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From: Wanderinglanes@aol.com
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Subject: {ASSM} The Girl With A Bicycle - 24 {no-sex, slow}
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 21:10:03 -0400
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The Girl With A Bicycle - Part 24
by Wandering Lanes

Story code (no-sex, slow)

I was awoken by a scream, "NO DARREN, STAY AWAY!" I jerked myself
awake and fell off the chairs I was using as a bed - behind the
ITU doors I could hear Becky's voice, "NO DARREN DON'T, PLEASE
DON'T", I ran into the ward where nurses were trying to hold
Becky's body down so that she didn't dislodge the drip in her
arm.

I'm afraid I roughly pulled them to one side as I held Becky in
my arms and said, "It's alright Becky, Darren isn't here, you're
safe, I'm here, now don't worry I won't let him get you again!" -
Easy to do as he was no longer with us!

I felt her body relaxing, "Mr. Mike thank you" she said before
dropping back to sleep.

I turned to the nurses, who were all looking at me in amazement,
"I'm sorry if I was too rough, but she needed to know she was
safe, I didn't think she would listen to any of you." I started
to walk away allowing the pale blue dressed nurses to administer
to Becky, a nurse in a dark blue uniform came to me.

She pulled me over to the nurses' desk, and made me sit down.
"Thank you for your help," She said, "You were the person who
came in with Becky weren't you?" 

I admitted I was and asked, "How's her mother," at her blank look
I said, "Mildred Smith," 

Her jaw dropped, "She's Becky's mother? How did they get into
their states?"

 I wasn't sure if I should tell her, but then they were trying to
help and any information would be useful, "In a word Darren!" at
her quizzical look I expanded on the subject, "Darren Smith, the
son of Mildred and brother of Becky, who for the past two years
has been sexually abusing Becky while keeping the fact from his
parents, he had been arrested by the police for some muggings
that took place, but escaped three, no four days ago now. Well
yesterday he returned home and had a fight with his father, who
he managed to kill, but that may have been accidental - he was
pushed through a window. Mildred, well I don't know what exactly
happened to her, and he kidnapped Becky to continue his use of
her, I suppose, I was too late to stop him from attacking her,
but managed to stop him and rescue Becky."

The nurse looked around, "He isn't likely to come here is he?"

I shook my head, "No he lost an argument with a train, I think he
in the morgue at the moment, but then that's him all over," I
managed a slight grin when I said that, but the nurse didn't get
the joke, I looked at her, "I'm sorry I didn't get your name, I'm
Mike Moore." I held out my hand, she shook it.

"I'm Angela Ellis, I'm the Ward Sister,"

I smiled, "Do the patients know they have an angel watching over
them," She smiled, "Its not that I've never heard that before,
but it is early in the morning, talking of which, shouldn't you
be at home in your bed, it was you on those chairs out there
wasn't it?"

I nodded, "I didn't want to be too far from Becky, just in case
she needed me", I explained.

She nodded her head, "And from the way you ran into here, I would
think you were ready to defend her against anything! Now Mike
much as I applaud your protectiveness towards Becky I must remind
you this is an Intensive Care Ward, our nurses are well trained
to look after the patients here, and we would have had control
over Becky's little problem after a few minutes, but I will admit
that your method was quicker with little or no trauma to the
patient. But the fact remains that you shouldn't really be in
here, what if we were moving a patient when you entered?"

I nodded, "Yes I can see . . ." 

A cry from Becky stopped me, "Mr. Mike where are you?" I looked
at Angela, who nodded - I went to Becky's bed.

"I'm here Becky, don't worry, go back to sleep."

She moaned, "But I'm hurting Mr. Mike, make the pain go away."

I held her hand, "Don't worry about the pain it will soon go
away." I could see a nurse approaching with a syringe, which was
inserted into the drip attached to Becky's arm, after a few
minutes her breathing slowed and her troubled eyes closed, she
was asleep.

I returned to the nurse's station where Angela was watching me,
weighing up the situation I suppose.  She came to a decision,
"Mike you are tired aren't you?" I nodded, "We have a side room
which is unoccupied at the moment, I think you'd better go there,
it's more comfortable than those chairs outside, and it will be
closer to Becky." She pointed out the room, then had a word with
the nurses, as I entered the room I noticed that they were moving
Becky's bed closer to the room, but still within sight of the
nurses station.

