Bree Lancaster vs. Syren

[HardyGirl]

OOC: There will be an edit, it will be me adding the color codes. Part 1.


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{{ Monday, June 8
Gretna, LA
Jefferson Parish Courthouse }}

 
 
I have no idea how, but so far the media have not found out about my custody filing. The breeze from the Mississippi River less than a block away doing nothing to ease the already stifling and humid summer heat, despite only being 9am. Crossing the street from the parking lot to the courthouse steps, I am actually thrown off by the fact the steps are empty. Josh takes my hand as we start climbing the stairs to the entrance.
“This looks weird.”
“Did you expect a circus? We know this hasn’t gone public yet.”
“I thought at least one or two opportunistic vultures would just be hanging out in case they see something interesting.”
“Maybe they’re inside. It’s hotter than Satan’s taint out here.”
I snicker. “Fair. Maybe so. Ed’s already here, he’s waiting for us upstairs.”
Josh looks up at the large and somewhat imposing façade of the building.
“Do you know where you’re going in here?”
“Of course I do. I got married here once.” Two lifetimes ago.
Josh raises an eyebrow; he’s seen pictures of my wedding with Dom – it was at my house. Before I can say anything, he nods. “Right. Mason.” He rolls his eyes.
“Point is… I’ve been here plenty. It can be confusing but just follow me.”
 
As we walk into one of three pairs of double glass doors, I pull the court order out of my purse and flip through it. I point to a line to show Josh.
“See, fourth floor, suite 4100.”
We go through security, and the guard with the metal detector wand gives us both hard looks. We take our belongings back and go towards the elevators. Josh leans in and speaks low in my ear.
“That guard clocked us.”
“I noticed.”
As we take the elevator and I press the 4 button, I hope the ‘no phones’ rule applies to the guards, too.
 
The doors open to the 4th floor, and to my right I immediately see Ed. The elevator ding must have got his attention because he turns to us just as we step out. He excuses himself from the lady he was talking to and meets us in the hallway halfway.
“Good morning.”
“I hope so.”
“As do I. If everything goes as planned, this shouldn’t take more than five minutes once your case is called.”
“Not even if his lawyer objects?”
“Probably not. But it would be strange indeed for the Defendant’s lawyer to object to a continuance.”
“I wouldn’t know about that. None of the times I’ve been to court before ever had one.”
“It’ll be quick, trust me. You likely won’t even have to say anything.”
“Perfect.”
 
We follow Ed down the hall to an empty bench and sit. It’s almost like the OMV, you’re waiting to hear your number called, except here it’s a docket number. I look at my order again. 26-4569, Division M. Ed flips through paperwork in a folder, I scan my eyes over the order in my hands for the thousandth time, and Josh leans back against the wall, eyes closed. This really makes a person realize how much we rely on our phones to stay occupied.
Maybe ten minutes later, the speaker right over our heads cracks.
“Case number forty-five, sixty-nine, Lancaster versus Teller, please report to Division M courtroom. Case number forty-five, sixty-nine. Thank you.”
Both Ed and I stand. I tap Josh’s shoulder. “That’s us, babe.” He stands with no comment. I told him he didn’t need to be here, but he wouldn’t hear of staying home. As we walk towards the court room doors, I realize I haven’t seen Dom here yet. Just as this thought crosses my mind, a group of people turn the corner at the other end of the hallway. In the middle, I see him. Right next to him is Lisa. The man with a portfolio I assume is his lawyer. Ed walks into the courtroom, but I pause. Josh puts his hand on my lower back.
“You okay?”
Maybe I was waiting for Dom to look up and see me. But there’s no reason for that. “Yeah. Sorry.”
 
We walk in, and join Ed at the table he’s standing near. There are a few other people in the room, near the back. I assume they are the people who just finished their hearing and are discussing things. There is also a man who looks suspiciously like a reporter. I make a note to keep an eye on him. This doesn’t look like what you would picture a courtroom to be. The judge’s seat isn’t up on a high bench. It’s more of a counter, only a few inches higher than the client’s tables. There are three seats there, I don’t know why. Right now only one is marked with a nameplate – Judge Janelle Leger. I smile. Good, a woman. Now seated, I elbow Ed and whisper.
“How’s this judge?”
He grins. “Couldn’t have got a better one if I picked it myself.”
I grin back.
 
