li said "While Mister and Madam Yao are entitled to their opinion, we have records that back up my statement that we can provide to the court. The key problem is Madam Yao's family, in particular, her brother Warren Gong. We were advised that there was no contact between Mister and Madam Yao and her family, but we quickly determined that she regularly visits her brother's home."

"So, what, my brother is a businessman."

"Given the failure of Mister and Madam Yao so far to clear screening we cannot disclose the information…"

"Why should I not be able to visit my family. My Mother, my brother, my siter-in-law, nieces and nephew. Who says that I cannot have a family? That is totally unfair. Plus, my husband works for my brother, so is he to quit his job simply to satisfy the whims of an unelected unaccountable swill that is the military…"

Having heard enough "Madam Yao, you were told last time about my role as a military judge. I know matters regarding children are always touchy, and I have given you significant latitude. But this is your only warning. Sit there and let the lawyers speak. I will ask questions of you, if needed."

"But that means that they can lie without consequence."

"Absolutely not. If they lie, they face sanctions for it. You have no more chances. Let me find out the information and work out a way forward. That you owe to Dominic."

"Dominic's father already has laid out the way forward, and you are allowing her to toss that to the side. He, was driven to his death by her, and all I can do is ensure that what he wants is respected."

"Enough Madam Yao. I have read the material filed by you and your husband, and that will factor in the decision that I make. Please let me finish hearing from the Lieutenant, and then your lawyers will have a chance to respond. But if either of you, or Madam Rong speaks out of turn, I will not only have you thrown out of the court, but the police will charge you for your actions. You just need to be patient."

Lieutenant Li continued "Given the lack of cooperation, we have not therefore been able to clear the Yao's, limiting the material we can disclose in these proceedings. At present the position from a national security standpoint is that Dominic Yao needs to remain with his mother and stepfather. There is no opposition for Dominic spending time with his grandparents, as that would be cruel to him to prevent that, however it needs to be controlled to minimise risks. The conditions would be no overnight time, at a neutral location, and supervised. If there is cooperation and we can address the concerns the military position may change."

The judge looked at the Yao's lawyers who quickly stood up "Sir, that is blatantly unfair to Dominic and his grandparents. The Yao's have legitimate reasons to be in contact with Madam Yao's family. Mister Yao works part-time in his brother-in-law's business and the military are effectively demanding he quit his job. Plus, they want Madam Yao to stop seeing her elderly mother, who lives with her brother and who is not expected to live more than a few weeks more. Further it will prevent her from helping her niece plan her wedding as her sister-in-law and brother refuse to assist her. More importantly using Dominic's paternal family to deny his father's last stated wishes is against Dominic's interests. His father was concerned that if his wife remarried Dominic would be forgotten in a new family, hence why he wanted Dominic to live with his parents on that event. Madam Rong, simply has no respect for her late husband's wishes."

Hearing what was coming out of her former in-law's lawyers mouth Lexi tensed, and Matthew grabbed her hand stroking her fingers to calm her down.

Lexi feeling the calming effect of Matthew's actions relaxed slightly, tuning out from what her lawyers were saying.

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