Family Ties

The beginning is mostly Chris and Julie -- the others will get involved more as the story progresses. This story begins with a different twist on what would have happend if Julie HAD stayed in Port Charles with Chris for the remainder of her days . . . . not to mention brought another surprise along with her for Chris . . . . .
Chapter 5

"Well -- aren't you gonna say anything Ramsey?" Karen asks.
"Did -- did you just ask me to marry you?" Chris asks, still in shock.
"Yeah -- I did." Karen replies. Chris starts to look all over the room. "What are you looking for?"
"Where's the Candid Camera guy hidden, Karen? This is some sort of joke, isn't it?"
"Chris -- think about it. I won't have to testify against you if you're married. And it'll look so much better for you in court if you have a full family unit raising Tyler. A father AND a mother."
"Oh, and I'm sure Frank will be thrilled. I wonder what he'll get us for a wedding gift." Chris says sarcastically.
"I'll explain the whole situation to Frank -- Chris, this will just be a marriage of convenience."
"Convenience for WHOM? Have I ever told you about the time Frank put me in the hospital with a concussion, Karen? Color me selfish, but I really don't feel like having my face meet up with his fist for the umpteenth time because I stole his girlfriend from him."
"I told you -- I'll explain the whole situation to Frank. He'll understand."
"No he won't, Karen. Hell, he's on the list of people to testify against me. Oh, and here's another thought -- whatever's left of me after Frank has finished using me as his own personal punching bag, your father will finish off."
"Well, I doubt Scott will be happy about it, but --"
"Oh, there's an understatement. Karen this wouldn't work. It's a bad idea." Chris sits down on the couch.
"No, it's not." Karen says, sitting down next to him. "I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't think it wouldn't work."
"And the courts are supposed to buy that you and I miraculously fell in love in the last 2 months?" Chris asks.
"Well, we -- we have been spending a lot of time together. It wouldn't be THAT hard for people to believe."
"Except for the fact that you've been dating FRANK for quite some time."
"People change all the time, Chris. As long as we keep up a good act -- people will buy it." Karen says.
"You'd have to move in here, Karen."
"I know -- this house is big enough for both of us. Chris -- we can go to the Justice of the Peace tomorrow first thing, have a civil ceremony before the trial resumes, and Nicole's case immediately get weakened. It doesn't have to be permanent Chris -- we can do this for maybe about a year, just for appearances sake. And then, we can divorce quietly, I'll still see Tyler, and we can both get our lives back the way they were, with Nicole out of the picture. Chris, you don't have anything to lose. And I'm willing to help you -- if you'll let me." Chris thinks about it for a moment.
"What the hell -- it's not like I'll be getting a better off anytime soon."
"Okay -- we'll meet at the Courthouse, 8 a.m. tomorrow. Sound good?"
"Yeah -- sure. Tomorrow." Chris says, a bit nervous. Karen hugs him.
"Don't worry, Chris -- I won't let you lose your son." Karen tells him.

