Chapter 9: The Gavel Falls
Judge Sterling closed the legal binder on her desk and picked up her pen.
"Based on the clinical evidence, the audio-visual record, and the undisputed timeline of events, I am granting the petitioner's request for an immediate, permanent restraining order," Judge Sterling ruled.
She looked directly at David.
"You are stripped of all physical and legal custody of Ethan Cole. You will have no visitation rights pending a comprehensive child endangerment evaluation and the completion of court-ordered parenting and psychological assessments. Furthermore, I am ordering the marital estate to reimburse petitioner 100% of the $8,450 charged to her individual credit card during your trip, to be deducted directly from your share of any asset division."
David dropped his head into his hands, his shoulders shaking.
"Finally," Judge Sterling added, bringing her gavel down with a sharp, echoing crack, "I am forwarding the unedited transcript of this hearing and Exhibit A to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office with a formal recommendation to investigate Theresa Cole for misdemeanor interference with an emergency communication, and David Cole for criminal child neglect. We are adjourned."
As the courtroom cleared, David tried to step toward my table, his hands outstretched.
"Valerie," he wept, tears spilling over his sunburned cheeks. "Please. He's my son. Don't let them take my son away from me. I'm sorry. I was wrong."
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I zipped my briefcase shut, picked up my coat, and looked him in the eye for the last time.
"A father protects his child, David," I said calmly. "You left ours to turn blue so you could sit by a pool. You don't have a son anymore."
