would be in either child’s interests, madam,” the Lamberts’ barrister says. “The parenting styles of the two families are very different.”
“Very well,” the judge says briskly. “Let us proceed.”
The hearing will begin, Anita has told us, with an opening statement from each side’s lawyer, followed by the professional witnesses and CAFCASS. After that, Miles and Lucy will take questions on their written statements. Then it’ll be our turn, before each side makes a final summing-up. It’s possible the judge will decide to wait and give her judgment at a later date. But Anita thinks it’s more likely she’ll come to a decision today. This really is the point of no return.
Harvey Taylor, the psychologist, is up first. He comes to the witness box—which is simply a chair and table at the front, sideways on to both the judge and us—and talks through his assessment of Theo in a calm, neutral tone. When he gets to the bit about Theo’s callous and unemotional traits, the judge interrupts.
“Are you effectively saying that Theo has special educational needs?”
Harvey nods. “Yes. They may not be comparable to David’s in severity, but in their own way they’re just as challenging.”
“Oh, for God’s sake,” Miles mutters. The judge looks over at him sharply, but ignores the interruption. She turns back to Harvey Taylor.
“And could you describe what this means for his development?”
“Essentially, he needs a very particular parenting style—what we call warm parenting.” The psychologist goes on to explain what that means.
“And can this type of parenting be learned?” the judge asks.
“It can, yes,” the psychologist says cautiously. “But, because there can be a hereditary component to CU traits, sometimes the parents of a CU child are the very ones who find it hardest.” He hesitates. “I would say, incidentally, that Mr. Riley has grasped it very well.”
The Lamberts’ barrister says immediately, “Madam, Mr. Harvey was asked by the court to assess whether Theo would be negatively impacted by a permanent move to the applicants’ family. His conclusion is that Theo will cope admirably. He wasn’t asked to assess either party’s parenting capability.”
“Mr. Harvey was answering my question,” Judge Wakefield says mildly. “And his professional expertise is relevant to the issue of parenting style, which you yourself raised just a short while ago.”
Bless you Bless you Bless you, I think.
“The applicants are of course willing to adapt their parenting in whatever way Theo’s needs dictate,” the barrister says.
“I’m sure they are,” the judge says. “Thank you.” She nods at Harvey Taylor, and the moment is over.
* * *
—
IT’S ONE SMALL PLUS in a long list of minuses. And, I realize, not even a very significant one. We might know that Miles is incapable of warm parenting, but why should the judge be able to tell that? I let my gaze slide toward him. He looks so relaxed, so confident, while beside me, Pete sits slumped in his chair biting his nails, looking like the nervous wreck he is. If I were choosing parents for Theo, which ones would I go for? The well-dressed, good-looking, well-heeled ones, or the ones with a string of criminal investigations, mental health issues, and allegations of alcohol abuse swirling around their heads?
Miles catches me looking at him and smiles.
It really is no contest, I think wearily. Even I would be hard-pressed to decide in our favor. I glance sideways at Pete, wondering if there’s anything I can do to prepare him for the worst.
After the psychologist, it’s Lyn Edwards’s turn. She seems nervous as she comes to the witness box. I’m surprised by that: Court appearances must be a regular part of her job.
“Ms. Edwards,” the judge says when Lyn has read out the affirmation, “is there anything you’d like to add to your written report before you take questions?”
Lyn says hesitantly, “There is, actually, madam. But I’m not absolutely sure whether the rules of disclosure allow me to.”
The judge raises her eyebrows. “Does it have a direct bearing on the interests of the child?”
Lyn nods. “I believe it does, madam. It concerns some video footage I was sent last night.”
“Then I’m going to ask both parties to leave the courtroom, while their representatives discuss whether or not it’s admissible.” The judge nods at us, then the Lamberts. “If you’d be so kind as to wait outside. The usher will call you back when we’re ready.”
* * *
—
FOR THE SECOND TIME, we all troop out. This must be some last trick Miles has pulled, I think, some theatrical