Note: I simply love to role play with cyber lovers and one day in discussing my real life tribulations with the legal system this fantasy of the unscrupulous judge fell out of my head. Thanks ever so much to my long time friend and lover, T, for his inspiration with this story. I never would have gotten here without his delicious sense of humor and wicked imagination to spark my own. And to all those who may be concerned, temporary support issues were settled this month. Comments welcome. Only my second submission, please vote.
* * * * *
I knew I shouldn't have tried to represent myself the instant I walked into court this morning. The man sitting up at the bench attired in the black robe, was tall and imposing. His graying beard gave him the appearance of a wise and experienced member of the judiciary but the piercing look in his eyes as he looked my up and down, sent shivers down my spine. If I'd had any funds I would have hired Ms. Marshall to represent me but I simply couldn't afford her fees with no support coming in.
My hand shook as I brought my Petition for Temporary Support up the clerk. She gave me a pitying look as she handed it to the judge. I saw him glance at it cursorily before whispering something to his clerk. "Young lady, this is not the time nor place for these sort of requests," he boomed from his seat above me. "You should know that if you plan to represent yourself in my courtroom. You will need to see me in chambers if you wish to have this order signed. Please wait in the anti-room until I am finished taking care of these other cases." Seeing me swallow, and nod, he added a caution. "Do not leave the courthouse without speaking to me. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir, your honor sir."
I wait for thirty more minutes wondering what the judge intends to say to me privately, if he'll have questions I won't be able to answer. God, I wish I'd hired Ms. Marshall to do this. I am turning my wedding ring over and over on my ring finger. If only Alex wasn't being so stubborn I wouldn't need a court hearing to establish support. I'd have the money I needed to support myself and the children and continue with school. Damn his hide anyway! He makes plenty of money, his girlfriend is a successful dentist for Pete's sake. Why is he putting me in this position of having to speak to a complete stranger about my plight.
Just as I've almost worked myself into a state over my circumstances, the judge sticks his head out of his chambers and asks me to step inside. He's still wearing the black robe and doesn't move out of the way as he opens the door to let me inside. I have to slide past him to enter and a small tremor passes through me as I take note again of his physical presence so close to mine.
The judge tells me to sit on his sofa. "You know I can't just sign this order without doing some personal investigation, don't you?" I have no idea what he is talking about. Isn't this simple a formality to get a hearing put on the docket? "Excuse me, you honor. What do you need to know?" Well, Mrs. Gates, I do need to establish whether you have a right to such a hearing. You'll need to unbutton your shirt so I can examine your breasts. I need to see if there is any reason why Dr. Gates is refusing to pay support." I am very embarrassed and blushing but he looks completely serious. Ms. Marshall never warned me about this man. She only told me he is the Chief Family Law judge and I need this order signed to get a hearing at all. So I comply because he has the power to grant me what I asked for in my case.