Rebecca’s attorney raised her voice slightly and said, “Your Honor, this is a custody hearing involving allegations of abuse, and this visible show of support is inappropriate.”
“It is not a show,” Garrett interrupted, his cuffed hands trembling as he swallowed hard and glanced once toward Avery.
She watched him carefully, her small fingers gripping the edge of the bench.
“I need witnesses,” Garrett said.
The courtroom buzzed louder with confusion.
Judge Hodge leaned forward. “Witnesses to what?”
Garrett inhaled slowly before answering. “They are not here to help me get my daughter.”
The silence that followed carried surprise but not yet understanding.
Rebecca’s attorney blinked. “Then why are they here?”
Garrett closed his eyes briefly and said, “They are here to make sure I do not.”
Gasps rippled across the benches as people tried to interpret his words. Some believed he was surrendering in defeat, others suspected manipulation, and a few wondered if this was a strategy designed to generate sympathy.
Assistant District Attorney Whitaker narrowed his eyes and asked, “Mr. Sloan, are you stating that you intend to relinquish your parental rights?”