February 21, 2002 -- Katie enters the Recovery Room and sits down at a table. A waiter comes to take her order. "Yes, I'll have the --" she stops and looks up at Frank. "Well -- you seem to be everywhere. I thought you were a paramedic."
"My mom owns this place -- I help her out sometimes." Frank says. "I've been here since 5 a.m., I'm about due for a break." Frank sits down with her. "So -- what are you doing here?"
"I've heard this place was pretty good -- I didn't know your mom owned it." Katie says. "By the way, I --- I really enjoyed talking with you the other day. So -- have you patched things up with your girlfriend yet?"
"No, not yet -- I guess I am being an idiot, I really do need to talk to her." Frank says. "I -- I have to be in court today though."
"Court -- for what?" Katie asks.
"I get to testify against the scum of the earth. Should be fun." Frank says happily.
"Oh, that guy you were telling me about. What was his name?"
"Chris Ramsey." Frank says. "Hopefully once Karen hears my testimony she'll start to think rationally about this whole scenario." Katie's cellphone rings.
"Excuse me -- I really need to take this." Katie says, and she steps away from the table. Frank gets up, just as Jack enters the Recovery Room.
"Yeah, I just want a couple of plain bagels and some cream cheese to go." Jack says to the man behind the counter. Jack turns and glares at Frank as he approaches him.
"Going to court today?" Frank asks him.
"Yeah -- I'll be there." Jack says.
"Well, good -- you're in for a real treat. I get to testify against your scumbag brother. And you know what -- I can't wait. You've never heard the whole sorry story about what your brother did to me, have you?"
"My understanding is you were a willing participant." Jack says.
"I don't get you, Jack. You hated Chris when you first came back here -- and now you're living with him and you two are all buddy-buddy."
"My brother and I are trying to mend fences. We were close once." Jack says.
"Yeah, so were Cain and Abel."
"I'm not gonna discuss this with you." Jack says. "You're making a mistake. Chris is a good father to Tyler -- you know, how would you like it if someone tried to use your past mistakes to try and take YOUR son away from you?" Jack asks, as he turns to leave. Katie, who has been in the corner on the phone, turns around just as Jack walks out the door and catches a quick glimpse of him. She immediately drops her cellphone, then bends down to pick it up. Frank goes over to her and helps her.
"I'm -- kind of clumsy I guess." Katie says.
"Here, it's not broken." Frank says, putting the phone back together.
"Who -- who was that guy you were talking to?" Frank sighs.
"Ramsey's little brother."
"Are you -- friends with him?"
"Well, not really friends but -- he used to be an okay guy. Now he's on Ramsey's side."
"He -- he still likes his brother? After everything he did to -- well, just everything you've told me."
"Yeah, I don't get it either. So -- did you want some breakfast?"
"Actually, I -- I have to go. I'll see you later, okay?" Katie says, and she walks out the door. Once the door closes behind her, she lets out the tears she had been fighting back. "Jack -- my sweet little Jack." she says to herself, crying.

"Are you ready for this?" Chris asks Karen, who is dressed in a light blue dress with flowers in her hair, and Chris is in a very expensive suit.
"I guess so." Karen replies, as the judge enters the room.
"Okay, all of your paperwork seems to be in order. You don't have any guests you'd like present?" the judge asks.
"No, we -- kind of want to surprise everyone." Chris says, half grinning.
"Alright. Well, let's do this then. Christopher Ramsey -- do you take Karen Wexler to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to be true to her, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Chris replies, smiling at Karen.
"Karen Wexler, do you take Christopher Ramsey to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to be true to him, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?" the judge asks. Karen hesitates for a moment. "Dr. Wexler?"
"I -- I do." Karen finally replies.
"By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I pronounce that you are husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, Dr. Ramsey." the judge says. Chris awkwardly looks at Karen and gives her a soft kiss on the lips.
"Thank you." Chris says. "Well -- let's go, we've got a hearing to be at." Chris says to Karen, and they start to leave the building. "Hey -- you're not sorry you did this, are you?"
"I'm okay with it, but -- a lot of people are gonna be pretty mad at us." Karen says.
"Maybe I should have worn my bullet-proof vest today." Chris teases, and Karen just laughs.

Katie storms into Nicole's house when Nicole opens the door. "Well, you didn't have to rush over here so fast, I told you to take your time."
"Why didn't you tell me that Jack was here?" Katie asks her angrily.
"He didn't see you, did he?"
"You never told me about Jack being here --- you told me you'd help me find him. You promised me you'd help me find him, when you knew all along that -- you lied to me."
"Katie -- I planned on telling you about Jack. Just as soon as you did what you were asked to do. Now -- what is Frank Scanlon going to say at the hearing today?"
"I don't know."
"What do you mean, you don't know." Nicole says angrily. "What the hell am I paying you for?"
"The hell with that -- I don't like being lied to, lady. What is Jack doing in Port Charles?"
"Katie -- let's sit down, alright?" Nicole says, and they go into the living room and sit down. "I've been trying to find a way to tell you this, but -- Jack is living with Chris. He would be of no use to us -- he's on Chris' side."
"No -- no, Jack would never forgive Chris, not after what he did to us!" Katie insists.
"I'm afraid he did. And anyone who sides with Chris Ramsey is against me. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Nicole asks.
"No, you -- you leave him alone. You leave Jack ALONE! He's never done anything to you."
"He's never done anything for me, either. Tell you what, Katie -- you continue to do what I ask you to do, and I'll make sure that your precious little Jack never has to deal with my wrath. But if you don't --"
"Okay -- okay, I'll do whatever you want. Just don't hurt Jack -- please." Katie begs.
"Good girl. Now I have to get ready to go to the trial -- I'll call you later." Nicole pushes her out the door and shuts it. Katie stands outside on the porch for a moment, and takes out her wallet. From the wallet, she pulls out an old, tattered photograph. On the back it reads 'Katie and Jack, 1982' and it's a photo of a girl and boy -- the boy is about four years old and the girl is about nine years old. Katie fights back tears as she stares at the photo.

