“We are here today regarding the emergency custody petition filed by Vivian Bradford on behalf of Garrett Bradford,” Judge Vance began.

Vivian’s attorney, a tall man with a booming voice named Harrison, stood up immediately.

“Your Honor, we are requesting temporary custody of the three minor children,” Harrison said.

“We believe the mother, Clara, is hiding the children and using them as leverage to extort the Bradford family.”

I kept my hands folded flat on the table, refusing to show any anger.

“That is a serious accusation, Mr. Harrison,” Judge Vance said, turning her gaze to Marcus.

Marcus stood up, buttoning his suit jacket with a calm, deliberate motion.

“Your Honor, my client has not hidden the children,” Marcus said.

“She has protected them from a pattern of harassment and intimidation orchestrated by Vivian Bradford.”

Marcus opened his leather briefcase and pulled out a thick, tabbed blue binder.

“We have submitted physical evidence of this harassment to the court clerk,” Marcus said, placing a duplicate copy on the podium.

“On three separate occasions last month, private investigators hired by Vivian Bradford approached the children’s preschool.”