“We will show the court that this emergency custody filing is nothing but a retaliatory strike.”

She looked at her watch and began packing her files into her briefcase.

“I need to get to my office to draft the response,” Naomi said.

“I’ll have my paralegal file it electronically by five o’clock.”

“Tessa, you need to get some rest.”

“You have a major hearing tomorrow, and you’re still recovering from childbirth.”

I looked down at my hospital gown, feeling the lingering ache in my lower back.

My body was exhausted, but my mind was spinning too fast to sleep.

“I’ll be there, Naomi,” I said.

“I’m not missing that hearing.”

“I’ll arrange for a military escort to get you to the courthouse safely,” Vale said.

“You won’t have to worry about Grant trying anything in the parking lot.”

“Thank you, General,” I said.

Vale gave me a brief, supportive nod and followed Naomi out of the room.

The heavy wooden door clicked shut, leaving only the quiet hum of the monitors.

I leaned my head back against the pillows and closed my eyes.