At the courthouse, the custody trial resumes. "Mr. Cavalli -- would you like to call your first witness?" the judge asks.
"Yes, I would your honor." David Cavalli, Nicole's high-priced attorney replies. "I'd like to call Mr. Francis Xavier Scanlon to the stand." David says. Frank takes the stand and is sworn in.
"Mr. Scanlon -- how long have you known Dr. Ramsey?" he asks.
"Almost five years now." Frank replies.
"Are you friends?"
"Hardly. I can't stand the guy."
"Exactly why is that?"
"Well -- for one thing, he's scum."
"Objection -- totally inappropriate! Mr. Scanlon's personal opinions of my client are not relevant in this case." Scott says.
"Sustained." the judge replies. "Mr. Scanlon -- please just stick to the issues and refrain from personal commentary."
"Yes, your honor." Frank says. "Chris Ramsey took advantage of me while I was under the influence of a drug, DL-56, which was given to me without my knowledge or permission by the late Bennett Devlin. This was an experimental drug, which should not yet have been tested on human beings. Chris Ramsey found out about what had happened to me while I was trying to detox, and he offered me more of the drug, in exchange for me being his own personal lab experiment. Unfortunately, at that point I was an addict, and I let my addiction get the better of me. Dr. Ramsey's experiments not only caused my whole life to be wrecked, they caused an outbreak of a deadly flu virus that killed two people and hospitalized several others. The only reason Dr. Ramsey is even practicing medicine today is because he had a sleazy attorney who put the blame of the entire incident on ME."
"Your honor, I would like Mr. Scanlon's testimony to show that Dr. Ramsey is a greedy, selfish individual whose only interest is his own self-gain. I, as well as my client, see no good that could possibly come of placing an innocent child in the custody of such a man." David says.
"Mr. Baldwin -- any questions for the witness?" the judge asks.
"Yes, your honor. Mr. Scanlon -- did Dr. Ramsey ever FORCE you to take any drugs?"
"No, but --"
"And did he not try to wean you OFF of the drugs, but you resisted, stole the formula, and had it reproduced yourself?"
"That doesn't change what he initially did." Frank says.
"In fact, if it hadn't been for your out of control behavior, that outbreak would never have occurred to begin with, right Mr. Scanlon?" Scott asks.
"Objection! Mr. Scanlon is not on trial here!" David shouts.
"Sustained." the judge says.
"Your honor, I'm just trying to prove that had it not been for Mr. Scanlon's carelessness, there would have been no outbreak, and no deaths. Is that not true, Mr. Scanlon?" Scott asks.
"I guess it's true, but --"
"No further questions." Scott says.
"The court will adjourn for thirty minutes and resume with the next witness for Mrs. Mayfield." the judge says.
"Your honor -- may I say something?" Karen asks.
"Who are you?" the judge asks.
"Dr. Karen Wexler -- I'm scheduled to testify next, but -- I'm afraid I can't." Karen says.
"And why is that?" the judge asks.
"I will not testify against my husband. Dr. Ramsey and I were married this morning. I'm his wife." Karen says. Frank's eyes widen as he glares at Karen and Chris, Scott stands up and clenches his fists in fury, and everyone else in the courtroom gasps in shock at Karen's revelation.

