“I did it for my sons,” Garrett said.

Vivian laughed, a harsh, dry sound.

“It doesn’t matter,” Vivian said, recovering her composure. “The emergency order is already signed. Legally, those children are now under my guardianship until a full custody hearing can be scheduled.”

“We have the paternity acknowledgment,” Marcus said, stepping forward. “It is notarized. We will file it immediately.”

“File it,” Vivian said. “By the time a judge looks at your filing, the boys will already be on a private plane to our estate in Europe. Good luck finding them there.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“You wouldn’t dare,” I said.

“Try me,” Vivian said.

Suddenly, a distant sound cut through the noise of the wind and rain.

It was a siren.

Then another.

They were approaching fast from the main road.

Vivian looked toward the front door, her expression hardening.

“That will be the local sheriff,” Vivian said. “Here to enforce the court order.”

My mother let out a small sob and covered her mouth.

I looked at Garrett, then at Marcus.

“Marcus, do something,” I pleaded.