I removed my shoes laid down on the mattress - the bed itself had
no covering, closed my eyes and fell asleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

I was awoken by a voice saying, "I wasn't aware that we were
running a hotel here!" I opened my eyes to see a doctor with his
head poked into the room.

I said, "I'm sorry doctor, but the Ward Sister did say. . . . "

He smiled, "That's okay Mr. Moore," His use of my name surprised
me. "Angela did tell me - and it has been written up in the ward
notes - I'm afraid I was pulling your leg."

I gathered myself - then asked, "How is Becky today?"

He smiled, "The medication's keeping her quiet at the moment, she
needs to sleep, I'm more concerned with her mother."

I looked at him, "Why? I mean she wasn't really hurt, just
shocked I thought."

He nodded, "That was the first opinion, but then when she didn't
respond to treatment we ran some more tests, it seems she's
suffered a stroke, we're not sure how serious it is, but she
won't be the same! And the longer she's unconscious the worst her
state may be"

"Is there any way of bringing her out of the coma?" I asked him.

He shook his head, "No, there is nothing we can do, sometimes
listening to a relative does show some results, but our records
only show Rebecca, we can't find any other member of her family,
except for her husband and Darren, both of whom can't help her!"

I pondered the matter, then asked, "Would it hurt if I spoke to
her?"

He regarded me, "I think that would be okay, but not for long." 
I walked out of the side room and into the ward proper, obviously
the shift had changed as a 'new' sister was at the nurses'
station, she looked up as I approached.

I spoke to her, "Hello, I'm Mike Moore, I'm sorry if I'm being a
nuisance to your ward, but can I have a word with Mildred Smith,
the Doctor did say it would be okay."

She frowned, "Well, it is very irregular, we normally only allow
relatives to visit, but from Angela's notes you are connected to
the family, so it should be alright!"

I thanked her and walked to Mildred's bed, she was lying there,
eyes closed with a cluster of tubes and wires, she appeared to be
attached to machines, I sat beside her, "Mildred, It's Mike
Moore, I don't know if you can hear me, but anyway here goes,
Becky is safe, She's unharmed," - okay so I lied but it was in a
good cause, "I don't know if they will let her talk to you like
this, so you'd better recover a bit more so that she can visit
you!" I ran out of good things to tell her, I mean I couldn't say
'George is dead' or 'Darren's dead' I had to give her good things
to try to drag her back. "I'm here when you need me, but at the
moment Becky needs her mother back, so please try Mildred, for
Becky's sake."

I held onto her hand, it wasn't responding, but her breathing was
less laboured, so I hoped somewhere in her mind she'd heard me, I
stayed with her for a few minutes more, just holding her hand,
and repeating my words, then a nurse came over and started to
attend to the tubes, so I left her, then walked to Becky's bed.

There were fewer leads, a nasal-gastric-tube (which looked worst
than it was), and a drip feed into her arm, which was secured to
keep the arm still - not to keep her in bed.

I stroked her hair, "Becky, it's Mike, I've got to go home to
freshen up, but I'll be back later, I promise."

She opened her eyes, and tried to focus on me, "please Mr. Mike,
don't be too long." She said softly.

I kissed her on the forehead, "Okay, I'll be as quick as I can
be, but I've things to do." But she had closed her eyes again,
the medication taking her back to sleep, I turned round and was
face-to-face with Maria.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

We went into the side room, Maria looked agitated, "I'm sorry to
have to meet you here Mike, but I have some bad news for you" She
sat down on the bed, I found a chair and sat in that, "I've got
my regional head in the office this week - when Becky's case came
up she became interested, and when DS Nichols gave his report and
passed on the suggestion, I take it that you'd suggested it?" I
nodded, she sighed, "I'm sorry Mike but I've been overridden,
when Becky is able to leave the hospital we have to place her
into a foster home. I've checked out the people myself so there's
no problem with them, I can promise you that!"

I looked at her, shocked I must admit, "But what about Becky, how
is she going to feel?"