Chapter 6
The courtroom is still buzzing from Karen's revelation. "Dr. Wexler -- you do realize how suspicious this appears." the judge says.
"It's not suspicious at all, your honor -- I love Chris Ramsey. We've been spending quite a bit of time together and -- well, we spent a lot of time together before Chris found out about Tyler. We've been denying our feelings for some time, but -- we just couldn't do it anymore. We thought about a big wedding, but -- we felt that, with everything going on, this would be the best for Tyler."
"Karen, this is CRAZY! What did he do to you? What did this scumbag do to you???" Frank shouts, and he races across the room and lunges for Chris, grabbing the front of his shirt.
"Frank, stop it!" Karen screams, as two of the court officers come and pull Frank off of Chris, with Jack helping them.
"She's lying! She doesn't love him, she loves ME, and this is a LIE!" Frank shouts as he's dragged out of the courtroom.
"Dr. Wexler --- I'd like to see you and your -- husband in my chambers, right now." the judge says, and he gets up and leaves the courtroom. Karen and Chris follow. "Have a seat." the judge says. "So -- when did the two of you decide to get married?"
"Last night." Karen says. "We just didn't want to wait."
"And the subpoena you received had NO affect whatsoever on this decision, did it, Dr. Wexler? Or should I say Ramsey?" the judge asks.
"I'm keeping my professional name." Karen says. "I won't lie to you, your honor -- the subpoena had quite a bit to do with our decision. I didn't want to testify against Chris. But I DO love him -- and I'm committed to this marriage."
"What about you, Dr. Ramsey? You've been very quiet through all of this."
"Well, Karen has said it all -- I really don't have anything to add. We're in love, and we're married." Chris says.
"I see -- now, you know, normally it wouldn't be any of my concern what a couple does in their private life. But given the nature of this custody trial -- I can't help but wonder if there are ulterior motives here. Please note that the courts will be keeping a very close eye on this -- 'marriage', doctors -- and if anything hints of even the slightest bit of suspicion -- it may not bode well for your custody case. I'm dismissing the court for the day -- you're free to go." the judge says, and he leaves.
"Well -- let's go home." Chris says.
"I need to go get some of my things from my apartment." Karen says. "I'll move the rest later."
"Okay, I'll -- I'll meet you there." Chris says. He reaches over and kisses her on the cheek. "Guess we gotta get used to this, huh?" he whispers, and leaves.

Jack is standing by Chris' car outside the courthouse when Chris steps outside. His arms are crossed as he stands there, glaring at Chris. "What?" Chris asks.
"Alright -- what's the scam here?" Jack asks.
"There's no scam."
"Oh, yeah right -- Chris, you're not even over JULIE yet, you expect me to believe that you're now in love with KAREN? Or even better, that SHE loves YOU????"
"Is that so hard to believe?" Chris asks.
"Frankly, yes!" Jack tells him. "You're not gonna get away with this Chris -- I don't know what the hell you're thinking, but --"
"Look -- are you gonna lecture me, or are you gonna let me get in my car?"
"Fine. Fine. You want to lose Tyler, fine, you keep this up. Don't say I didn't warn you, Chris." Jack says, and he walks away.

Karen enters her apartment, and finds Frank sitting on the couch. "Frank." Karen says. "Did you -- get in a lot of trouble? For what happened in the courts, I mean."
"I paid a fine." Frank states. "Please Karen -- please tell me this is some sort of sick joke."
"I -- I can't do that, Frank."
"You don't LOVE him! I know you don't! Look me in the eyes and tell me you're in love with him, Karen. Can you do that?"
"Frank -- I don't want Chris to lose custody of Tyler."
"So you MARRY the guy???? For god's sake, Karen -- I know you made a promise to Julie, but --"
"Frank -- you can't tell anyone. I'm trusting you here. I married Chris to help him get custody of Tyler. I care about him a lot -- but I'm not in love with him. I love you, Frank." Karen says.
"You've got a funny way of showing it."
"I need you to support me on this. I'm gonna have to act like Chris and I are really together. We won't be able to see each other Frank -- at least not until the custody trial is over."
"Are you moving in with him?" Frank asks.
"I have to. It's just for appearances, I'll be staying in another room. Please Frank -- I know you don't understand, but -- I know what it's like to not know your father, through no choice of your own. Tyler is such a good little boy. He deserves to know his father. Think about Neil, Frank -- all the time you lost with him because you didn't know he was your son. Wouldn't you give anything to have that time back?" Frank is quiet. "Please, Frank -- he's just a little boy."
"Can we -- see each other in secret at least?" Frank asks.
"No -- it's too risky, Frank. I'm sorry. This is the last time." Karen pulls him into a kiss, and Frank kisses her back, hard. Karen begins to unbutton Frank's shirt, as they fall onto the couch together . . . . .

