CHAPTER 7: The Envelope
Judge Vance tapped her gavel softly. ""Does the defense have the certified DNA results from the state lab?""
Julian felt his heart stop. The lab had promised the results by 8:00 AM, but his assistant had not yet arrived. He glanced at the clock on the courtroom wall: 9:15 AM.
""Your Honor, we request a two-hour recess,"" Marcus pleaded. ""The lab report is currently in transit.""
Richard’s chief attorney stood up. ""Your Honor, the court schedule is packed. If the defense cannot produce evidence of biological relation right now, temporary custody must default to the state child services department as requested by the estate's trustees.""
Judge Vance looked at Julian with a sympathetic but firm expression. ""Mr. Chen, I cannot base a custody decision on assumptions. If the lab report is not here in five minutes, I will have to place the child in temporary state care.""
Lily gripped Julian’s fingers tighter, sensing the danger. ""Julian... am I going away?"" she asked, her voice small and trembling.
May you like
""No, Lily. I promised you,"" Julian whispered, wrapping his arm around her tiny shoulders.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the back of the courtroom burst open.
