The Accidental Life of Greg Millar (41 page)

I’m cold and sick and on my last mint when our turn comes up.

Jonathan Keane makes his way to the stand. Slowly. He looks at Freda, one last time. She shrugs hopelessly.

‘Your Honour—’ he starts.

Then, bursting into the courtroom is Freda’s assistant, carrying a yellow envelope. She glances about, sees Freda then hurries the envelope to her. Greg and I exchange a hopeful glance and fumble for each other’s hands. Freda rips open the envelope. Then she stands and delivers its contents straight to Jonathan Keane, nodding as she does so.

‘We have the Section 47 Report, Your Honour!’ he says, just in
time.

The opposing counsel stands. ‘We’ve not seen this report, Your Honour,’ he barks.

‘It’s just – literally – arrived. Dr Bowman has been ill. Your Honour, the children in this case have been separated from their parents for ten weeks now. They are suffering—’

The judge raises his hand in an ‘Enough!’ gesture. ‘I’ll allow it. Please read the report to the court.’

Jonathan Keane frowns down at the words, words that will save us, or sink us.

‘To Whom It May Concern,’ he reads. ‘I have been asked to consult on the case of Franklin versus Millar and Arigho. To this effect, I have consulted Greg Millar’s medical notes and spoken in detail with his psychiatrist, Professor Con Power. I have interviewed the applicants, the respondents and Rachel Millar, aged twelve, who requested a hearing in a letter I enclose with this report.’

Greg and I exchange a surprised glance. Greg looks so proud I could cry.

Jonathan Keane continues to read. ‘I have attended an access visit between the children, Rachel and Toby Millar, and their father, Greg Millar, and stepmother, Lucy Arigho. I have witnessed the children interact with their grandparents, Benjamin and Ruth Franklin. I have also spoken to the principal of the children’s school. These are my findings.’

Breathe, Lucy. Breathe.

‘Firstly, it is clear to me that the children’s primary bond is with their father.’ Keane looks up, pausing for effect. ‘He has been a guardian to Rachel for twelve years and a sole guardian to bo
th chi
ldren for seven. It has been suggested that he is a danger to his children on the basis of past episodes relating to dangerous driving and suicidal urges. I have taken this claim very seriously in my evaluation of this case.’

Is this good or bad? I thought it was good, but now
. . .

‘Having gone through Mr Millar’s notes and consulted with Professor Power, I am in no doubt that these episodes were the direct result of bipolar disorder, a condition with which Mr Millar was diagnosed shortly after the events took place. This is important as it explains his behaviour. The crucial fact, however, in evaluating this case is not whether or not Mr Millar was a danger two years ago, prior to diagnosis, but whether or not he is a danger to his children now.’

I squeeze Greg’s hand.

‘Mr Millar has, from the time of diagnosis, responded well to treatment. His improvement has been steady and lasting. He has had no relapses of either mania or depression. He has an excellent understanding of his condition and the need to adhere to medical treatment. When this treatment began to interfere with his
writing
, though tempted, he did not discontinue it, appreciating, as he di
d, t
he importance of compliance. He worked with his
physician
at securing an alternative solution. This is very encouraging. Mr
Millar
has never missed a doctor’s or outpatient appointment and has regularly attended anxiety management classes. He has a healthy lifestyle, and was happy and fulfilled prior to the removal of his children. He had taken up his career again, writing a book on hi
s experi
ence of bipolar disorder that has proven helpful, not only to Mr Millar himself and his family, but to many people who suffer from this, often stigmatised, condition. As Professor Power’s report for this court indicates, the completion of such a work is indicative of Mr Millar’s sound mental health.’

I’m still waiting for the ‘but’.

‘Mr Millar has the support of a wife who has helped him through the hugely challenging times pre and post diagnosis. She has been, and continues to be, a solid support both generally and specifically with the children, whom she looked after while M
r Millar
was in hospital. The environment from which Rachel and Toby have been removed was a healthy, caring and supportive one.

‘Given Greg Millar’s medical history since diagnosis, in particular his compliance with treatment and his lack of relapse, his outlook is eminently positive. He has done and continues to do exceptionally well. I am confident that he does not, in any way, pose a threat to his children.’ Keane looks up and pauses – for what seems like ages. Then he’s off again.

‘The enforced separation of the children from their father,
rather
, has proven detrimental to their mental health. Rachel and Toby Millar experienced traumatic and sudden separation following the death of their mother. To be so suddenly taken from their father, their stepmother, their home and routine has proven a
further
unnecessary trauma. Toby, aged seven, began bed-wetting as soon as he was removed from the home.’

Oh God.
I touch my heart. Tears well.
Little pet.

‘At school, he has become withdrawn.’

I sniff and root in my bag for a tissue. Greg gets to me first with one of his. And I see that his eyes, too, are tear-filled.

‘Rachel, aged twelve, has reacted with anger. Her behaviour has become uncooperative and troublesome at school. It is clear to me that both children are displaying signs of emotional distress.’