A man steps out from one of the doors behind the counter, clearly the bailiff based on how he’s dressed.
“All rise for the Court!”
A different door opens behind the counter, and a woman in a black robe walks out. I am surprised, I didn’t think they wore robes just for hearings. She looks about Amy’s age, with thin, super straight blonde hair that barely grazes her shoulders. She nods at the bailiff then takes her seat.
“Be seated.” We sit. “Before we get started, seeing as how this is a child custody hearing, this Court finds good cause under Civil Code Article 135 to close these proceedings to protect the privacy of the minor child. The bailiff will clear the room, leaving only counsel of record and named parties present. All members of the public, please exit the room.”
I look around and see the bailiff walking towards the back to ensure those stragglers leave. I notice some mild commotion at Dom’s table. Lisa appears to be arguing with the lawyer. Just then, Ed taps my shoulder.
“I’m sorry Bree, but the closed proceedings means Josh has to leave, as well.”
“What? Why? We’re married!” I say in a loud whisper.
“He’s not on the paperwork. Step-parents don’t have any legal standing for these things. I didn’t know she would close the room. I have a feeling its more because of who you are, but she’s using Article 135 as the reason.”
Josh leans over, having heard. “It’s okay, you’re gonna be fine.”He then gets up, and gives my shoulder a squeeze before turning to walk out. In the aisle, he nearly runs into Lisa, who looks like someone stuck a lemon down her throat. She stops abruptly and glares. Josh makes a show of taking a step back and waving her forward. She huffs and goes ahead, shaking her head. Josh gives me a glance with a smirk before following. I hope he behaves himself the hallway.
After the last person steps out, the bailiff closes the doors and walks back up to the front.
“Thank you, bailiff. Counsel, please state your names for the record.”
Both Ed and Dom’s lawyer stand. I’ve been in enough court proceedings to know my side speaks first.
“Edward L Morris, for the Petitioner, Bree Lancaster.”
Everyone looks towards Dom’s table. The man, about the same age as Ed but more gray hair clears his throat.
“Lester James Chandler the third, for the Defendant, Dominic Teller.”
Gods, everything about this man, from his leather portfolio and pinstripe suit, the overly formal way he speaks, even his name is pretentious. And coming from me, that’s saying something. I would bet my jet that Lisa hired this guy.
“And where are you from, Mr. Chandler? Are you licensed to practice in Louisiana?”
“My, ah, primary license is in the state of California, but I do also have a Louisiana license, my firm has an office in Baton Rouge.”
“Understood. Thank you.” I feel like she just wanted it on record that he is not from here, and on ‘visitor’ ground. I like this lady.
Judge Leger flips through her copy of my petition. “Okay, this hearing is a Rule to Show Cause on the Ex Parte Emergency Order of Custody for the minor child Heath Michael Teller. We are not deciding permanent custody today.” She looks between the tables, making sure we understand. “Mr. Morris.”
Ed steps forward, with a legal document in hand.
“Thank you, Your Honor. I have here a request for a continuance, if it please the Court.” The bailiff steps forward and takes the document from Ed, then hands to the judge. She glances at it, then back up.
“The Petitioner requests a continuance? On what grounds?” I look at Dom’s table, and he and his pretentious lawyer are whispering intensely. I realize he hasn’t looked at me once.
“We are running into some red tape obtaining a few materials for evidence.”
“What kind of materials?”
“Video footage, other items I’d rather not speak in open court, if possible. Its listed there.”
Judge Leger looks at the document again, reading this time. I know what those things are. The video of an altercation years ago between Dom and Jason. Apparently, all the news articles online no longer have the video attached. Ed said something about making space on their servers. Ed is also trying to get in touch with the photographer than Dom actually hit, but is having trouble locating him. Judge Leger nods as she finishes reading.
“I see. Mr. Chandler, I have to ask… any objections?”
“No, your—” Dom interrupts him, speaking low and close. I can tell he’s angry. “One moment to speak with my client?”
“Quickly.”
Chandler nods and turns to Dom. They go back and forth about 30 seconds. Chandler sighs and faces the judge.
“Against my counsel, my client would like me to note on the record his objection to a continuance. He cites his work schedule in Los Angeles and already having to get things rearranged once to be here today. As I’m sure you are aware, Mr. Teller is currently in the process of—”
“Yes, I’m aware. Netflix, that SEAL show. Continue.”
“Yes. Mr. Teller believes – his belief, not mine – that this is being done specifically to interfere with his schedule.”
“And what is your belief, Mr. Chandler?”
He looks at Dom, and Dom just shakes his head.
“My belief, Your Honor, is that a continuance would actually help Mr. Teller’s schedule, depending on when the rescheduled date is.”
“Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Chandler. That is also my belief. I have no reason to suspect that Ms. Lancaster’s wish is to inconvenience Mr. Teller; it is not her fault that red tape exists. Thirty-day continuance granted.”
“Thank you, Your Honor.”
“As for the new date—”
“Ah, if I may approach?” Ed takes one step closer in anticipation.
“Regarding?”
“Choosing the date.”
Judge Leger hesitates a moment, then waves him up. “Approach.”
Ed walks up and they converse quietly. I don’t need to try to listen, I know what he’s saying. One month from today is July 8th. Not only is that the day before my birthday, but it falls on a Wednesday. Taking Hold of the Flame is in a few days and I will be there. Very few people know this, and I cannot have this stated in court, on a public record that could very well be made known to the media before the Flame. Everyone in SCW from Frank Delotasso to the Board and probably Mr. D himself would flay me alive. I cannot have a court date on a Wednesday, because I will be traveling to gods-forsaken Toronto for Breakdown on Thursday, my birthday. Dom isn’t the only one who has to contend with work schedules.
Ed steps back and Judge Leger nods.
“Very well. Due to personal circumstances, the Petitioner requests that the rescheduled date is a few days short of thirty, so I will set it for July sixth.”
Chandler almost lunges forward in front of his table.
“Excuse me, Your Honor, but we believe this is an attempt by Ms. Lancaster to manipulate Mr. Teller’s schedule to suit her own needs. Thirty days from today falls one day before her birthday.” The last few words drip with distaste. That must be an important week in Dom’s schedule. I couldn’t possibly care less. I have my own career to be concerned with.
Judge Leger looks at me questioningly. I nod, yes that’s correct. She looks at the notes she took during her private talk with Ed.
“Mr. Chandler, with all due respect… it does not matter what either of you think Ms. Lancaster’s reasoning is. I believe her actual reasoning is sound and valid. This hearing is rescheduled for July sixth, ten AM. Let the record show that the Ex Parte Emergency Temporary Custody order signed on May ninth remains in effect and will remain in the custody of the Petitioner until that date. All present parties are hereby ordered to appear. We are adjourned.” She grabs and taps the gavel. I didn’t think they did that in hearings either. I notice Ed trying to suppress a smirk. I guess she just wanted to punctuate her decision.
“All rise!”
Everyone stands, then Judge Leger gets up and goes back through the door she came out of earlier.
 
