“You are to have no contact with them, direct or indirect, by any means whatsoever.”

Josephine’s mouth hung open, her eyes wide with shock.

She looked at her lawyer, but he simply looked down at his yellow legal pad, shaking his head.

“Finally,” the judge said, looking toward the two bailiffs standing near the heavy double doors.

“In light of the medical evidence presenting clear proof of criminal child abuse, I am ordering the immediate arrest of Josephine Sullivan and Melanie Sullivan.”

“Bailiffs, take them into custody.”

Melanie let out a sharp shriek of terror.

“No! Mom, do something!” she cried, grabbing Josephine’s sleeve.

Josephine stood up, her chest heaving, trying to back away from the table.

“You cannot do this!” Josephine shouted at the judge.

“We saved that boy! We are the ones who care about this family!”

The two bailiffs walked quickly down the center aisle.

They bypassed the wooden gate and approached the table where the two women stood.

The first bailiff, a tall man with a gray mustache, reached for his handcuffs.

“Please step forward and place your hands behind your back, ma’am,” he told Josephine.