We need them home. I swear to God, if we don’t get them home, I’ll take them myself, kidnap them if I have to
. . .

‘Greg Millar has an eminently treatable psychiatric condition. It is my view that the very fact that it
is
psychiatric has worked against him. While the children’s grandparents do not appear to bear Mr Millar any direct malice, it is hard to comprehend how they could initially deny him access to his children. This was most upsetting and unfortunate. I do not believe that the current living environment is best suited to the children’s welfare. Rather, it is my view that continued separation would result in ongoing distress and psychological trauma.’ Keane’s voice grows louder as he says, ‘
I
strong
ly
recommend that the court returns Rachel and Toby
Millar
to the care of their father and stepmother immediately. Yours sincerely, Dr Vincent Bowman.’ Our barrister looks up in an ‘I rest my case’ manner.

And I am full-on crying now, and Greg is putting an arm around me and pulling me to him.

But that’s not the end.

Our barrister addresses the judge.

‘Dr Bowman has included a letter written by Rachel Millar to support his report.’

The judge nods. ‘Yes. Read it, please.’ He tips his head back in concentration.

‘Dear Dr Bowman,’ Keane reads. ‘I want to tell you how much Toby and me love our dad and our stepmum, Lucy. We love them so, so much. More than anything. We want to be together because we belong together. Gran and Granddad don’t understand. I’v
e to
ld them that Dad has bipolar disorder and he’s fine now because h
e ta
kes his tablets. But they won’t listen to me. No matter how many times I tell them. Dad is still a good dad. No, he’s a great dad. He’s our dad. And we should be with him. Not over here. I hate Hilary.’ Keane looks at the judge. ‘Hilary is the children’s former childminder, now working for their grandparents.’

‘I see. Thank you.’ He gestures with a quick wave to continue.

‘It’s all her fault. I thought she was my friend. But she told Granddad lies about Dad. I heard her. She said Dad was dangerous. She made stuff up about him. She made Gran and Granddad afra
id. I
don’t know why she did that. But she did. She said that Lucy lies. But Lucy doesn’t. Hilary does. All the time. We love our dad and Lucy, and they love us. You’re a doctor. You know about Dad’s sickness. You know he’s better now. And he’s just as good at being a dad as he always was. And we are a family. And families should be together, especially if they want to be. Please, Dr
Bowman
, make them send us back to Dad and Lucy. Some day, when you’re not too busy, maybe you could come and talk to me, because I want to tell you all of this so you’ll believe me. Please, Dr Bowman. Children should have rights too. Love, Rachel Millar.’

‘Wow,’ I whisper. ‘Just wow.’

And then the judge is speaking. ‘I rule that Rachel and Toby Millar be returned to the custody of their father and stepmother – from which they should never have been removed in the first place.’

Greg and I cling to each other, not believing it’s over. It’s fin
ally over.

Greg pulls back, gripping my arms. ‘We’re going to the school, now. Right now.’

I’m out of the bench before him.

We hurry past Ben and Ruth who look like they’ve been slapped across the face – hard. They gape at each other in silent shock. Ruth’s mouth opens and closes like a fish, but no sound comes out. They don’t even see us.

Outside the courtroom, we thank Freda and Jonathan Keane – repeatedly.

‘Can we keep Rachel’s letter?’ I ask.

Freda smiles. ‘Absolutely. I’ll just get a copy for our files then send it on.’

‘Thank you. For everything.’ I throw my arms around her – whether she likes it or not.

‘I’m so happy for you,’ she says, patting my back.

And I love her suddenly. I love the entire world. Bar two
people
.
Three, including Hilary.

Out on the street, I jump up and down. I punch Greg’s arm. We run to the car. And, as we race to the school, my thoughts turn to Rachel and how she must have felt when she realised that Hilary wasn’t her friend; alone and separated from us. She’s such a strong kid. A heroic kid. A warrior.

I open the car window. It seems like centuries since we were in that oppressive, hopeless situation, driving to the courthouse, preparing for the worst.

We’re almost at the school when Greg’s phone starts to ring. By the time he’s pulled over, it’s stopped. He looks at the screen, then at me.

‘Missed call from Freda.’

We stare at each other.

‘It couldn’t be bad news. Not now. It’s over.
Isn’t
it?’

Greg calls her back. There are a lot of ‘OKs’ before he finally hangs up. Then he turns to me.

‘Ben and Ruth want to meet us. They want to talk.’

‘Well, they can bloody well wait.’

‘I love you,’ he says.

Rachel is let out first. When she sees our grinning, emotional faces she runs to us. Greg scoops her up in his arms. He hugs her then raises her up.

‘I am
so proud
of you. Your brilliant letter was read out in court.’

When I finally get a hug, I add, ‘You’re my hero, d’you know that?’

She pulls back and smiles shyly.

‘That letter was
hugely
influential, Rachel.
Never
forget that,’
I add.