Chapter 296 - Are we on repeat? (5)

18 April, Municipal Courthouse, City K

Despite being scared as of the venom in the eyes of her former in-laws Lexi kept her face as calm as possible until she sat down, before turning to hide her face. Matthew observed that she was about break and leant over and quietly said "Do not worry, everything will be right."

Before the judge could say anything, Madam Yao jumped to her feet and spat out "She is lying sir. My son was a gentle soul, who not only did the right thing by her but gave up the love of his life to do so. And before she says anything before, they became romantically involved she was a childhood friend, and he wanted that friendship. She has fabricated what was found, and is utterly lying about the abuse, because she would have said something at the time if it was true, and she now only raises it. It is all lies, and the court needs to jail her for lying to it."

The judge put up his hand and said "Madam Yao, you are entitled to your view. But I believe your lawyers did not go through the material Madam Rong filed in response to your urgent application. In the material was the police report from the accident that killed your son, medical records that deal with her pregnancy, bank records from the time, and even material from a world leading expert on family violence Dr Phillipa Chen that aids to explain why there may have been a delay in revealing information. While you need to talk to your lawyers, I want to ask a few questions to General Rong and Lieutenant Li."

"General Rong, firstly I am aware of your standing orders, and yet you were unarmed?"

"Sir, I had received permission from my superiors when not in uniform not to be armed, provided that my adjunct was in the vicinity. That was the case last week. And I suspect that your follow up question will be about Lieutenant Li. I was surprised to see her there, but I have found out that she has commenced a relationship with John Nang, the only son of Harry Nang, the CEO of Nang Enterprises, who is a serving police officer was present. In accordance with regulations she had her service weapon and surprisingly a spare weapon that she slipped to me. With John Nang, the three of us acted to take out the bandits, preventing further civilian injuries, and I was shot twice resulting in surgery. She, however, would be able to expand on the investigation."

Bronwyn, looked at the judge who said "Lieutenant?"

"Due to national security concerns a redacted report has been provided to the court and to both parties representatives. From the military perspective, as Madam Rong was targeted the military asserted its jurisdiction under the law until we determined if there were any national security implications from what happened. The analysis by four senior officers determined that there was not a national security implication and all evidence was handed to the police. The redacted report provided to the court is enough that everyone can see the conclusions reached. Presently I cannot comment on the status of the police investigation, but as there is no report I logically the conclusion is that the investigation remains ongoing."

"So what, she was targeted and that risks my grandson," spat our Madam Yao.

"Madam Yao, I have given you plenty of leeway. Matters involving children are always emotional so I tolerate a lot of behaviour in my courtroom that would not be tolerated in other proceedings. But throughout these proceedings you have pushed the boundaries, and this is your last warning. Speak out of term and you will spend some time in jail. So…"

Pointing at Lexi she added "She should be the one in jail, keeping our grandson from us in the face of what his father wanted if he died before Dominic turned eighteen."

"Sit down and shut up Madam Yao. You were just lucky I did not finish my warning. You need to sit and wait to be invited to speak." The judge looked down and there were a few seconds silence and tapping away on a keyboard was the only sound in the court room.

The judge looked up and continued "I have just forwarded the legal representatives and to you Lieutenant Li, a preliminary report from the child welfare authorities. They are not willing to recommend that Dominic's emotional, mental and physical safety is at risk in General and Madam Rong's care and want to speak to both parties and further talk to Dominic. At the same time they are not recommending any change in the current arrangements for Dominic…"

"That is totally unfair, they can convince Dominic to ignore the reality…"

"Madam Yao, I will finish," came the angry judicial response. "I am going to recommend until that investigation is finished, Dominic spend each Wednesday from the end of school until Thursday when school starts, and Sunday from 10am until 6pm with you. General and Madam Rong, will pay and provide security for Dominic in your care, and if they prevent you from spending that time with Dominic there will be consequences, including for the General in a military court. Does everyone understand?"

Lexi and Matthew quickly responded "Yes."

After a few seconds pause Madam Yao said "But my husband and I should be spending the whole weekend with Dominic not just a few hours, that is unfair to him and us…"

"Madam Yao, enough. I am giving you way more than the child welfare authorities are suggesting. Consider that, if you want to keep arguing, along with the fact that you are about to spend 48 hours in jail."

"Fine," came the spat-out response.

Ignoring the anger, the judge said "Unless child welfare authorities view that Dominic needs to be removed from Madam Rong's care we will reconvene two weeks after their report is released, and a more permanent decision will be made. But I will make it clear to both you Madam Rong, along with you Mister and Madam Yao, you push too far again, and you will not like the outcome. Dominic must be put first by everyone, not your own selfish interest."

Still seething in anger, the Judge stood up and exited the court room, leaving a stunned Lexi looking at Matthew.

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