“For good.”

We took our seats at the tables again.

The courtroom felt even larger and colder than before.

I looked over at the gallery.

Mrs. Latham was sitting in the back row, watching me with a small, supportive nod.

I wanted this to be over.

I wanted to go to the school, pick up Nolan, and take him home.

I wanted to wash that blue shirt and put it in a drawer where he would never have to think about it again.

The bailiff called us to order, and Judge Harlan took the bench.

He looked down at the documents in front of him.

“Based on the evidence presented in chambers,” the judge began.

“And the testimony of Ms. Whitaker.”

“This court finds that Mr. Bellamy has engaged in a systematic effort to defraud this court.”

“More importantly, he has put his child in a position of extreme psychological distress.”

Grant sat motionless, his head bowed.

Preston Carroway was looking at his legal pad, writing nothing.

“I am prepared to make a final ruling regarding custody,” Judge Harlan said.