Grant wore a navy suit and a silver watch that caught the light of the high windows.

He didn’t look at me; his eyes were fixed on the double doors of the courtroom.

Daniel looked nervous, his collar seeming too tight for his neck.

He kept adjusting his tie, his fingers twitching against the fabric.

Arthur Vance appeared from the elevator, carrying his old black briefcase.

He walked past Grant and Daniel without a word, entering the courtroom first.

“Let’s go,” Sarah said, touching my elbow.

We walked into the courtroom, which was smaller than I expected.

The walls were dark wood paneling, and a large state flag hung behind the empty judge’s bench.

Judge Harlan entered a minute later, her black robes rustling as she took her seat.

She looked tired, her grey hair pulled back in a tight bun.

“We are here on the matter of Bellamy versus Bellamy,” Judge Harlan said, adjusting her glasses. “An emergency motion for temporary custody.”

Carroway stood up first, his voice filling the room with confidence.

“Your Honor, the father seeks immediate custody due to an unstable environment in the mother’s home,” Carroway said.