The Nature of Things

Chapter 30

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Two months later the custody trial began. Molly had a great lawyer hired by Brian, but she was still scared. Her worries centered on the fact that Brian and Justin had yet to agree to raise the baby. She went into court not sure of where her baby would end up.

Casey sat at the complainants table in handcuffs. He wore a very expensive suit and smiled at Molly evilly as she entered the courtroom.

Molly's lawyer immediately explained to the bailiff the circumstances surrounding this case and asked that Molly be allowed to sit outside the courtroom until court was called. The bailiff arranged for an escort to be with Molly at all times and spoke with the judge on her behalf.

When Judge Roberts took the bench, he asked that Casey explain why he thought he deserved custody of a child that was conceived as the result of a rape he committed.

"That baby is mine and I have rights. I never lived with my father and my life was empty without him. I don't want my son to face that life."

The judge accepted Casey's answer and the custody trial proceeded. Molly remained outside until she was to testify. Just as they were calling her in, Brian and Justin arrived.

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Brian was still lying in bed when Justin burst in. Opening Brian's closet he started throwing shirts and suits on the bed.

"What the fuck are you doing, Justin?" Brian watched in disbelief, swatting Prada shirts from his face.

"Finding you something parental to wear."

"Why?"

"Because we're going to court and getting our baby."

"What?" Brian couldn't understand Justin's logic at such an early hour.

"We are going to Molly's custody trial."

"But she didn't want us to be there."

"I couldn't give a fuck less what she wants, we're going." Justin continued to throw Armani suits out of the closet. "Jesus, how many fucking suits do you own?"

"Enough," Brian laughed. "Now explain to me in English why we are going to a trial that Molly doesn't want us at."

"Because we are going to adopt her baby."

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Molly took the stand and prepared herself for the onslaught of questions that Casey's lawyer had for her. Taking a deep breath she looked out at Brian and Justin and knew that she'd always had the strength to face this.

"Ms. Taylor how old are you?"

"Seventeen."

"Have you ever babysat or been around children?"

"Yes, sir, I babysit for my brother's partner's son and for a family friend's little girl."

"Do you think that you are able to properly care for this baby, Ms. Taylor?"

"No sir, I don't, which is why I've asked my brother and his partner to adopt my baby."

A hush fell over the courtroom and Casey jumped from his seat. He ran towards Brian screaming. "I won't let some fag raise my son."

Brian stood, prepared to fight until Justin's soft touch reminded him what was at stake. He stood facing Casey with a smile on his face.

The judge called for order in the court and Casey continued his rant.

"I won't let you steal my son, Kinney. I've already lost too much to you."

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

"You had our father all your life, I won't let you have my son. I'll kill you first."

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