Chapter 8: The Hearing
The temporary orders hearing lasted forty minutes.
Ryan appeared with a civilian attorney who attempted to frame the financial cutoff as retaliatory and the fraud claims as premature. Linda sat in the row behind him, mouth set in a thin line. I sat beside Helen in uniform, cover in my lap, expression neutral.
The judge reviewed the submitted exhibits: the unauthorized credit line, the reverse mortgage inquiry, the mismatched signatures, the household payment history showing my sole support for four years, and the medical documentation of the scalp injuries from the night of the assault with the clippers.
Ryan’s attorney argued that the marriage was under strain because of my career demands and that Linda’s actions, while “poorly judged,” did not justify freezing the household.
The judge did not appear persuaded.
Temporary exclusive use of the residence was granted to me. The financial restraining order remained in place. Ryan was directed to provide a full accounting of any funds obtained through the disputed credit line within fourteen days. Further contact with me was limited to written communication through counsel.
Outside the courtroom, Ryan tried to approach. Helen stepped between us without raising her voice.
“All communication goes through me,” she said.
He looked at me over her shoulder, searching for the version of his wife who had once smoothed things over and restored access.
That version was no longer present.
May you like
I put my cover on, nodded once to Helen, and left the courthouse.
The command had an afternoon update brief I could not miss.
