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?”
Garrett hesitated because speaking the answer aloud would make it irreversible. Behind him, the bikers remained motionless and silent, offering no defense and no visible encouragement.
Judge Hodge’s voice remained steady. “Mr. Sloan, clarify your statement.”
Garrett steadied his trembling hands against the table and said, “I am not asking for custody.”
A wave of astonishment moved across the room.
The prosecutor frowned and asked, “Then what is the purpose of this proceeding?”
Garrett exhaled slowly and said, “I am here to sign over my parental rights.”
Rebecca’s eyes widened, and her attorney responded quickly, “Your Honor, this could be a calculated performance intended to sway future proceedings.”
The word performance hung heavily in the air because the scene certainly appeared dramatic, with a restrained father at the defense table, a line of bikers behind him, and a young girl in yellow watching from the front row.
Travis remained still against the wall, arms relaxed at his sides, making no eye contact with Rebecca or her counsel.
Garrett lifted his gaze to the bench and said, “I have been sober for eleven months.”
Assistant District Attorney Whitaker replied immediately, “The record reflects prior relapses.”
“Yes, it does,” Garrett acknowledged without argument.
He continued, “I completed inpatient rehabilitation last year and I attend recovery meetings three nights a week, and these men attend with me.”
Several heads turned again toward the back wall.
“They are not here to support me in gaining custody,” Garrett said. “They are here because I asked them to witness that I am choosing my daughter’s safety over my pride.”
Rebecca’s shoulders stiffened as Judge Hodge leaned back slightly.