In the Best Interest of the Child

Acknowledgments

AS IT WAS MY NANOWRIMO project for 2015, this book has been a long time in the making. Along the way, many friends, NaNoWriMo Buddies, and fellow authors who reached out with support and encouragement – THANK YOU!

To my daughter, Lindsey Nicole aka Beta Reader #1, thanks for taking this journey with me, baby girl. Your love and support mean more than you know.

To Jenn Cunningham – aka editor, critic, conscious, mother confessor, comic relief, hardware support, partner-in-crime and shenanigans, and creator of the beautiful cover adorning this book – without you, this book probably would have been published...around 2025! You made it happen because you cut me no slack...and I am forever grateful. Much love and respect.

Dedication

For Lindsey Nicole

Chapter One

OLIVIA FOUGHT TO KEEP from drumming her fingers on the table.

Judge Robert Dennison was famous for his creative rulings, but he was infamous for his long, drawn-out explanations. She had given him a twenty-three-page detailed report on the family and living environment of her client, twelve-year-old Lacie Cox, along with a strong recommendation shared custody be given to Lacie's biological father, Ronnie, and stepfather, Matthew Janey. Lacie was crazy about both men, and it was more than obvious they both loved her as they joined together to get custody away from her mother, Melida.

All children not only need a safe, nurturing environment, but they need to know, and be shown they are wanted and loved. It is admirable in this case we have three parents who want to care for Lacie   her biological father, her stepfather, and her biological mother.

Slowly stretching out her arms in front of her, Olivia took a quick peek at her watch. Thirty-four minutes! The man had been speaking for over half an hour and had made no mention of Lacie's custody.

Olivia was tempted to run up to the bench, grab the documents and read the ruling herself. However, she had no desire to be found in contempt of court and spend the night in a cell...or worse. Judge Dennison once found an attorney in contempt of court for reading text messages and ordered him to write a fifteen-page paper on decorum due the next day!

Olivia shuddered inwardly while slowly exhaling. She had no choice but to wait and try to look attentive. She owed him that much not simply because he was a judge, but because he had done so much for her before she passed the bar exam, and even before she graduated from law school.

With all reports and recommendations submitted to the court, it is my ruling full custody of Lacie Cox be given to her mother, Melida Janey.

Olivia's heart sank as she turned to look at the two men Lacie called daddy. What happened? There was nowhere in her report she even remotely suggested Melida should get custody.

After meeting with her neighbors, the staff at Lacie's school, several family members and Lacie, it was obvious while Melida was not physically abusive, she was a lazy and neglectful mother. Lacie was known to wear the same clothes as many as three days in a row. Not because she had so very few, but because her mother would whisk her away to a party at a friend's house.

After depositing Lacie in a back room with the children of other partygoers, Melida would join the festivities which sometimes ended at dawn the next day. Hungover and grumpy, she would grab an Egg McMuffin and orange juice for Lacie from MickeyD’s, and then push her out the car in front of her school.

Not wanting to get her mother into trouble, Lacie never complained. But observant teachers had talked and decided early into the school year something was amiss. They finally found out Matthew had left the home and filed for divorce.

The usually bright-eyed and talkative Lacie became withdrawn and always seemed to have her head down. Though her grades didn't suffer much, her classroom participation did.

Counselors kept track of how often Lacie showed up wearing the same outfit from the previous day, and how many times she had no lunch or money to buy any.

After three weeks, staff members approached the principal with their findings.  The Department of Children’s Services was called because of their discussion with the principal. 

A thorough investigation concluded while Lacie's situation wasn't ideal, she was not abused, and there was nothing DCS could charge Melida with. They did strongly urge her to get Lacie home at a more appropriate time and have clean clothes and food for lunch or lunch money available for her daily.

Melida's quick fix was to hold the parties at her house...problem solved. The school was disappointed but rallied around Lacie and worked to keep her spirits up.

The situation changed drastically six months ago when her fathers tired of Melida refusing to allow either of them to spend time with Lacie.

They approached her together and said either she works with them on visitation, or they would sue her for custody. Melida assured them going to court was not necessary and they each could see Lacie whenever they wanted...for one thousand dollars a month...each. The men left abruptly and filed for joint custody the next day.

Olivia turned slightly and glanced at Ronnie and Matthew who were obviously not happy. She faced forward and tried to focus on the judge's words.

Visitation will be granted to Mr. Cox and Mr. Janey. They will each get Lacie for Wednesdays and Thursdays and the corresponding weekend. They will rotate weeks with the first week going to Mr. Cox. They will each pay the amount of $400 per month in child support fees to the court, who will then forward said fees to Mrs. Janey.

