Chapter 7 - The Courthouse Steps
Thursday morning arrived under a heavy, overcast grey sky.
The County Family Courthouse sat in the center of the city, a imposing structure of white granite and tall marble pillars.
At 8:30 AM, a sleek black limousine pulled up to the curb. Miranda Carter stepped out, dressed in an immaculate dark navy business suit, black designer sunglasses, and carrying a leather portfolio. She was flanked by her lead attorney, Harold Vance, and two private security guards. She walked up the granite steps with an air of total invincibility.
Two minutes later, an old red Ford pickup truck pulled into the parking space near the plaza.
Elias stepped out from the driver’s side, wearing his pressed beige work shirt, dark charcoal utility vest, black trousers, and polished leather shoes. He walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, and helped Ethan step down.
Ethan wore a clean blue button-down shirt that covered his arms entirely, his canvas backpack slung over his shoulder. Beside them walked Arthur Sterling, carrying a heavy leather briefcase.
As they reached the top of the courthouse steps, Miranda turned, taking off her sunglasses, her eyes locking onto Ethan with a dark, threatening glare.
"Ethan," Miranda said smoothly, stepping toward the boy. "Come here, darling. Let's stop this ridiculous circus before you ruin your future."
Elias instantly stepped into her path, his wide chest blocking her view of the boy entirely.
"Don't speak to him," Elias said flatly.
May you like
"He is my legal ward, Elias!" Miranda spat, dropping her fake maternal tone as her face twisted in rage. "You are an uneducated old carpenter living in a shack! You have no money, no influence, and no right to take my son!"
"We'll see what the judge says about your rights, Mrs. Carter," Arthur Sterling said calmly, gesturing toward the heavy brass doors of the courthouse. "After you."