She looked at me closely, closed her eyes, opened them then said,
"Becky will be the problem I know, she may have to be monitored
closely, but the people - as I said - a good and will look after
her, there isn't really any thing you can do about it." As she
said this she nodded her head slightly - a clue?

I glared at her, "There has to be something I can do, something,
can't you advise me?"

She slightly nodded again, then said. "Officially there is
nothing I can suggest, my hands are tied by the Social Services
office, I doubt if your solicitor could do anything either," a
definite nod of her head, "We are going to be making an
application to the magistrates court later today," she held up a
finger, then dropped it again, "So I wouldn't recommend you
taking any legal action at all," again a nod, I realised that her
conversation was for people listening outside, "I'm sorry Mike,
but I have to go by the book on this." Then she got up, she
whispered in my ear. "Do it quickly, but make the attempt!"

I said "So you won't aid me on this! Some help you are!"

She turn to face me, smiling, "No Mr. Moore, I can't help you,
goodbye!" and before she left she mouthed the words 'good luck'.
She went out of the room to two people I'd never seen before,
they congratulated her and studied a file, they looked at Becky,
then at Mildred, spoke to the doctor on the ward, then walked out
- Maria didn't look at me as she left, but a tear on her cheek
spoke volumes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

I thanked the ward staff, and the doctor, took a last look at
Becky and Mildred, who seemed more relaxed that before - if that
was possible? I dashed out of the hospital and found a taxi, he
drove me to George Wilby's offices in the town, I asked for an
appointment immediately and was given one, I started straight
off.

"George, there's a custody hearing today in court 1, I want to
make an application to adopt the child in question, how can we go
about it?"

He thought for a moment, then picked up his phone, "Lisa, can you
see if Hugh is available, it's a family case, adoption, straight
away if possible, time's awasting" He looked at me, "Mike the
last time you came to me with a family problem, you didn't want
the family on offer, this time you do? What has changed?"

I relaxed and smiled, "I suppose I have, George I feel
responsible for the child, you see it's like this. . . ."  And I
started to tell George how I was introduced to Becky, her life
and Darren, how her parents were starting to change and how that
was ruined by Darren, and finally how the Social Services were
dealing with her.

I hadn't notice during my monologue that another man had joined
us, he had sat down behind me and was taking notes, when I
finished George beckoned him over,

"Mike this is Hugh, he's in charge of our family division, I
trust him to be able to work with you.  Hugh what's the chances
of Mike here winning a custody case for the girl."

Hugh looked at me then back at George, "To tell you the truth
George, dressed and appearing as he does - then slim to none!"

I looked at him and then at my clothes, they were still marked
with the scuffle I'd had with Darren, I felt my chin - the
stubble was pronounced, I could agree with him, "I'm sorry, I'd
stayed at the hospital all night, making sure Becky wasalright."

Hugh looked at me with a light in his eye, "You stayed at the
hospital?" I nodded, "All night?" again I nodded, "It's a pity
that we can't prove that, I suppose you stayed outside theward."

I started to nod, then said, "No, after Becky called out for me,
I went into the ward, and settled her down, the ward sister
finally let me sleep in a side room, she also moved Becky's bed
so that she would be closest to me should she need me."

He smiled and asked, "Do you know if a note was made of this?"

I remembered the doctor's words, "Yes, the ward sister had made a
note in the ward notes."

He jotted down something on his pad, "Okay, now how close are you
to Becky's family"

I thought, "That may be a problem, I've only known Becky for some
weeks, her parents even less, I would like to think that between
Kylie and myself, we've opened their eyes, I do know that during
the Darren episode they relied on me to look after Becky."

He looked up from his pad, "On your own?"

I shook my head, "Of course not, I made sure that Sharon was
present at all times when the police weren't there!"

He frowned, "Why were the police involved?"

I sighed, "Because of Darren, Becky's brother, didn't you hear
what I said?"

He nodded and added, "But I'm going to have to check all this
before the case and I haven't much time, now please repeat for me
- why did you have to look after Becky?"

I went through the story again, how DS Nichols wanted to ensure
Becky's safety and had asked me to look after her, and how her
parents agreed. I went though the second day - glossing over
Becky's fun with the two police officers, and leaving her with
her parents, finally going over Darren's appearance on the scene,
and the subsequent rescue of Becky in the tunnel.  He asked for
the officer's names, which I told him.

