The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 57

Regina wasn't sure if she could follow Tracy's advice but watching the other lawyer's approach she would do almost anything to remove the arrogant smile off his face. She wondered if this was why Tracy said to give him hell. "Miss Torres, let me see if I have this correct...You actually want us to believe you sing on stage at a strip club. Is that right?"

"Nightclub."

"What?"

"Night-club. It is a nightclub."

"Whatever you want to call it to make yourself feel better," he smiled.

Regina stiffened but was careful not to show any expression. She was used to people looking down on her. People took one look and thought they knew her.

"And you expect all of us to believe you just sing?"

"Hundreds of thousands of people do that and no one questions them," Regina said. "You think because I'm Latina I can't?"

"I didn't say..."

"That's what you are implying, isn't it? That a Latina couldn't possibly have talent enough to be on stage unless she's taking off her clothes and shaking her a*s, right? That's what you meant to say, isn't it?"

Cozbi took a step back at her aggressive tone. She had been sitting so meek and quiet he hadn't realized she might have been controlling a fiery temper. He glanced at Tracy to see her smiling. She shrugged waiting for him to continue. He had already been warned he would regret this fight.

Turning he faced the woman on the stand, her meek demeanor now completely gone. She stared at him with a hard, penetrating gaze daring him to challenge her. He hesitated but he couldn't very well back down now after his previous humiliation. "If you have that kind of talent why would you bother with such an environment?" he asked thinking he had caught her.

"Because small minds like yours are in charge of casting calls and auditions," Regina said not backing down, "minds that are easily turned when a woman is willing to sell her self-respect for her big break." "But not you?"

"No," Regina scowled.

"But you are willing to work at a strip club."

"Nightclub," Regina corrected. "And all I do is sing. It may not be Broadway but it pays my baby's medical bills."

"Is that so? And what of your children's father...excuse me...fathers? What do you think they think about your job?"

"I wouldn't know what they think."

"Do you even know who their fathers are?"

"Yes."

"Really? How many men have you been with? Ten? Twenty? Can you even keep them straight?"

The judge shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He glanced at Tracy expecting her to object. Cozbi was being far too aggressive and unnecessarily vulgar. However Tracy sat smiling as if she hoped he would take it that far. "Two," Regina said.

"Beg your pardon?"

"I have been with two men. Savannah's father and the triplet's father."

"You expect us to believe that?"

"You are welcome to believe whatever you choose that doesn't change the facts."

"And who are your children's fathers?"

Regina sighed, "Savannah's father was my high school boyfriend. He said intimate relations would strengthen our relationship."

"Did it?"

"When I found out I was pregnant he laughed in my face and told me sucks to be you. So what do you think?"

"And he doesn't have any contact with his daughter?"

"According to the courts she isn't his daughter so he had no legal responsibilities. So no, he has no contact. He has never attempted to contact me either."

"According to the courts? I don't understand," Cozbi hesitated confused.

"Of course you don't. Why would you know anything about a mother's struggles in a world against her?" Regina scowled. "When Savannah was born I took her father to court for child support. And his loving family pleaded with the judge that it was unfair, that those proceedings would harm his reputation and chances at a scholarship...That I was a little slut begging for attention and that my baby couldn't possibly be his. The judge agreed with them and tossed out the case." "Well a DNA test..."

"They said it was unnecessary. That I was obviously a liar," Regina glanced at him. "Where was CPS then when I was trying to get child support for my baby? Where was the concern when I actually needed it?" "...Well...I..."

"Sorry but you don't qualify for assistance.... Apply next year we'll see if there are any openings then... You aren't what we are looking for...You're not leading lady material...I've heard it all before. I'm used to it."

A heavy silence fell over the courtroom while Regina stared him down. Her face had taken a stony appearance her eyes dark and serious for his next question as if daring him to utter even one more word. In truth he really didn't want to but he could hardly back down now.

"And the triplet's father? What about him?"

A look of pain seemed to flicker in her eyes a brief moment before she answered, "He's not a part of our lives."

"Oh? Do you even know his name?"

"Yes."

"But on the children's birth certificates it states unknown."

Regina clenched her jaw. So this lawyer actually did some research after all. Of course he would know that part. After a moment she said, "It's better that way."

"Better for you or them?"

"Yes."

"Miss Torres, do you know the triplet's father?"

"...Yes."

"And what is his name?"

"....I can plead the fifth, can't I? That's a thing right?" Regina looked at the judge.

Surprised by her suddenly addressing him Judge Matthews blinked before saying, "Well, pleading the fifth is if you must refuse to answer a question to avoid incriminating yourself." "Yes. Right. That," Regina nodded.

"Your honor, this is ridiculous," Cozbi stated. "If Miss Torres was really concerned for her children's welfare why wouldn't she want the father to pay child support? Why would his name be secret? Tell us why Miss Torres. Why would you try to hide that information?" "Because laws were made by powerful, rich, white men to protect powerful, rich, white men!" Regina suddenly snapped. "They aren't there to protect people like me or my children. If we are all equal then I would have gotten child-support for Savannah long ago. I wouldn't have to go to one audition after another for bit parts because I don't fit the mold of a lead. I wouldn't have to take a job at a nightclub to pay my bills worrying if I'm going to get mugged as soon as I step out on the street!"

Cozbi took a step back surprised by Regina's outburst but she was not done.

"Equal in the eyes of the law? Fair and impartial? Don't make me laugh! Why then do people of color make up two-thirds of the prison population? Why are people of color given longer sentences than white people for the same crime?" Regina demanded. "Don't you dare sit on your throne looking down spouting nonsense! A mother will do anything to protect her children and I will protect mine with my life! Even from you!"

Regina drew in a deep breath as the lawyer backed away from her. A look of horror bordering on terror was etched on his face. Shaking she slowly sat down not even realizing she had risen to her feet. The lawyer wasn't the only one looking terrified. The social worker, recorder, bailiff and even the judge were watching her with eyes wide in surprise.

"Any other questions for my client?" Tracy asked after a moment. "Since you're so curious about the father of my client's children maybe this will help... Regina, how old are your triplets again?" "Four."

"And how long have you been working at the club?"

"Two."

"Satisfied?" Tracy looked at Cozbi still backing away from Regina as she glared at him. "Your honor, I think it's quite clear to everyone here that CPS has no case against my client nor was there any need to remove the children from their home in the first place. The fact they would harass my client this way with no regard to due process or the law is a blatant abuse of power and I think it is high time we end this farce."

"Order, order," Judge Matthews said regaining some semblance of control. "Yes Missus Conroy, I must agree. I see no evidence that Miss Torres is anything but an attentive and dedicated mother. Furthermore I too find it disturbing she would be targeted by the very organization meant to protect her and her children. Miss Madison, I advise you to find yourself a good lawyer. If I know Missus Conroy this is not the last time you will be facing her. Case dismissed!"