Chapter 6
Emergency court happened in a sealed family courtroom.
Lily stayed at the hospital with Rachel.
I wore the same blouse from the night before because I refused to go home for clothes.
Ryan sat across from me.
He looked exhausted.
Good.
Diane wore pearls.
I hated those pearls immediately.
Nora presented the hospital report.
The prescription bottle.
The locked cabinet.
Ryan’s text asking me not to mention Claire.
The judge’s face hardened.
Ryan’s lawyer said Diane had been overwhelmed.
The judge interrupted.
“Overwhelmed people call parents. They do not administer another adult’s sedative to a toddler.”
Diane’s mouth tightened.
Then Nora brought up Claire.
The courtroom changed.
Ryan’s lawyer objected.
Nora said, “The medication belongs to the husband’s first wife, whom my client was told was deceased.”
The judge looked at Ryan.
“Is Claire Whitman alive?”
Ryan swallowed.
“Yes.”
The word echoed through me.
Alive.
All this time.
The judge granted emergency sole custody to me.
No contact from Diane.
Supervised visitation for Ryan only after investigation.
Then she ordered Ryan to produce documentation of Claire’s legal status, marriage status, guardianship, and medical care.
Diane whispered to Ryan.
I could not hear the words.
But the judge did.
“Mrs. Carter,” she said sharply, “one more word and I will hold you in contempt.”
Diane went silent.
For once.
Outside court, Ryan tried to approach me.
Nora stepped between us.
He looked over her shoulder.
“I wanted to tell you.”
I stared at him.
“You wanted me obedient before you wanted me informed.”
May you like
He flinched.
Then I walked away.