When I'd finally finished he looked at his watch, and then his
notes, "Good, we have a chance, Mike - I can call you Mike can't
I?" I nodded, and he continued, "Stay just like that, don't
change don't shave, I've got some phone calls to make and then we
have to go to court - have to check on who's on the bench today,
Mike don't move from this office, I'll pick you up in a few
minutes, George get him a coffee, some biscuits, but don't let
him leave."  He dashed out of the office - George flipped the
intercom, 

When it was answered he said, "Lisa be a dear, two cups of coffee
please," after receiving her reply he looked at me, "Well Mike,"
he said, "I've never seen Hugh so happy, I think you've given him
a case he likes, now relax, lets talk about something else,
Greg's been talking about a young lady in your life, er. Sharon I
think her name is?"

Sharon! I'd forgotten about her, I'd been so wrapped up with
Becky, I asked George if I could borrow his phone, he passed one
to me, I dialled the Editors office hoping for Sharon to answer.

"Isabel Watkins, Editor speaking."

I spoke into the mouthpiece, "Good morning Isabel, this isMike."

She replied, "Well, well, well the hero of the hour, we've got
the official police report last night, but couldn't find you -
where were you?"

"I was outside the intensive care ward, I'm sorry Isabel, but I'm
not interested in giving  an interview at the moment, I need to
talk to Sharon, can you pass me on to her?"

I could hear the hesitation in her voice, "Well, she's with
Richard at the moment, getting some good new about." Then she got
very conspiratorial, and whispered, "you know what!"

I smiled, "That's wonderful, but I've got to hurry, I have to be
in court soon! I need to tell Sharon what's happening."

She spoke again, this time as a human being, not an Editor -
"Tell me Mike, I'll pass it onto Sharon."

I gathered my thought and spoke, "Becky is hurt, but recovering
in hospital, the Social Services are applying for custody as her
mother is also in hospital, I'm applying for custody for Becky.
If she can get to the magistrates court soon I'll meet her
there."

Isabel said, "Okay Mike, I'll pass that on, and I'll make sure
she get to the court on time."

I said, "Thanks Isabel, and I will give you an interview, but not
just at the moment, okay?"

She replied, "Okay Mike, I'll get you later, bye." I said goodbye
and hung up, I sat back in the chair and took the cup of coffee
handed to me by Lisa, George's secretary, and started sippingit.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Hugh poked his head into George's office, "Okay, ready to go,
it's all set, but we have to make an appearance." I got up bid
farewell to George and follow Hugh out to his car. We drove to
the Courthouse, and parked in bays reserved for the solicitors
and Barristers.

He pulled me past the main entrance and into the Barristers
entrance with a "Don't worry he's with me!" to the security
guards that we passed.  He made me wait outside a changing room,
and reappeared in robes and wig, he beckoned me to follow him.

Before long we were outside court 1,  "Now then," he said to me,
"Rebecca Smith's case is no. 5 and should be heard in 15 minutes,
I know the judges on the bench and have informed them that we are
also making an application for custody of this child, these are
normally cut and dried, but we're causing waves. The case will
have to go higher, there's no way of stopping that, but we have
to prove that you are better for Rebecca than their foster
parents."

I didn't know what to do, "How do we accomplish that?" I asked

He smiled, "Relax, that's my job, you've given me quite a lot of
information, I will say that as far as I can see there's only one
thing stopping you at the moment . . . ."

I had to ask, "What's that?"

He looked grim, "Its your marital status, it's old fashioned I
know, but the Judges here normally stand for two parent family,
but it has been known for single parents to win as well."

Again I asked the obvious question, "How often do they win."

He was evasive, "Not as often as they should. Now don't think
about that Mike, we are going in to win!"

And on that optimistic note we entered the courtroom.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Hugh directed me to a row of seats in the front of the courtroom,
a case was underway, it concerned a 4 year-old boy, who's mother
was an addict and who's father couldn't be found, the child was
made a ward of the court and Social Services were given charge of
the child, a similar decision was made for the next case, a
new-born baby found abandoned.