Late that afternoon, Chris enters the front door of his house. Jack is in the kitchen making dinner. "Karen here yet?" Chris asks.
"Gee, married one day and you don't even know where your own wife is?" Jack asks in a sarcastic tone.
"Oh, shut up." Chris says.
"So -- I want the real truth here, Chris. Is this marriage for real or not?"
"As far as the world is concerned, yeah, it is."
"You didn't answer my question."
"What do you want me to say Jack? Do I love Karen? Yeah, I do. Was this my idea? No, it wasn't. It was Karen's -- just ask her when she gets here. She asked me to marry her and I said yes. Just because your love life stinks ever since Livvie bailed on you doesn't mean that I'm not deserving of some happiness."
"My love life has absolutely nothing to do with this." Jack says. "Are you IN love with Karen?"
"Do you have to be so technical about everything?" Chris asks, making himself a martini and sitting down.
"I knew it -- this is all an act. Chris -- you're gonna get caught, and you're gonna lose Tyler."
"The only way I'm gonna get caught is if someone with a big mouth blabs about it. That's NOT gonna be you, is it?" Chris asks.
"Fine -- I won't say a word. But this better be a pretty damned convincing act for the rest of the world."
"It will be -- trust me." Chris says, just as the doorbell rings. Chris gets up to answer it -- it's Scott, who is standing at the door with an angry look on his face. "Hey -- sorry I took off so fast at the courthouse -- I had a patient I needed to look in on. Come on in, Scott -- or should I call you 'Dad' now? What do you think?"
"What do I think? THIS is what I think!" Scott shouts angrily, and he punches Chris in the jaw, knocking him to the ground. Jack runs to his side and helps him sit up. "You can find yourself another attorney, Ramsey. Because I QUIT!" Karen enters just as Scott finishes his sentence.
"Scott, what are you doing?" Karen says, moving to Chris' side. "You okay?" she asks Chris.
"Peachy." Chris says, holding his jaw, still somewhat dazed. Jack and Karen help him up and to the couch.
"I'll get some ice." Jack says, and he goes into the kitchen and comes back with ice for Chris' jaw.
"Scott -- how could you do this?" Karen asks, tending to Chris.
"ME? How could you marry this jackass?" Scott asks angrily. "Is he blackmailing you or something? You just say the word Karen, and I'll get this marriage annulled so fast that --"
"No. Scott -- I love him." Karen tells.
"You're seeing FRANK! Not that he's any kind of prize either, but -- well he's better than this guy!" Scott says in a loud voice.
"Hey!" Chris chimes in.
"I just got back from my place -- to get some of my things. I'll have everything else moved in by the end of the month. Frank was there, waiting for me. I --- I broke it off with him. For good. I'm with Chris now -- and we're gonna give Tyler a family." Karen says. She reaches over and kisses Chris softly on the lips. Chris then just looks up at Scott with a smug grin on his face.
"Karen, if you want to throw your life away with this idiot I'm not gonna support it." Scott says. "Get another attorney, Ramsey."
"Scott -- if you care anything about me at all, you will NOT drop Chris' case. I don't ask you for much, Scott -- but I'm asking you now -- as your daughter. I want you to continue being Chris' attorney. And I want to represent BOTH of us -- Chris and I are petitioning to get custody of Tyler as a couple. I want to adopt him." Karen says.
"Karen -- do you really want to change your entire life for this guy?" Scott asks.
"Obviously she does." Chris says.
"Oh shut up, Ramsey, nobody asked for your opinion." Scott says, then turns to Karen. "Alright, fine -- I'll represent you. But there's no way -- no way in HELL I'm ever gonna accept this jerk as my son-in-law. As far as I'm concerned, the sooner you wise up and dump this loser the better." Scott stomps to the door and leaves in a huff. Jack, who has been standing by observing the whole scenario, starts applauding.
"Bravo." Jack says in a somewhat sarcastic tone. "If I didn't know better, I'd have actually bought that."
"You still think we'll be found out?" Chris asks.
"You told him?" Karen asks.
"Karen, he LIVES here, he's gonna figure it out, what with you sleeping in the guest room every night." Chris says. "So -- what'd you tell Frankenstein?"
"The truth." Karen says.
"Are you nuts? Frank's gonna run to Nicole as fast as he can -- hell, he's probably at her house right now!" Chris says.
"No, he won't. I made him understand, Chris -- he doesn't like it, but he'll tolerate it." Karen says.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Karen." Chris says. "I'm gonna go see how much damage your father did here -- he's lucky I'm not suing him for assault." Chris goes into the other room. Karen sighs as she goes to get her suitcase from the hallway.
"Karen -- I don't want him hurt. He's been through enough already." Jack tells her.
"I'm not gonna hurt Chris. I just want to help him." Karen says.
"He loves you -- you know that, don't you? I don't know how much, or if he'll ever even admit it to you, but -- don't lead him on. Don't make him think this will turn into something that it's not. I will not stand by and watch my brother get hurt again -- not by anyone -- not even you, Karen." Jack says, and he goes back into the kitchen.

