“Emma,” Laura’s voice came through the speaker, tight with panic and hushed. “I’m at the baggage claim. But there’s a man here in a dark suit. He has a sign with my name on it.”

My heart did a slow, heavy roll in my chest.

“Don’t go near him,” I said.

“He saw me, Emma,” Laura whispered, her voice trembling. “He walked right up to me. He says he’s a courier representing the Parker estate, and he just handed me a manila folder.”

“What is it?” I asked, my grip tightening on the phone.

“It’s an emergency court petition,” Laura said. “They’re filing for temporary sole custody of Ethan, claiming you are mentally unfit and medically incapable of caring for him.”

“Don’t sign anything, Laura,” I said, my voice rising.

“I didn’t,” she said. “I took the envelope and ran.”

“Are you safe?” I asked, looking at the door of my hospital room.

“I’m at the taxi stand now,” she said. “But Emma, I’m not alone.”

“Who is with you?”

“Her name is Sarah Vance,” Laura whispered. “She’s a family lawyer I know in Phoenix. She flew out with me when I told her what was happening.”