Then case 5 - Rebecca Smith was announced, Hugh stood up, "With
your honour's permission I would like to apply for the custody of
Rebecca Smith on behalf of my client Mr. Michael Moore"

There was a hurried conference from the solicitor on the Social
Services side, their attorney rose and addressed the court, "Your
honour's I have not been made aware that there were any relatives
of the child's available. The Social Services have made an
extensive search, they feel that it is in the best interest of
the child if she was placed with a family grouping - rather than
a single man, which is the current status of Mr. Moore I
believe?"

Hugh, who had remained standing, replied, "And it is the same
group of people who gave the police permission to sexually
examine the child, without her parent, or nominated guardian
being present, who allowed the child to be verbally abused in
their own offices by a person who is now, thank goodness,
undergoing treatment himself! Mr. Moore has shown more courage in
protecting this child than the Social Services have in trying to
care for the child."

"Your honour's I must object!" this came from the attorney, "The
charges are presented here without any warning and without any
means of proof. I would remind the court that the Social Services
have a very good record of child protection which I can produce
whenever needed!"

Hugh responded, "Indeed - I have here transcripts from the police
regarding information provided by the Social Services with
regards to Rebecca Smith and Miss Kylie Williams, I have been in
touch with the doctor who attended to the two girls, Miss
Williams being nearly 10, and she is willing to make an
affirmation of events that occurred. I have also managed to
obtain video footage of Miss Smith's traumatic treatment in the
'soft room' I believe it is called in the Services own Offices. 
As for the Social Services record - there have been many cases of
parents and foster parents being tried for the abuse and murder
of the children in their care, the only excuse that the Social
Services have given is, there is not enough workers for the
children who need it! Here is a man who has risked his life for
this girl, and is being told, you're not good enough to look
after her.

The attorney spluttered, "Your honours I must protest! This is a
custody hearing, not a litany of errors, as you are aware it is
the policy of the Social Services to provide a stable home for
the children, with parents who are able to look after and guide
their charges into the world."

Hugh responded, "The majority of whom are more concerned with
receiving the benefits from the government for looking after the
child than with the child itself, I will agree that these are in
the minority but they do reflect on the majority. Mr. Moore is
not trying to become a burden to the state but to help the state,
I would ask that you consider these facts before proceeding"

The three magistrates conferred together then the head magistrate
spoke up, "We would be interested to hear what Mr. Moore has to
say, is he present?"

I stood up, "I'm Michael Moore!" I said, the magistrates looked
at me, my dishevelled clothing and unshaved face, "I must
apologise to the court for my appearance, but I didn't learn
until earlier today that Becky, sorry I mean Rebecca, was going
to be taken into care."

Hugh spoke, "And where did you learn this fact?"

I turned to him, "In the intensive care unit at the hospital, I'm
afraid I've been there all night, and haven't had time to prepare
myself."

The attorney spoke, "And why were you in the hospital all night?"
Hugh smiled; he was hoping that he didn't have to ask the
question. He nodded to me

I turned to the magistrates, "Can I speak freely your honours,"
at their nods I turned to the attorney, "Yesterday Becky's
brother Darren returned home, while there he had an argument with
his father, resulting in George Williams death, his attack on his
mother has caused Mildred Williams to have a stroke, he
kidnapped, and raped his sister in a cold dark tunnel, he was
going to kill her, but I stopped him, I tried to catch him but
Becky was in a bad condition, I carried her out of the tunnel
pass police to an ambulance. 

"In the ambulance Becky kept holding me begging for something to
stop the pain, she kept holding me all the time she was in A and
E. I couldn't leave her side as she would keep looking for me
they had to put a gown on me, in front of her, and I stayed with
her as they checked her, finally they sedated her and I could
wait outside the operating theatre while they started to repair
the damage that brute had done to her."

The attorney tried to stop me, but I continued.

"I followed her from the recovery room, to the doors of the
Intensive Care Unit where I waited outside on chairs. I was woken
up by Becky screaming out, I ran into the unit and held her until
she was quiet, the ward sister let me sleep in a side room, they
even moved Becky's bed next to the room, just in case. When I
woke up the next time, Maria from Social Services, with two other
people from their regional office. To say that now after their
negligence Becky had no one to turn to they were going to put her
with strangers! I'm sorry, she doesn't deserve that, I can offer
her a home, with friends and people who will show that they love
her!"  I staggered back and an usher guided me to a chair. 

