The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 56

The social worker sat on the bench her face growing red. Her sureness was suddenly gone and she stared at her lawyer but he too was at a loss. Tracy had turned her testimony on its head in two minutes. "... But you are forgetting the drugs," the social worker finally stammered.

"You mean the prescription medication for Gabriella's heart condition?" Tracy asked. "The prescriptions you wouldn't let her take even though not taking them is dangerous to her health?" "Well.......I don't know anything about that."

"Didn't know? Even though the child's grandmother and I quote..." Tracy picked up a paper from her briefcase and read directly from the witness statement, "...Practically got down on her knees begging you to let Gabriella have the pills because without them she could die."

The social worker snapped her mouth closed.

"Your honor, I submit to the court testimony from Missus Ulima Torres as well as the testimonies of several neighbors who confirmed this statement. I also have witness statements from the officers who accompanied Miss Madison and can confirm the prescriptions were for one of the children," Tracy handed over the statements eyeing the worker. "I also have video if you would like to see it, though it is rather disturbing to watch such blatant disregard for a child's welfare by the very person who is supposed to ensure it." "But I...I..."

"No further questions, your honor. I believe she's said enough," Tracy said returning to her seat.

"You may step down Miss Madison," the judge said.

"But I..."

"I said step down," the judge eyed her coldly. "Mister Cozbi, next witness."

"Well...I don't..."

"You only prepared one witness?" the judge stared at him glancing at the empty seats. "What about the officers?"

The lawyer looked behind him to see a pair of officers were indeed seated there.

"Actually, they are here at my request," Tracy said. "In case I needed to ask them any questions concerning their witness statements."

The judge sighed running a hand down his face before saying, "Mister Cozbi, you do realize that this is a preliminary hearing to determine whether to move this case forward...and you only prepared one witness for your case?" "...I didn't think I needed more."

"Not thinking seems to be a pattern," Tracy commented just loud enough for all to hear.

He scowled at her but Tracy paid him no mind. The judge sighed wondering if it was stupidity or over-confidence. Looking to Tracy he asked, "And you counsel? Did you only bring one witness?"

"No, your honor, but I have a feeling one will do," Tracy said.

"Very well. Proceed."

"Regina," Tracy looked at her. "It's time."

Regina took a deep breath. Tracy warned her this was a possibility from the very beginning. When she first came to the apartment Regina had been on edge and unsure if she could trust her. Whether it was desperation or exhaustion Regina found she couldn't help but want to have faith in her.

***

"...Tell me about your kids."

Tracy seemed o know exactly how to coax her to talk. It started with telling her about the kids. Regina began to relax. She stirred from her malaise and smiled for the first time in days. Clutching one of Gabriella's stuffed animals she recalled the many times the kids came up with new and ingenious ways to frustrate her. At the time she had been angry but now she was only amused and on the verge of tears missing her children.

"Sounds like your boys like to get into trouble," Tracy chuckled.

"They are a handful."

Tracy shared a knowing smile. Her own boys were proving quite the troublemakers themselves and they were several years apart. She couldn't imagine how much more difficult it would be to wrangle them if they were the same age. "It's my understanding Savannah and the triplets have different fathers."

"...Yes. Savannah's father was my high school boyfriend. He abandoned us wanting to focus on his future."

"And he's never tried to contact you?"

Regina shook her head. At one point she thought he might contact her once he was an adult and out of his family's control but that day never came. It seemed he had chosen his path and kept to it forgetting all about her and Savannah. "And the triplet's father?"

Regina paled. She couldn't. She didn't dare to say it out loud.

"Regina, I really need to know everything."

She took a deep breath. Did she dare say it?

***

Regina stood and quietly took her seat on the witness stand. She avoided the judge's curious gaze and couldn't look at the other lawyer. Knowing the questions Tracy planned to ask she didn't dare look at her own family either. That left her with very few places to settle her gaze so she studied her fingernails.

"Miss Torres," Tracy began, "it has been alleged you do not take care of your children...How many children do you have?"

"Four. Savannah, Carlos, Tony and Gabriella."

"What are their ages?"

"Savannah is ten. The triplets are four."

"It's not easy taking care of four children, is it?"

Regina grimaced, "No."

"Do you receive any help?"

"My mother watches them often. I work for my sister. I tell her to treat me like any other employee but...I know she throws in extra bonuses now and again. She thinks I don't know, but I do." Renata fought a smile. She should have known Regina would notice.

"What about the father?"

"...No."

"It is my understanding your children have different fathers. Is that correct?"

"Yes. Savannah has a different father from her siblings."

"And neither father assists?"

"No."

"I see. Allegations have been made that you work at a strip club. Is that true?" "No."

"Where do you work?"

"I have several jobs. I work for my sister. I also audition for stage work."

"You want to be an actress?"

"Ever since I was little," Regina smiled sadly. "Recently I found employment as a singer at a...nightclub."

"And at this nightclub is it custom for women to disrobe?"

"Some acts do. I do not."

"You don't?"

"No. I sing."

"Do you ever take anyone home with you after work?"

"No, not...I did, once."

"Once?"

"I was mugged after work and one of the...regulars...helped me. He was concerned because I was knocked down and hit my head so he drove me home." "And that was the only time you brought someone home?"

"Yes."

"So the allegations made against you are substantially false?"

"Yes."

Tracy gave her an encouraging smile, "No further questions, your honor."

Regina let out an unsteady breath as the opposing lawyer stood. This was the moment she was dreading but Tracy had given her nothing but encouragement.

***

"What if I say something wrong? What if..."

"Regina, you have been living with the burden of a heavy secret," Tracy said. "You were trying to protect those you love and I understand that. My best friend in the world was in a situation not all that different from yours, believe it or not. You are terrified of the secret getting out but it's all right. If it gets out I'm here to help. And I will help in any way you need me to. Don't fear that."

Regina sat in the office trembling and unsure of what was the right thing to do.

"I won't ask you any questions that will compromise that secret but I can't guarantee the other lawyer won't. He's going to attack what he deems is your weakness."

"So what do I do?"

"Turn it into your strength and give him hell."

"But the judge...what if he..."

"Give him hell too. Let them know where you stand and that they can't push you around. You have me so...there's nothing they can do to you that I won't get you out of."