“Read it to me, Helen,” I said, trying to steady my breathing.

Helen put on her reading glasses, her eyes scanning the legal text.

“The court finds a documented pattern of domestic neglect on the part of the respondent, Ryan Parker,” she read.

“Furthermore, the petition submitted by Margaret Parker indicates an ongoing pattern of severe coercive control.”

She looked up at me over her silver frames.

“The judge specifically cited the medical records from your admission to St. Catherine’s.”

“He also cited Thomas’s sworn statement and the search history on the home computer,” Helen added.

“They don’t get Ethan,” I said, a single tear finally slipping down my cheek.

“No,” Helen said. “They don’t.”

“The court is maintaining the status quo, with you having temporary sole legal and physical custody.”

Behind us, the elevator doors chimed again.

Ryan and Margaret stepped out, flanked by Henderson.

Margaret’s eyes were red, her tight blonde hair slightly disheveled under the harsh fluorescent lights.

She saw us and immediately marched over, her designer handbag swinging from her wrist.

“This is a conspiracy,” Margaret hissed, keeping her voice low but sharp.