Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

The courtroom in Kenosha County was brightly lit through the large row of windows along the Southern wall of the building. The antique wooden pews, wooden wall paneling and trim were all faded from many years of use. There was a musty smell that reminded Anton of the loft in his biological father’s garage, were he kept his stash of PlayBoy magazines. Unfortunately, that peaceful familiar aroma was being overpowered by the stench of body odor and weed radiating from the younger guy about ten feet away.

Anton wore a navy blue suit with matching tie. His hair was freshly cut and he was clean shaven. He even put some of his “smell good” cologne on. He was on a mission to save his boy and needed all the confidence he could get. It brought to mind one of the many things he would try to teach the boy: “Unfortunately, we live in a very judgmental world and first impressions go a long way. Always try to put your best foot forward.”

Mere moments before their case was called, Karin slowly crept into the courtroom, unable to hide the fact she had been up all night. Her pink miniskirt revealed more than any cared to see, exposing tattered, white thong panties with red stains. Her entire torso was shrouded in a camouflage hoodie while her legs bore black fishnet stockings with holes in the knees. The THUD from her oversize, new, black combat boots echoed throughout the courtroom.

Theirs was the very next case called. Anton took another look at his exes outfit and had a good feeling about how things were about to go. After a brief introduction and reviewing the paperwork Anton had filed, the judge asked Karin to proceed.

“Yes, sir, Anton, I mean Mr Heft is a very abusive man. I’ve had him arrested multiple times in the past for beatin on me,” she accused as she got more animated. “He’s abusive to me. He’s abusive to his child. Actually, you know what? He recently beat me so bad that I miscarried my unborn child and the Racine police didn’t do anything about it.”

“Mr Heft, you don’t sound like a very easy man to live with,” quipped the judge. “What do you have to say to these accusations?”

“Your Honor,” Anton responded in a calm, smooth, professional demeanor. “With my record, had something like actually happened, you and I both know I wouldn’t be standing in your courtroom right now.’

“That is a very good point, Mr Heft.” With an authoritative voice he turned to Karin, looked over the tops of his glasses and threatened, “Ms Zumo, if I catch you in another lie in my court you’ll be spending the next couple of nights here.”

Karin, obviously upset by the judge quick change in attitude, got even more animated, “That’s bullsh…”

“Ms Zumo!” the judge’s voice raised drastically. “That wasn’t a question. If I need anything from you, I’ll let you know. Until then, I don’t want to hear another word from you.” He slowly turned to Anton while giving Karin one last look of disbelief. “Mr Heft, I see you do have quite the record and it’s obvious that your many court appearances have helped to prepare you for today. So let’s talk. What is it that you’re looking for?”

Anton wasn’t 100% sure exactly how to take that other than he got the judge’s attention well enough to where he and the judge were definitely in control of this court date. His first instinct wasn’t go for the juggler right of the bat, although it crossed his mind. He thought about his son Toby and what he’s want.

“Your Honor, I’m asking for 50/50 custody with me having primary placement that way I can ensure that my son gets to school everyday,” Anton continued to do his best to use his ‘professional voice’, even though he wanted so badly to rub it in Karin’s face. “I’ll even continue paying her child support so that I know that she has a place for him to visit and food while he’s there.”

“That’s commendable, Mr Heft. However, that’s not quite how child support works,” he corrected Anton. “Ms Zumo, are you willing to agree to that or am I setting a mediation date.”

“No! Why would I agree to that?” She yelled, her face turning as bright red as the hair on her head. “He already sees too much of his loser father. I should put a restraining order on him. Can I do that?”

With a bewildered look, the judge turned back towards Anton. There was a brief moment of silence as Anton watch the judge process what he just witnessed from Karin. The look on the judge’s face was that of confused sympathy towards Anton.

“Mr Heft, we’re going to be setting a date for mediation. How does November 22nd at 9:30 sound?” the judge inquired.

“Sounds perfect,” Anton eagerly agreed.

“Wha-,” Karin tried to inturupt.

“Ms Zumo!!” The judge stopped her from going any further. It was then that Anton saw the judge procure a smile, letting the whole courtroom know he was about to enjoy the next few words to come out of his mouth. “Mr Heft, effective immediately, I am granting you emergency temporary placement of your son Toby.”

For the rest of his life, he would remember the look on Karin’s face as reality set in.

“Thank you, your Honor,” Anton was on the verge of tears.

“Good luck, Mr Heft.”