Courtroom Plot Twist: Woof

She finished smug and shot me a nasty look.

"Your Honor, Jemma's been imprisoning and controlling my son. That's unlawful confinement. She should be arrested today."

Garrett nodded fast, practically glowing at the idea of me in cuffs.

I let out a short laugh. "You're sure Willie personally called you?"

"Of course," they said together.

I took a slow breath. "Wow. Good to know."

I faced the judge. "Your Honor, Willie couldn't have made that call. He couldn't have signed anything. Their evidence is fake."

The judge studied the document, frowning.

Linda waved her copy at the camera. "Everyone, look. It's right here in black and white. And she's still denying it."

The livestream lit up.

[What's there to debate? He's over twenty. He picked his guardian and signed it himself.]

[Judge, just rule already. Give Willie back to Garrett and Linda.]

The judge didn't say a word.

I watched them, ice-cold.

Linda snapped first, pointing at me. "Just wait. When my son comes home, you're done."

Garrett put on that fake calm. "Jemma, what's not yours will never be yours. Confess now. Maybe you'll dodge a few charges."

I kept my voice flat. "Don't celebrate yet. You might be the ones who lose."

Linda lunged. The bailiffs grabbed her before she got close.

Finally, the judge looked up. "Defendant, do you have more evidence?"

I checked the time. "Yes. Two sets. First, I request Willie be brought to court. If I'm right, he's already here."

The judge nodded. The courtroom doors creaked open.

Linda burst into tears. "Willie! Mommy's finally see you!"

Garrett squeezed her hand, locked on the entrance.

Then a sharp bark cut through the room.

A tall black German Shepherd sprinted in.

The second he saw me, he dropped into a sit, tail going wild.

I gave a small smile. "Everyone, meet my 'son,' Willie."

The courtroom froze.

The livestream went insane.

[What the hell?! Her son's a dog?!]

[No way. This has to be a joke!]

Linda and Garrett just stared, mouths open.

I smiled. "This is my 'son.' He passed the police exams. Next month, he'll officially join as a K-9. I'm proud of him."

Then I looked at them. "As for your real son? I know exactly where he is."