I sat perfectly still, my hands resting flat on the mahogany table.

I did not look at Grant.

I looked only at the judge.

“Mr. Holloway is the natural father,” his lawyer continued.

“He has a right to protect his daughter from being taken to a military installation.”

Judge Vance nodded slowly and turned his gaze to Naomi.

“Ms. Pierce, your response?”

Naomi stood up, adjusting her glasses.

“Your Honor, Mr. Holloway’s petition is not born out of concern for his daughter,” Naomi said.

“It is a desperate attempt to gain leverage over Colonel Langley.”

“We have evidence that Mr. Holloway has committed extensive financial fraud.”

“Moreover, his behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of the child.”

Grant’s lawyer stood up quickly.

“Objection, Your Honor. This is a custody hearing, not a criminal trial.”

“I am laying the foundation for the child’s safety, Your Honor,” Naomi said.

“Overruled,” Judge Vance said. “I will hear the evidence.”

Naomi opened her laptop and connected it to the courtroom projector.

“First, I would like to play an audio recording from Mr. Holloway’s primary business associate, Everett,” Naomi said.