“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Jake said into the phone. “Has Major Hayes been notified?”

“Major Hayes is currently reviewing the filing,” the Lieutenant said. “She advises you to remain at your current location and avoid contact with the petitioners.”

Before Jake could respond, a sharp beep signaled that Logan was trying to override the call.

Jake clicked the button, switching back to his brother.

“You heard that, didn’t you?” Jake asked.

Logan’s breath came in ragged, shallow gasps through the speaker.

“That’s Walter’s doing, Jake,” Logan said, his voice shaking. “He’s going all the way. He’s going to use the courts to take the kid, and he’s going to use the military to put you in a ward.”

“And you’re helping him,” I said, unable to keep quiet any longer.

“I don’t want this!” Logan yelled, his voice cracking. “I never wanted any of the custody stuff. That’s Patricia. She’s obsessed.”

The kitchen grew very cold as the wind rattled the loose storm window behind the sink.

“What do you want, Logan?” Jake asked, his tone deadpan.