“They are signed by a licensed practitioner,” Vance said calmly.

“A doctor who has received very generous donations from your mother’s foundation.”

“The court will accept them.”

I felt a cold dread settle in my stomach.

My mother’s reach went far beyond her own checkbook.

“No judge will believe this,” I said, though my own words sounded hollow.

“They will,” Vance said. “Tomorrow morning is the bail hearing.”

“I will present these documents to the judge.”

“I will show them that Megan is a danger to herself and the unborn child.”

“And that your mother is the only stable guardian available.”

My heart hammered against my ribs.

“My mother belongs in a cell,” I said.

“The police found the chemical bottles in her pantry.”

Vance smiled slightly, his lips barely moving.

“A tragic case of household negligence,” Vance said.

“Perhaps a pest control issue.”

“Certainly nothing that can be tied directly to her.”

He stepped closer, extending his hand.

“Give me the folder, Jake.”

“I can’t let you do this,” I said.

I grabbed the folder back off the table and held it tight.