February 22, 2002 -- morning. Katie enters the Recovery Room. She sees Frank sitting alone at a table, looking very depressed. "Hey -- I was hoping I'd run into you again here. Why so sad? I though you were gonna patch things up with your girlfriend yesterday."
"My girlfriend and I are over." Frank says. "She decided to marry that jerk Ramsey!"
"What? But -- I didn't even think they were involved." Katie says.
"They weren't -- so I thought. It doesn't matter -- let's not talk about it, it's too depressing." Frank says. "So -- you want some breakfast?"
"Yeah, I -- thought I'd take a raincheck from yesterday. And then I have to get going -- I need to find a place to live. Do you know of some good apartment complexes around this town?"
"Well -- actually, I -- I have a room for rent at my place. It's a basement apartment, it's not much but -- the rent is reasonable, and you'd have full access to the kitchen and the laundry room."
"I don't want to be any trouble to you."
"No, it's no trouble -- really, the place is for rent. And besides -- I'm all alone there right now. My brother moved out of state, my son is staying with his mom for awhile, my daughter's away at college -- I could actually use the company."
"Well, I'd -- like to see it first." Katie says.
"Well -- let's have breakfast, and I'll take you there. Sound like a plan?" Frank asks.
"Sure -- why not." Katie replies.

February 24, 2002 -- the trial resumes at the courthouse. "I'd like to call Dr. Lance Mayfield to the stand." Nicole's attorney David says. Lance takes the stand, giving Chris a smug look, and is sworn in. "Dr. Mayfield -- how did you and your wife meet?"
"He was probably working for the escort service she hired." Chris comments to Karen under his breath.
"We were both traveling abroad -- I met her at a nightclub in London. I thought she was the most breathtaking woman I'd ever seen in my life." Lance says.
"Makes sense -- most of the time when he's with a woman the lights are out." Chris comments again privately to Karen.
"And how long ago did you marry?" David asks.
"Four months -- and I've never been happier." Lance says, smiling at Nicole across the room.
"What a crock." Chris mumbles under his breath.
"Do you and your wife want children, Dr. Mayfield?" the attorney asks.
"Oh, yes sir, very much -- we discussed adoption at length. And when Nicole found out about her daughter's -- unfortunate situation, well -- she suggested to me that it might be best for the young boy if we sought to be his parents. I totally agreed." Lance says in a convincing southern drawl.
"Dr. Mayfield -- you know Dr. Chris Ramsey, is that correct?"
"Yes -- we attended medical school together." Lance replies.
"Were you friends?" David asks.
"No -- I tried, I really did, but -- well, Chris wasn't really interested in being anyone's friend. He was far more interested in getting ahead in his profession -- whatever it took."
"How so?" the attorney asks.
"Well, I -- there was this internship that many of the students were competing for. Chris was convinced that he was going to obtain it. But I suspected that he -- well, I'd caught him cheating, on a couple of exams. I couldn't just stand by and watch him obtain such an honor in such an underhanded manner. So I -- I informed our instructor of my suspicions and -- well, fortunately she realized what a mistake it would be to give Chris such an undeserved reward." Lance says innocently.
"That is a damned lie, you SLEPT with her! I never cheated on ANY exams, and you got that award because of your performance in the BEDROOM, not in the classroom!" Chris shouts angrily.
"Dr. Ramsey, sit down, or I'll find you in contempt!" the judge says, as Scott and Karen try to get Chris to calm down.
"Didn't I tell you? The guy's a consummate pro at lying." Chris says.
"I'm surprised you two weren't best friends." Scott comments. "Your honor -- we apologize for the interruption."
"Go on, counselor." the judge says to David.
"Yes sir." David replies. "Dr. Mayfield -- do you feel that you and Nicole would be good parents to Tyler?
"Oh, yes -- I've always wanted a son of my own." Lance says.
"He probably already has several, he just doesn't know it." Chris comments under his breath.
"And I just love that little boy to death. I'd like nothing more than to be his daddy." Lance says, as Chris clenches his fists in anger. "And my wife -- she'd be a wonderful momma."
"Gimme a break!" a girl's voice shouts from the back of the courtroom. Everyone turns around to see a young girl in her early 20's with long brown hair standing in the back of the room. "Nicole isn't fit to raise a hamster, let alone a kid! Isn't that right -- MOM?" the girl says in an angry tone, staring directly at Nicole . . . . .

To Chapter Seven