Yes. So, in a typical day, how many waking hours do you actually spend with your daughter? Marcus hesitated. About 2 hours, sometimes three. 2 hours?
Davidson nodded slowly. And who takes care of Lily during all those other hours? Mrs. Patterson, our neighbor, an elderly woman who is not a licensed child care provider. She's a retired teacher. She's wonderful with Lily.
But she's not Lily's parent, is she? No. Mr. Reed, you live in a one-bedroom apartment. Is that correct? Yes.
And you sleep on the couch. Lily has the bedroom. So, there's no room for you in your own home. Marcus felt his temper rising. There's plenty of room for us.
We don't need much. But Lily doesn't have her own space, does she? No playroom, no yard, no. She has love. Marcus cut him off.
She has a father who would die for her. That's more than your client ever gave her. Mr. Reed, you want to talk about space, about money, about all the things I can't afford. Marcus was on his feet now, anger finally breaking through. Your client had all those things, a big house, a nice car, money in the bank, and she still walked out.
She still abandoned her daughter. So don't stand there and tell me that my apartment is too small or my bank account is too empty because I've been there every single day. Every single day. Where was Victoria? Mr. Reed, please sit down.
Judge Caldwell's voice was calm but firm. Marcus realized he was standing, his hands gripping the rail of the witness box. He forced himself to sit, his heart pounding. I apologize, your honor. Mr. Davidson, do you have any more questions?
Davidson looked rattled. Marcus' outburst had clearly thrown him off his game. No further questions. You may step down, Mr. Reed. Marcus returned to his seat, his legs shaking.
Mr. Warren leaned over. That wasn't part of the plan, he whispered. But it might have actually helped. You showed them who you really are. I lost my temper.
You showed passion. There's a difference. Judge Caldwell made another note. Mr. Davidson, call your witness. The petitioner calls Victoria Reed.
Victoria stood and walked to the witness stand. Her movements were graceful, controlled like she'd rehearsed this moment a hundred times. She swore her oath and sat down smoothing her dress over her knees. Davidson approached her with a gentle smile. "Mrs. Reed, can you tell the court why you left 3 years ago?"