He makes it sound like being kind and truthful is something he needs to apologise for.
He says it as if it’s a problem for me.
I open my mouth, ready to talk back when the rest of the company returns.
“Are you ready?” Paul asks as he joins us. The others stay a few steps away as if to give us a few more moments. “I think they’re about to start.”
“What do you think, Seth?” I look at him.
“I’m…” He sighs heavily. “Ready. I think.”
“Hmm… Not like that,” Paul comments before taking off his tie and putting it around Seth’s neck.
“What are you…?”
“Trust me,” Paul reassures him as he ties his tie.
I look at my friend, grateful that he felt the need to come to my rescue today, and then I look at Seth, hoping that somewhere inside him, he will find the strength to fight because I am ready to do so at his side.
Rowan
“I don’t think it’s going well,” Paul says. He’s sitting right behind me in the courtroom.
Paul is right; I have to admit, but we’re only at the preliminary hearing. The judge will approve Mrs McCormack’s petition, leading to a trial. However, this gives me sufficient time to show Seth in a positive light as the father these children require.
“Maybe I should have sat with you,” Paul says, nodding at the other party’s three lawyers.
“It’s not the number that matters.”
“No, but the appearance, you know…”
“Is that why you gave him your tie?”
Paul shrugs.
Seth looks credible and respectable. Nails aside. I hope the judge hasn’t noticed them. I know he’s no fan of the LGBTQ community. And he’s certainly not a fan of my client.
Of course, the fact that he is a former drug addict does not help. And that he is an ex-offender. And that he works in a nightclub. And that he’s single.
What was going through my mind when I took up this case?
“Your Honour,” one of the opposing lawyers speaks up while the judge reviews the submissions.
He lifts his eyes.
“If you please…” He stands up, buttoning his jacket.
I stand immediately as well.
“There are some new statements that I would like to bring to your attention.”
“What are we talking about?” the judge asks.
The lawyer gives me an arsehole look.
“May I know what this is about?” I ask peremptorily.
“Both of you, please come closer,” the judge calls us over.