Olivia Chandler took a little satisfaction in the fact the smug look Melida had been wearing fell when she heard she'd be getting less than what she originally tried to extort from the men.

Judge Dennison continued, This is a temporary ruling and will not become permanent until the divorce proceedings are finalized.

Frowning and confused, Olivia leaned forward and wondered what the judge was up to.

It is further ordered by this court Mrs. Janey attends parenting classes on Wednesday and Thursday of each week, and volunteer eight hours on Saturdays at Mavenwood Placement Center.

Judge Dennison closed the file, folded his hands, and addressed Melida Janey.

"Young lady, it is my sincere hope you follow through with the orders of this court and not miss even one day. Your family background shows you had few adult role models to guide you when you needed it most, so these classes and this volunteer time can only benefit you and strengthen your parenting skills.

My last words are to caution... and warn you. If you fail to comply with this court's orders, you will be found in contempt of court, and you will lose custody of your daughter. This court is adjourned."

Olivia's lips quivered as she fought the grin trying to form. Judge Dennison and his creative rulings! He had given them a gift and she knew it.

She walked over to Lacie's dads, who were both trying to do the Cabbage Patch...and failing miserably.

You play in a band and that's all the rhythm you have? she said while pointing at Ronnie. You look like you're having a seizure!

Both men laughed as Ronnie threw up his hands. Dancing is not a job requirement, but I'm happy and have to celebrate!

Matthew nodded in agreement then faced Olivia.

We both know Melida well enough to know she's never going to follow through on those parenting classes or volunteer time. She hates being told what to do, she hates learning of any kind on any level, and truth be told, she's not crazy about kids.

Olivia looked over at Melida and her attorney, and the grim looks said it all. She was not happy and he was probably trying to talk her into following the court's orders, and out of doing anything stupid.

Folding her arms in front of her, Olivia leaned closer to both men.

I remember you saying Ronnie, you believe Melida stopped taking the pill on purpose to get pregnant and force you to marry her, correct?

Trapped is a better word, Ronnie replied. I may have been just a keyboard player in a band back in those days, but I'm from a good family who don’t believe in unwed pregnancies or single parenting, so marriage was the only option, and she knew that. I hung in there with her and tried to make it work, but after four years, it was obvious all I was to her was the bank and babysitter. I moved out and filed for divorce. Visitation with Lacie was never a problem because my parents did not want to lose their only granddaughter at the time and were extremely generous to Lacie and more than generous to Melida.

And I came along like a dope and fell for her game too, Matthew interjected matter-of-factly.

Ronnie and I actually hated each other until I took Lacie into the emergency room one night with a fever. I couldn't find Melida anywhere, so I called Ronnie. Turns out Lacie had a bad case of the flu, was dehydrated and a bit malnourished. That threw me for a loop. Malnourished? We had plenty of food in the house. That's when Ronnie clued me into some of Melida's ways. Not cooking when I worked nights, giving Lacie fast food for breakfast... cooking only when I was around to see it. I felt like such an idiot.

Jamming his hands into his pockets, Matthew's jaws tightened at the memory.

Ronnie squeezed his shoulder in support. "It wasn't your fault, man. She played us both. The woman has game. But I doubt even her A-game will help her this time. Melida... in parenting classes? Melida Stahnos Cox Janey volunteering anywhere on the planet? She's going down in flames."

Olivia and Matthew covered their mouths to keep from laughing aloud.

We can both start setting up bedrooms for Lacie, dude because we will get joint custody... and sooner than later.

Olivia was relieved the men found a positive aspect in the judge's ruling but wasn't looking forward to her last obstacle—telling Lacie Cox she had to continue to live with her mother.

She was considering asking the two men to accompany her to Lacie's school when the court bailiff called her name.

Ms. Chandler, Judge Dennison would like a quick word with you in his chambers, please.

Rolling her eyes, Olivia shook hands with Ronnie and Matthew.

This cannot be a good thing, but whatever it is, I hope it doesn't take long.

She returned to the table and slid her case documents into her briefcase.

I'll call you both after I inform Lacie of the court ruling... and I hope she takes it as well as you two have.

With one final wave, Olivia followed the bailiff to the door leading to the judge's chambers.

Unable to resist, she looked over her shoulder one last time at Melida Janey. It was only a brief glance, but Olivia was sure the woman glared at her.

OLIVIA FOLLOWED THE bailiff right to the judge's office.