The attorney started to speak, "Your honours, I must protest at
the words used by this gentleman, where it is obvious that he has
been through a lot, there is little proof of what he is . . . ."

A shout from the doors of the courtroom stopped him, DS Nichols
was standing there,  "I'm afraid what Mr. Moore has told you is
correct, I have the statements from the officer who drove him to
the railway tunnel, the ARU who had surrounded the tunnel, the
ambulance driver and paramedic, the Accident and Emergency team
who where on last night, the ward sister of the ITU, by the way
Mike, she sends her regards to you.

The attorney was apoplectic now, "Your honours this is a clear
breach of conduct, I move that this court should be cleared and
that the child be taken into care!"

Hugh responded, "On the contrary you honours, there is a clear
need for this court to decide, does the state need to foster
Rebecca William, and have to pay her minders to look after her,
or to award custody of the child to Mr. Michael Moore! With the
evidence we are able to present I would hope you would decide on
the latter."

The three magistrates conferred, and kept talking, finally the
chief magistrate came to a decision, "Gentlemen, you have
presented us with a dilemma, While we are in agreement with the
sentiments of the Social Services, there is also the evidence
provided by Mr. Wilson, although where he would get an official
social Services video tape I don't know," I could see Tina
turning red, "And as for you Detective Sergeant Nichols, you do
know the correct procedure to be followed in a court of law, do
you not?"

Nichols nodded, "yes your honours, I do apologise, but Mr. Wilson
had informed me that Mr. Moore needed all available evidence,
regarding yesterday's events, and here they are!"

The magistrate smiled, "And a credit to your tenacity Detective
Sergeant, but why are you doing this?"

Nichols walked to the Bench, still holding his papers. "Your
honours, I believe that Mr. Moore here is correct, Becky does
need to remain with him, you've never met the child, I have,
under the worst conditions that a nine-year-old can suffer, no -
that's not right, she's suffered worst than I could ever imagine.
She had just been examined sexually, but when Mike went to her it
was like the sun coming out after a downpour. I knew then that
Mike was good for her. I can't explain it, but it's something you
sense."

This seemed to amaze the magistrate, "Sense! You can't categorise
a sense! Where is the evidence? The tangible proof?"

Nichols shook his head, "I can't provide that, your honours, all
I can provide is this, the reports on the action and reaction to
situations of Mr. Moore, I suggest you study these and then make
up you mind."

The magistrates conferred, then the chief magistrate spoke, "We
agree, this case does deserve further study, we suggest that this
be taken upto a higher court - we are referring this case to the
crown court."

The attorney tried to protest, "Your honours, is this a wise
course? By moving this to crown court will incur more expense at
the cost of the public!"

The magistrate nodded, "You are correct, however we cannot decide
on this, and we think it needs a clearer head to decide, however
if you would concede the case and allow Mr. Moore to have custody
then the matter would be settled!"

The attorney started to confer with the two who had accompanied
Maria to the ward, he turned back to the magistrates, "I'm afraid
I have been requested to continue with the case to it
conclusion," indeed he did look sorry about that, "But we would
ask that Rebecca Smith be made a ward of court, until the case is
proven."  

The magistrates looked to Hugh, "Do you wish to continue with the
case as well?"

Hugh looked at me, I nodded, he turned to the magistrate, "I'm
afraid so your honours, but I also agree that Becky should be
placed under the protection of the court."

I looked at Hugh, who nodded back to me. Well this was his area
of expertise so I'll have to leave it up to him.

The magistrates re-conferred, and this time seemed in agreement,
the chief magistrate spoke, "It is agreed, the child Rebecca
Smith will be made a ward of this court, this means that any
proceedings by either applicant must be cleared by this court
before they can be carried out. However - Mr. Moore, although you
seen to have the backing of several persons, we have to consider
whether you are best suited to have charge of this young child,
we propose that an independent adjudicator be appointed to
investigate and decide on the best course of action. Do both
parties agree?"

