“We can’t have a mother who is unfit caring for the heir to the Vale estate.”

“Or making legal decisions.”

The draft from the window seemed to blow straight through my chest.

I thought of June, asleep in her crib at the cottage with the nurse I had hired myself.

“You’re lying,” I said.

“Dr. Aris hasn’t seen me in three weeks.”

“He doesn’t need to see you to review the clinical history,” Vivian said.

“He is a very respected psychiatrist in Boston.”

“His word carries a great deal of weight with the local bench.”

“Especially with Judge Harrison.”

She stood up now, her movements slow and elegant.

“We have an emergency hearing scheduled for tomorrow morning,” Vivian said.

“To discuss temporary custody.”

“And a conservatorship over your personal assets.”

“Until you are well again.”

Sloane backed away, her mouth open.

“You’re going to lock her up,” Sloane whispered.

“We are going to get her the help she needs,” Carter corrected her.

He looked at me, a cruel, triumphant spark in his eyes.

“And once the court sees the psychiatric evaluation, any documents she has collected will be deemed the product of a delusional mind.”