Seduced 5 by P.A. Jones Page B

have anything to do with this and we should hear your decision first.”
    My eyes darted to Peterson; he was looking at me. I signaled him to oppose Shaun.
    “Your honor, I’m sorry for the last minute call. But Gerome is our witness in this case, and I would like you to hear him once before giving your decision.”
    “Mr. Peterson, you are making a mockery of the court here. When the decision is pending, you don’t bring any witnesses; they should be presented when asked.” Shaun’s voice cracked.
    “Your owner, I’m the dreadful father of the kid whose custody is in question. And I’ve few points to discuss with you, only if you agree to let me present it.” Gerome was clear and confident.
    The judge looked at him and then at Peterson and Shaun. “I think the father of the child should have a say. But I would like to see the proof that you are his father," the judge said.
    “I’ll produce them to you in half an hour, your honor,” Peterson replied quickly.
    “Okay, the court is adjourned for half an hour.” The judge walked out.
    ***
    “I hope you have something positive to say in court,” I whispered to Gerome as we walked inside the court again. Peterson, with the help of Gavin, somehow managed to get the DNA report and birth certificate the Stephen. And it was clear that Gerome was his biological father.
    “Wait and watch.” A smirk was visible on Gerome’s face. “I’ll make sure that bastard doesn’t get a single penny of Nikki’s money.”
    The judge came in few minutes and court started it’s hearing again.
    “Your honor, here are the reports from the Central Medical hospital. These should be enough to prove that he is the biological father of Stephen,” Peterson said.
    “Before you start the hearing, your honor, I would like to ask Gerome where he was for the past two-and-half years when his wife needed him. When his son needed him most?” Shaun asked.
    “To answer you, Mr. Shaun, is that I know I’m a dickhead. I abandoned Nikki for most of her pregnancy. But there was a reason for that.” He took a pause. Took a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his tears. “Your honor, Nikki is a good wife. But, unfortunately, her dad wasn’t a good father. He made me go away from her. He threatened me with my life.”
    “Your honor, we should ask him proof for this all. We can’t just trust his babbling.” Shaun tried to cut him off.
    “Mr. Shaun, I would suggest that you seat down and speak when asked.”The judge scowled at him. “It looks like you are too impatient to let him speak his words.”
    “I’m sorry.” Shaun sat down.
    “Please continue, Mr. Gerom e , " the judge asked him.
    “Your honor, if you have any doubts, please check the last eight months’ newspapers. I’m there everywhere. When Nikki’s dad died, I flew back here and have been with Nikki for the last eight months. I’d been there when Stephen and she needed me most. I know how much she loves him and she will vouch for my words, too. Now, I know you have problems for giving custody to Nikki, because of her drug issue. But you shouldn’t have any problems in giving custody to me.” He dropped the bomb.
    Nikki clenched my hand tightly. I looked at her; she was looking at Gerome in horror. Even I didn’t know what he was talking about and why he was trying to take Stephen’s custody.
    “That’s a twist to the case. But, it is a valid point. I’ll need some time to verify the details. The court is again adjourned for half an hour and I’ll be giving the final decision when we resume.” The judge walked away.
     

 
    Chapter 17
     
    Tristan
     
    “The boy is yours, Nikki. I couldn’t let Shaun take Stephen away from you. Not after I realized how much Stephen mean to both of you,” Gerome assured me and Nikki as we walked out.
    “Thanks a lot, Gerome. For doing what you did today.” I shook hands with him. The court had decided in his favor and given custody to Gerome.
    “You taught me that,