Quinlan: Foster’s Pride – Lion Shapeshifter Romance (Foster's Pride Book 3) by Kathi Barton (read a book TXT) 📕

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Missy wasn’t sure what all the hoopla was about, but the courtroom was packed. She’d been brought here by the police last night when she’d been arrested. It had taken her most of the day to have someone notice she was shoplifting. Starved and without a place to stay, she’d had to resort to other means of getting something in her belly and clean clothing. She was going to bring that up at this hearing as well.

They’d been kind enough to feed her, even though it was past dinner time. The officers had also offered her a much-needed shower, as well as an extra bar of soap so she could scrub her underthings. Missy couldn’t remember being this broke before. Not that she was really broke, but having no access to her funds was putting a huge damper on her days. That was on her list too.

When the courtroom was called to order, she waited until she was asked if she had anything to say before she nodded, standing up. Missy had seen enough court dramas to know that misbehaving wouldn’t get her shit. It was the polite and intelligent people that got off. She was good at that. Not only that, but she thought of herself as smart enough to know when to shut up and when to speak. Today was going to be testing the limits of her ability to do the first part.

“Ms. Tyler, I’m to understand from your court-appointed attorney that you’ve decided to represent yourself in this. Do you believe that’s a good move?” She said she was sure it was. “All right then. We’ll begin. It says here that you’ve bribed a sitting judge, committed insurance fraud, as well as theft of a house.” He looked at her. “How does one go about stealing a house?”

“She was stupid, I guess. And that is why I don’t think I should have any of this held against me, Your Honor. What sane person thinks an ex-wife would have any rights to anything her ex-husband left specific instructions to give to his current girlfriend? I know, I know what you’re going to say. It was still stealing from her. Well, she didn’t have enough sense to fight very hard for it, so my thinking is, she doesn’t deserve anything. I should just be able to go on as I have been.” Missy laughed. “Then there are the children. She actually took on three brats that didn’t belong to her. And if that wasn’t enough, she didn’t even fight me for any kind of support since they’re my kids. See? Stupid on all accounts.”

“So you’re admitting to fraud? You’re telling me you knew you were entitled to none of the things you’ve taken from Ms. Fisher, and you still did it?” Missy was sensing that the man wasn’t understanding the totality of the situation, and she explained it to him again. “I understand that you believe Ms. Fisher to be stupid. You’ve pointed your opinion out on that matter several times. However, you’ve not explained to me why you bribed a judge and committed all kinds of fraudulent acts against this young woman, not to mention your own children.”

“I don’t know why I’d have to explain this to you either, but I was out for a little fun. It’s not at all my fault that she didn’t have the funds to make sure that she won, and I didn’t.” There were people in the room acting like they’d never heard of the concept of trying something out for the fun of it. “Look. Everyone likes to shake things up a little. Fun is what makes us young and happy. Don’t you see? I don’t know what to tell you, Your Honor. I’ve been enjoying living in the lap of luxury. Being able to come and go as I please without a worry one. There this woman sits with too many children and no money.” When the attorney sitting next to Lily stood up, clearing his throat, she turned to him. “I don’t know what you think you’re going to gain by interrupting the big boys here, but say your piece, then sit down and shut up. We’re talking here, and whatever input you have to say on this is a moot point.”

“Thank you ever so much for your permission to speak.” The man handed the paperwork to the judge, who looked it over then handed it back. When she was handed the same paperwork, she just laid it aside. It was meaningless to her anyway. “You might want to take a look at that, Ms. Tyler. It might well be your downfall.”

“Doubtful. I’m not nearly as stupid as your client is.” She didn’t even bother with looking even when he walked away. “What do you say, Judge? Am I going to have to pull out my wallet for you as well? I can tell you right now you’re going to have to hold the check for a couple of days. At least until you get them to take the hold off my accounts and credit cards.”

She smiled when he cocked a brow at her. Missy wasn’t worried. Whatever happened after this, she’d be home in time for dinner after taking a much-needed shower then soaking in the tub.

The man that had interrupted her stood up again. “Your Honor, this is a blatant crime of Ms. Tyler’s to not only get rid of her children but to also take the safety and security of their livelihood from them. Not only that, but she attempted to bribe you in open court if that was what it would take for you to see things her way.” She turned to him, not remembering his name, but he put up his hand. “You shut your trap, Ms. Tyler. I’ve had about enough of you and your badgering and bullying today. What you did is horrendous. Not only to Ms. Fisher but to your children that she’s been taking care of since her