The First Hearing
Chapter 11 - The First Hearing
I had never expected to sit in a courthouse discussing whether my son could act on my behalf. I had spent my career teaching children to recognize rhythm, not defending the validity of my signature. Yet there I was, wearing my dark blue Sunday coat, holding a folder so tightly my knuckles hurt.
The initial proceeding concerned disputed property filings and temporary safeguards while the underlying issues were reviewed. Marian had prepared me carefully. The court was not there to settle all our grief in an afternoon; it was there to consider evidence and lawful requests.
Harrison sat two rows away. Sloan beside him, immaculate in a pale suit. When she saw me she offered a sympathetic smile to everyone watching.
I couldn't decide whether to be furious or impressed by the discipline of it.
The judge reviewed the materials and heard preliminary arguments. Marian explained the bank transfers, the challenged signature, and the proposed property transaction. Sloan's counsel questioned whether my account was influenced by the birthday incident and argued that family assistance had been misconstrued.
I answered the questions directed to me. I kept my voice steady, though once it broke when I described Daniel's trust.
"Mrs. Mercer," the judge asked, "what do you want this court to understand?"
"That I'm capable of making my own decisions," I said. "I may be sixty-five, and I may have behaved badly when I was hurt, but this is still my home. I did not give anyone permission to take it."
Temporary restrictions were put in place on the disputed property activity while the matter proceeded. It wasn't the end of the case, and the court had not determined every allegation. But nobody could pretend my objections were invisible.
Outside, Harrison approached. "Mom, we could have settled this privately."
"I tried talking to you at my kitchen table," I reminded him. "You told me Sloan knew best."
He looked ashamed.
Sloan called his name from the steps. He glanced at her, then back at me. For one moment I saw him trying to choose for himself.
He went with her.
I was devastated. June took my arm. "Come home. I'll make soup."
"I'm not hungry."
May you like
"Then you can sit and complain while I eat it."
I laughed unexpectedly, and people on the courthouse steps turned to look. I didn't care. It was the first laugh I'd had in days that hadn't hurt.