Without knocking, he opened the door and stepped back, allowing her to enter.

Judge Dennison had removed his robe and was drinking a bottle of water while staring out his office window. He tipped his head towards the bailiff, then motioned for Olivia to have a seat.  Taking his own seat, he leaned back and studied Olivia.

She returned his stare warily.

If you ever get tired of practicing law, Olivia, you could make a killing at the gaming tables in Vegas. You have the perfect poker face.

A smile covered her face as she shook her head slowly.

Good to know, Judge. I'll keep that in mind as a backup plan.

He laughed easily continuing to stare at her.

I know you weren't pleased with my ruling today.

It was disappointing... and a bit of a surprise.

Oh, I'm sure you were disappointed, but surprised? I don't think so.

She didn't deserve custody. Lacie is nothing but an inconvenience to her.

Olivia hadn't meant her words to sound as harsh as they had.

What choice did I have, Olivia? What law or precedent-setting case can you cite that would have backed my decision?

He continued before she could answer.

I have no doubts Melida Janey is an unfit and undeserving mother. DCS had allegations of child neglect, but they never took any formal action. There were plenty of rumors of her drug use, and hanging out with known drug offenders, but no proof. Not even one visit to her home by law enforcement. It's unfortunate and unfair, but the law still favors the mother in custody cases unless there is valid proof she is unfit. Had I ruled differently, I would have definitely been overturned on appeal with no recourse.

Olivia smirked. And that's where your creative stipulations were born from... lack of legal precedence?

Creative? My dear, it was nothing less than brilliant!

She couldn't help but laugh at his glee.

He sat the bottle of water aside and opened his bottom desk drawer, removing a bottle of Old Kentucky Bourbon. He shook the bottle in her direction, but she shook her head.

None for me. I still have to go break the heart of a twelve-year-old girl.

After pouring a double shot, he watched the amber liquid as he swirled it around.

"I understand. And my heart goes out to Lacie. But eventually, she will get her wish to be as far away from her mother as possible.

Since the first day Melida Janey walked into my courtroom, she's done nothing but try to distract me. The short, tight skirts; the sheer, low-cut blouses. I've been doing this job far too long to fall for her machinations."

Olivia couldn't resist. Not to mention, you have a wife who would clean your clock!

Robert Dennison threw his head back and laughed.

You got that right! Miss Dee does not put up with foolishness!

Taking a drink of the bourbon, he appeared reflective.

And I love her, even more, today than I did the day we got married forty-two years ago. I'm a blessed man to have found the love of my life.

Olivia smiled watching the joy in his face. But swallowing slowly, she knew the lump in her throat was not for the Judge's happiness, but for the emptiness of her own life.

Maybe it's wrong of me, but I measure most women who walk into my courtroom against my wife... and most fall short. The only thing Mrs. Janey has in common with Dee is they're both females. I have no doubt while there was no concrete proof, most, if not all the allegations made against her were true. So, the easiest way to call her out was to let her win is some small way, then throw in some conditions. If I am wrong, and she fully complies, she will get permanent custody, an increase in child support... and court-ordered alimony. If I'm right, the two people who love Lacie the most will share custody, and there won't be a damn thing Melida Janey can do about it.

Well played, Judge Dennison... well played.

"Your brief played a major role in my ruling, Olivia. As usual, you went above and beyond. Not just talking to a handful of people in the parents' inner circles, but reaching out to current and former employers, the local library and neighborhood grocer... even Lacie's pediatrician, and the PTA.

I had more than enough information to assess the general character of the three people who all want custody of Lacie. It also spoke volumes the father and stepfather joined forces against the mother. I've never seen anything like that before."

Thank you, sir. Your opinion means a lot to me.

You are most welcome, Olivia, but...

...you didn't call me in here just to compliment me.

The two court officers grinned at each other knowingly.

I never could get anything past you, young lady. You were the one clerk who paid attention to everything. The other partners always assumed I was slipping information to you, but I told them that wasn't the case. You were simply the smartest person in any room you entered.

I took what you said to heart, judge. A lawyer is only as good as his argument, and his argument is useless without the details. The details are always my focus.

Precisely, my dear. And that is why I asked to see you. A case came up about two weeks ago. I wanted you to have it from the beginning, but I was called away for an emergency hearing, and by the time I returned, Judge Summers had assigned it to Phelps. I wasn't happy, but he had already notified Phelps. I'm almost sure it was all intentional.

Judge Summers has never been a fan of mine.

