Chapter 13
The imposing stone facade of the municipal courthouse loomed ahead under a sky that threatened more rain. Jax parked the motorcycle near the entrance, killing the engine with practiced ease. He climbed off, helped Leo remove his helmet, and adjusted the collar of the oversized leather jacket.
"Ready for this?" Jax asked, looking down into the boy's hopeful hazel eyes.
"Ready," Leo nodded firmly, taking Jax’s large, calloused hand in his own small one.
They walked up the grand stone steps, passing beneath the heavy oak pillars into the bustling marble lobby of the courthouse. The air smelled of floor wax, old paper, and nervous tension as lawyers, plaintiffs, and defendants hurried past toward various courtrooms. Marcus Vance led the way, navigating the corridors with the confidence of a seasoned attorney who knew every judge and bailiff in the building.
"Judge Callahan's chambers are on the third floor," Marcus whispered over his shoulder as they stepped into the elevator. "She's tough, fair, but she has a soft spot for fathers who step up when it matters most. Just be honest, let me do most of the talking, and let her see who you really are."
The elevator doors opened to a quiet hallway lined with mahogany doors. Marcus led them toward a frosted glass door marked Chambers of Judge E. Callahan. He knocked twice before turning the brass handle and ushering Jax and Leo inside.
The office was bright, filled with towering bookshelves, family photographs on the desk, and a large bay window overlooking the city square. Judge Callahan, a sharp-dressed woman in her fifties with intelligent eyes and an observant demeanor, looked up from her paperwork over her reading glasses.
"Marcus," she greeted, her voice measured and professional. "You didn't have an appointment scheduled for chambers today."
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"I apologize for the intrusion, Your Honor," Marcus said smoothly, stepping forward and placing the folder on her desk. "We have an emergency guardianship and paternity verification petition that requires your immediate signature before the afternoon recess."
Judge Callahan picked up the file, her eyes scanning the documents quickly. She paused when she saw Clara’s name and the matching birth certificate, then slowly lifted her gaze to look past the lawyer at the two figures standing near the door. Her eyes landed on Jax, assessing his leather vest, his tattoos, and the protective way he stood beside the young boy, and then settled on Leo, who stared back with those big, earnest hazel eyes.