Hugh looked at me, I nodded - the Social Services attorney
conferred with his party, finally he turned to the magistrates,
"We have no objection to that you honours," Hugh also gave an
affirmative to the action, then the attorney asked, "We would
like to be allowed to place Rebecca Smith with foster parents
until the outcome has been decided, although we acknowledge that
Mr. Moore may have her interests at heart, we must also think of
the health of the child."

Hugh looked at me and shook his head, "You honours, we concede
that until the matter is finally decided on that the Social
Services may have temporary custody of the child, however we do
request that Mr. Moore, or his representatives, may have visiting
rights." I felt slightly betrayed at this, but realised that Hugh
did have good intentions.

The magistrates conferred again, then the chief magistrate spoke
again, "As both parties agree to this, we can see no reason not
to allow it," He turned to the attorney, "You will be aware that
Rebecca Smith, will not be allowed out of the local area, and
will be available to appear in her own right before the
adjudicator, Mr. Moore will be allowed visiting access. Is this
agreed?" The attorney bowed to show that it was.

The chief magistrate nodded, "Very well, it is the decision of
the court that in the case of Rebecca Smith, that an adjudicator
be created to make a final decision on the person or persons best
able to have custody of the child Rebecca Smith, until that
decision is made, the Social Services to have temporary custody
although Mr. Moore or his representative will be allowed to visit
the child at a mutually agreed time, The case will then be
referred to the Crown Court, but until the outcome is decided
this case is adjourned"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Outside the courtroom, Hugh was rubbing his hands, "Well that
went better than I expected, Nichols came through at the right
time."

I was confused, "What do you mean?"

He smiled, "Well - you see by allowing the Social Services to
have Becky for the short time we are showing that we still trust
them - it's establishing that there is no animosity between us,
keeping it friendly. The adjudicator was a surprise, but as its
only been used a few times, no-body can say what will actually
happen, but as you can see you've got friends who are willing to
help you. Now I suggest you go home, and leave everything tome."

Sharon came across from the hallway, she had Rob with her, he
said, "Well! Mixing it with the tough guys now are you?"

Sharon hit his shoulder, "What's happening Mike, I read that
Darren kidnapped Becky and that you rescued her, but why are you
here today, Isabel gave me a garbled message about a custody
battle."

So I sat down on a bench, and explained the situation, I didn't
notice that Rob was taking notes as I only had eyes for Sharon.

When I'd finished she said, "So basically you feel that it's your
fault that Becky is in this situation, and you're trying to make
it up to her by adopting her?"

I nodded, "Well, yes. If I hadn't become involved with her then
she'd still have a family, perhaps it would have been better if I
never knew her."

Sharon slapped me across the face, "Don't you ever say that, what
if you didn't know her, she'd be at the mercy of Darren, with a
disease that she couldn't have corrected, and most probably she'd
kill herself due to the shame and pressure of Darren, you've
given her a chance of life, whatever happens to her now, remember
you have helped her."

She turned to Hugh, "What are the chances of Mike getting
guardianship of Becky?"

He scratched his head, "Better than normal, I did say that if he
was married the chances are greatly increased, but as long as we
can provide enough evidence then I think we can make it!"

She glared at him, "Make sure you do, I think you realise how
Mike feels about this girl, and you'll have all the witnesses you
need, even Maria and Tina from the Social Services officeshere."

He smiled, "Oh I know about them, it was Tina that provided me
with this tape," He showed us a video tape with a label CI125

Sharon smiled, "Then we have nothing to worry about," She turned
to me, "Come on Mike, you need to get changed, and then I'm under
orders to take you to see Isabel, and I'm not allowed to take no
for an answer. It seems she's heard about your exploits yesterday
and want to hear your side of the story." I was pulled to my
feet, and taken to Rob's car.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

- Normal disclaimers apply - if you're not allowed to do it by
law, then don't do it! - I can't say fairer than that can I?
- Yes I know this chapter was boring, but it will be needed in
the story as a whole, please bear with me.
- If you have any comments, complaints, etc, to pass to me (no
viruses please), you can contact me on wanderinglanes@aol.com, I
will try to answer all emails sent.

Wandering Lanes - 26th October 2001.


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