The Empty Chair
Judge Marian Beckett entered shortly after nine and took her seat.
She reviewed the files in front of her before looking toward the empty chair at my table.
“Where is Mrs. Bellamy?”
Gavin checked his watch and gave a faint smile.
“Cassandra has never been particularly concerned with other people’s schedules.”
Sloane covered a small laugh with her hand.
Judge Beckett lifted her gaze.
“Ms. Pierce, this is a family court hearing, not a private conversation. You will remain silent unless I address you.”
Sloane’s smile disappeared immediately.
Philip began presenting Gavin’s request for primary custody. He spoke about the house in Bethesda, the boys’ private school, the investment accounts, and the stable life Gavin claimed he could provide.
He had just finished his opening statement when the courtroom doors opened.
I stepped inside, holding the hands of our eight-year-old twins.
Nolan wore a navy jacket and kept his eyes on the floor. Parker gripped my hand so tightly that his fingers had turned pale.
Gavin’s expression shifted the moment he saw us.
Sloane leaned toward him and whispered, “She brought the boys?”
Judge Beckett heard her.
“Ms. Pierce, I have already warned you.”
I walked forward and faced the judge.
“I apologize for arriving late, Your Honor. The boys asked to come.”
Judge Beckett studied them carefully.
“Children are not usually present during proceedings like this.”
“I understand,” I said. “But their father has already told them I abandoned our family, that I have no way to support them, and that they will soon be living with him and Ms. Pierce. I did not want them to hear only one version of the truth.”
Gavin straightened.
“That is an unfair accusation.”
I didn’t look at him.
The judge instructed a court officer to seat the boys nearby—far enough from the attorneys but close enough to see both parents.
Then she allowed Philip to continue.
