Page 46 of Cash
The courthouse hallway stretched out before us, all polished marble and echoing footsteps.I kept my hand at the small of Eliza’s back, feeling the tension in her body as we stood waiting.Her pale face had a determined look.Beside us, Lana looked every inch the legal warrior in her tailored charcoal suit, her briefcase held casually at her side.
I squeezed Eliza’s shoulder gently.“We’ve got this.”
I felt Eliza take a deep breath, straightening her spine as if physically armoring herself for battle.The past had worn her down but never broken her.My chest swelled with pride and something deeper growing stronger every day we spent together.
I pulled open the heavy courtroom door, holding it for Eliza and Lana to enter first.My gaze immediately went to the opposing table, expecting to see Ms.Winters with her superior smile.
Instead, a single man in a dark suit sat there, shuffling papers.The State’s Attorney, whose name I couldn’t recall.I recognized him from previous hearings.No sign of Ms.Winters anywhere.
“Where is she?”Eliza whispered, her eyes darting around the courtroom.
Lana frowned slightly, her stride faltering for only a moment before she guided us toward our table.“Don’t pay attention to that side of the room, Eliza.Keep your focus on me or the judge.”
We settled into our seats.I kept my hand on Eliza’s knee, squeezing gently.
We stood as Judge Whitmore entered, her hair perfectly styled, her black robes flowing around her as she took her seat at the bench.Her face gave away nothing as she settled in, nodding to the bailiff.
“Be seated,” she instructed, opening the folder before her.“Department of Children’s Services versus Eliza Jans regarding custody of minor child Lily Jans.”
Lana stood smoothly.“Lana Thompson for the respondent, Your Honor.”
The State’s Attorney rose as well.“Gregory Martin for the State, Your Honor.”
Judge Whitmore looked between them, then glanced at her paperwork again.“I don’t see Ms.Winters from DCS present.Mr.Martin, will you be presenting the State’s case alone today?”
Martin cleared his throat, straightening his tie with one finger.“Your Honor, if it pleases the court, the State wishes to make a statement regarding this case.”
Judge Whitmore’s eyebrows rose slightly.“By all means, Mr.Martin.Proceed.”
I felt Eliza stiffen beside me, her hand finding mine under the desk and gripping hard enough to hurt.I squeezed back, trying to pour strength into her through the simple contact.
“Your Honor,” Martin began, his voice carrying clearly in the hushed courtroom, “after thorough review of all evidence and medical documentation, the State moves to dismiss all allegations against Ms.Jans with prejudice.”He paused, seemingly gathering himself.“Furthermore, the Department of Children’s Services extends sincere apologies to Ms.Jans for distress caused to her and her daughter by the State during this investigation.”
The words hung in the air for a moment, impossible to process.Beside me, Eliza made a small, choked sound.I tightened my arm around her shoulders as she swayed slightly in her seat.
Judge Whitmore’s expression remained neutral, though I thought I caught a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes.“Ms.Thompson, your response?”
Lana recovered quickly from her surprise.“We accept the dismissal, Your Honor, and ask for full custodial rights be immediately restored to my client.”
“So ordered,” Judge Whitmore replied without hesitation.She turned her attention to Eliza directly.“Ms.Jans, the court acknowledges the difficult path you’ve walked these past months.Your patience and persistence in seeking proper medical care for your daughter is commendable.”
Eliza nodded, seemingly unable to form words.Her body sagged against mine, not in defeat but in the sudden release of tension holding her upright for months.
“Mr.Martin,” Judge Whitmore continued, “I trust the Department will ensure all records reflect this outcome appropriately and any staffing issues are resolved?”
“Yes, Your Honor.All files will be updated immediately to show no findings of wrongdoing.And Ms.Winters has decided to take an early retirement.”
Judge Whitmore nodded once.“Very well.This matter is dismissed with prejudice.”She brought down her gavel with a sharp crack echoing through the courtroom, the sound hollow yet final.“Ms.Jans, you have the court’s best wishes for your daughter’s health and your family’s well-being.”
Lana gathered her papers quickly.“Thank you, Your Honor.”
As we stood, I kept my arm firmly around Eliza’s waist, supporting her as we made our way toward the exit.Her steps were unsteady, her face a mixture of shock and relief she still tried to process.
It wasn’t until we pushed through the heavy courtroom doors into the hallway the reality seemed to hit her.Eliza stopped suddenly, turning toward me with tears filling her eyes.“It’s over,” she whispered, her voice breaking.“Cash, it’s really over.”
I pulled her against my chest, not caring who saw us.“You did it, lil’ Liza.You fought and you won.”
Her tears soaked into my shirt, but these weren’t the desperate, broken sobs I’d witnessed before.These were tears of vindication and joy, of a battle hard-fought and finally won.I held her while she cried, my own throat tight with emotion.