I immediately turn to Ed. “What’s so funny?”
“The gavel. She rarely touches it, even in full court. She isn’t very fond of out of state lawyers.”
“From what I can tell, most Louisiana judges aren’t.”
Ed starts putting his papers away slowly, I think he’s stalling to let Dom and Chandler leave first. “They’re not. We can thank the Napoleonic Code for that. Louisiana is based on a different set of laws than every other state. And when foreigners, as it were, come here to practice, they tend to… well, fuck it all up.” I giggle. Ed doesn’t swear often. “I’m actually impressed Chandler didn’t slip up any terms.”
“Wait.”
“You’re probably right.”
As Dom and Chandler go through the doors, Ed waves me on to go. I was right.
 
We go through the doors to the hallway, and Dom and his people are at the end of the hallway, the direction they came from earlier. I notice him looking in my general direction for the first time. I make a point to turn away. I can out-petty anyone. When I turn, Josh is walking up. I give him a smile.
“How’d it go?”
“Perfect. We’re coming back July sixth, Dom’s lawyer is an asshole and the judge doesn’t like him.”
Josh glances in their direction. “He looks like an asshole. Takes one to know one.” He smirks.
“You’re the good kind, though.” I smirk back, but something over Josh’s shoulder catches my attention. Or rather, someone. It’s the same guy that was in the courtroom earlier that I thought looked like a reporter. He’s watching us closely and scribbling notes into a notebook. For the first time I’m glad that phones are banned in here, because I have no doubt that he would have taken pictures if he could. “Josh. Don’t turn. But there’s a guy behind you that I’m certain is a vulture.”
“Motherfucker.”
“He’s going to leave here and immediately go look at the court docket. We’re going to be on the five o’clock news.”
“No. Your dumbfuck ex-husband is going to be on the news. This is his fault. There’s no way any news station in New Orleans is going to blame you for doing this.”
“I know that, but we still have to deal with the media attention, no matter who’s fault it is. And that’s going to increase exponentially after… next week.” I wasn’t going to name the Flame in public.
“We’ve handled worse.”
I look behind Josh again, but the man is gone.
 
As we exit the courthouse, I see that same man on the steps. Now he has his phone. Fucking fantastic. I only hope he got a shot of Dom and his “entourage” too. New Orleans media are going to eat him alive.