That's because he's a horse's ass! Ever since your name became a part of the court buzz, he's had a problem with you. Always spouting off about affirmative action and gender preference.  More than a few judges and attorneys have suggested he look at your professional record before he continues with his snap judgments and antiquated ideas. 

Damn! I'm off task again! Must be time for me to file my retirement papers.

He laughed to himself as he dug through his own satchel.

Olivia gave herself a mental shake.

The categorizing and labeling didn't have the sting it once did. Olivia knew her records—academic and professional—spoke for themselves. And if Judge Wendell Summers didn't like her, then he would just have to kiss her ass.

Ah! Here it is! he announced while plopping the file down on the desk.

Olivia reached for the file, but the judge covered her hand, stopping her.

This isn't just any case, my dear. And while you have kept much of your past private, I do know enough to know you will find more than a few similarities between this case and your own adolescence.

Olivia gasped loudly, pulling her hand away as if he had burned her.

Why me?

She motioned towards the file.

Why this? Do you know what you're asking?

I do indeed, my dear, and I do not ask this of you lightly. But remember I said I knew some of your past? Let's just say I know about the bad things.

Olivia became rigid with anger.

"The bad things? You know about the bad things? You say that as if there were good things. Trust me when I say there weren't any."

Olivia, please. I am so sorry. It is not my intention to upset you or cause you pain. But your past makes you uniquely qualified for this case. Add your attention to the details, and your honest concern for your client, it’s my personal belief no one is going to fight for this child the way you will.

She hung her head, taking deep breaths, trying to calm down. After about thirty seconds, she raised her head, again calm.

I apologize for my outburst, your honor.

She managed a faint smile.

I’ll go now and meet with Lacie Cox. Perhaps while I'm gone, you're can arrange for me to meet my new client and find out what I can do to help her.

Judge Dennison exhaled loudly, upset with himself for having to put her through this.

It's already done. How does 10:30 AM tomorrow morning sound?

Chapter Two

PULLING INTO HER GARAGE, Olivia pressed the remote to close the door behind her. The beginnings of a migraine throbbed behind her ears and she leaned back against the headrest, closing her eyes. When had her day gone downhill so badly as to bring on one of her killer headaches?

Olivia did a mental recap of her afternoon.

A celebratory lunch with the senior partners of her firm for her prevailing in three child custody cases in the last ninety days, which would all eventually be used to strengthen children's rights when they oppose blood relatives in court; the Cox and Janey vs. Janey decision, which didn't immediately end the way she would have preferred but would gain the desired outcome in time; and her meeting with Lacie Cox to tell her about the court giving custody of her to Melida Janey.

That kid was tough. She took the news better than Olivia expected and even smiled and hugged her.

Although Olivia could see the smile didn't quite reach her eyes, which were shadowed in sadness, the child spoke with confidence when talking about the two men she loved dearly. She was excited about getting to spend more time with her dads.

Before the court hearing, Melida allowed her to see her father and stepfather only if she was in a good mood... and they had cash. Now her mother would have no choice.

Lacie also knew even though they had to rotate weekly visits, she would get to see both men every week.

Melida Janey’s two ex-husbands had become as close as brothers, and they were determined to not allow Melida to ruin Lacie’s life. Melida had never been much of a mother, but Ronnie and Matthew had both, in turn, did their best to make sure Lacie never went without and always felt loved. However, it was Melida's avarice and narcissism that eventually would push each man out of the home.

Hopefully, those same characteristics would be her undoing in a very short while.

Lacie would be fine, and now that Ronnie and his current wife, Fran, were expecting their first child, Lacie would soon be a big sister.

Olivia couldn't undo the bad times of her childhood, but she was young enough to make cherished, new memories with a family who loved and wanted her.

Olivia abruptly stepped out of her car and slammed the door. She could feel the muscles in her neck tightening as though Fate was sitting on her shoulders with a sledgehammer determined to crack her skull.

Try as she might to not think about it, Olivia knew the source of her frustration.

Dammit, Olivia! Stop it and stop it now! You haven't even read the file. Why are you getting yourself all worked up?

As if defeated, Olivia leaned back and sagged against the car.

Oh great. Now I'm talking to myself. The crazy has truly come home—I have become my mother.

Thoughts of Sarina Chandler instantly changed her feelings of frustration into anger.

Grabbing her bags and the take-out meal she probably wouldn't eat tonight from the backseat, Olivia made her way to the door which opened into the mudroom. Kicking her shoes off without stopping, she stomped up the two steps and into her spacious kitchen, dumping her things on the counter. 

Scolding herself for being such a wimp, Olivia removed the file from her briefcase and just