When Forever Breaks by D. A. Callahan

Author:D. A. Callahan [Callahan, D. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-08-30T00:00:00+00:00

Part 7

And Nothing But the Truth

“Good morning, Oliver.” William Gordon greeted the young boy who had already been reminded he was still to tell the truth.

The morning had gone smoother than yesterday, although Kip refused any breakfast at all. He still took small sips of the ginger ale his pediatrician had suggested. Steve and Jennifer decided not to force him and allow this minor consideration because of the circumstances. The family arrived at the courthouse a few minutes later than they had the day before. The court office ushered them into the courtroom immediately. Not having to spend that time anxiously waiting in the hallway helped calm the small boy.

“Good morning,” Kip answered the lawyer. “I don’t like to be called Oliver.” He informed Gordon.

The lawyer smiled and turned back to Dunn. “That is your name, isn’t it?” He asked the boy.

“It is, but no one’s ever called me that.” Kip explained.

Gordon smiled a wide smile at his client and turned toward the boy. “Did you know your grandfather’s name was Oliver?”

Kip shook his head. “No sir, I dinae know my granddad.”

“Perhaps you were named for him?” Gordon prodded.

Again, Kip shook his head. “No sir, I don’t reckon I was, and no one calls me that, not even my teachers.”

“How about just Ollie then?” Gordon suggested.

“I’m called Kip.” He answered.

“That wouldn’t be your name at all, son. I believe you’d be Oliver Dunn. Children are generally given their father’s surname.” Gordon informed the boy.

Kip squirmed in his seat and shook his head as he narrowed his eyes at this man he suddenly did not like. “No sir, Kippen was my maw’s name, and she gave it to me. It is my name. My Da’s name is Griffin. I have his name, too.” The boy’s stubborn streak was rearing its head.

“Very well, Kip.” Gordon relinquished for sake of argument. “Tell me what, if anything, your mother told you about your father.” Gordon asked the boy. His tone remained serious.

“My maw never talked about him.” Kip answered honestly.

“Did you ask?” Gordon continued.

“No sir,” Kip replied.

“You never once asked about your father? Never wanted to know anything about him or…”

“Objection, your honor,” Alex stood. “The question has been answered.”

“Sustained,” the judge agreed. “Move on, Mr. Gordon.”

Gordon moved to the table where Dunn sat, turned and tapped the corner of the same with one finger. “How many men did your mother see, Kip? Did she have a lot of man friends?”

“Objection,” Alex snarled. “The witness is nine years old and was eight when he lost his mother. This is not a subject to be discussed with a child.”

“Your honor, the boy would have been the only witness to the company his mother kept.” Gordon countered.

“He has already testified that he and his mother were always together during the night.” Alex reminded him.

“And we all know that inter…” he looked at the boy who sat wide eyed watching the argument. “Interactions such as these can occur in daylight as well as in the evening.” Gordon softened his comment for the child’s sake.

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