title: Bitter Remains: A Custody Battle, A Gruesome Crime, and the Mother Who Paid the Ultimate Price
author:  Diane Fanning 
description: <b>PRAISE FOR DIANE FANNING</b><br /> <br /> Very few writers have the insight and gift to take a true story and make it one hell of a page-turner.Susan Murphy Milano, domestic violence victims advocate, on <i>A Poisoned Passion</i><br /> <br /> Unbelievable stuff!Mike DeForest, WKMG-TV, on <i>Mommys Little Girl</i><br /> <i></i><br /> I couldnt put it down until I had finished it...A story thats enjoyable to read and accurate to detail.Herb Betz on <i>Through the Window</i><br /> <br /> I was astonished by how good this book wasinsightful, well written, and fascinating.Hugh Aynesworth, four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, on <i>Out There</i>
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  Carla Cassidy Once Forbidden… (Silhouette Intimate Moments, #1115)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter 1
  
  
  Johnna Delaney, you are out of order!” Judge Orin Wellsby bellowed as he
  banged his gavel to emphasize his irritation.
  
  
  “And you are a cantankerous old goat,” Johnna muttered beneath her breath.
  
  
  A white eyebrow rose and Judge Wellsby’s paleblue eyes narrowed. “You are
  coming dangerously close to a contempt charge, Counselor.”
  
  
  Johnna’s client, Susan Boskow, a twenty-twoyear-old mother of three charged
  with shoplifting, frowned, obviously worried by the heated exchange between
  the judge and her defender.
  
  
  Johnna was aware of Chet Maxwell, the overzealous, pompous prosecuting
  attorney grinning in smug delight.
  
  
  She sighed and attempted to swallow her anger-along with the bitter taste of
  her pride. “I apologize, Your Honor. I guess I just got carried away with the
  zest of defending my client.”
  
  
  Judge Wellsby, apparently mollified by her apology, banged his gavel once