Not what feels good, not what makes a nice story, but what gives Lily the best chance at a successful life. Thank you. He sat down, and Victoria reached over to squeeze his hand. The gesture made Marcus' stomach turn. Judge Caldwell made a note on his legal pad.
Thank you, counsel. We'll now hear testimony. Mr. Warren, call your first witness. The defense calls Marcus Reed. Marcus stood.
His legs felt like jelly, but he forced himself to walk to the witness stand. He raised his right hand, swore to tell the truth, and sat down in the hard wooden chair. Mr. Warren approached him with an encouraging nod. Mr. Reed, can you describe your typical day? Marcus took a breath.
I wake up at 5:30 every morning. I make Lily breakfast, usually oatmeal or eggs, whatever we have. I pack her lunch, help her get dressed, and walk her to school by 7:45. Then I go to my first job at Patterson's Auto. I work there until 4:00, sometimes later if there's extra work.
And after that, I pick up Lily from Mrs. Patterson's. She's our neighbor who watches her after school. We have about an hour together. I help her with homework, make her dinner, talk about her day. Then I go to my second job at the diner.
I work there until midnight, sometimes later. And when you get home, Marcus's throat tightened. I check on Lily. She's always asleep by then, but I sit with her for a few minutes. I tell her I love her even though she can't hear me.
Then I sleep on the couch for a few hours before it starts all over again. Why two jobs, Mr. Reed? Because one isn't enough. Marcus's voice was steady, but his eyes burned. Because rent is expensive.
Because food is expensive. Because everything costs money, and I don't have enough of it. But I do what I have to do for Lily. Everything I do is for Lily. Can you tell the court about your relationship with your daughter?
Marcus felt the tears threatening again, but he pushed them back. Lily is my whole world. She's the reason I get up in the morning, the reason I work until I can barely stand. She's smart and funny and kind, and every single day with her is a gift. He looked directly at Judge Caldwell.
I know I'm not perfect. I know I can't give her everything she deserves, but I love her, your honor. I love her more than anything, and I will never ever abandon her. Not like her mother did. Objection.
Davidson didn't even stand up. Inflammatory. Withdrawn. Mr. Warren said. No further questions.
Davidson rose and approached the witness stand with a predatory smile. Mr. Reed, you said you work until midnight most nights. Is that correct? Yes. And Lily is asleep by the time you get home?