“A neighbor just called me,” I said, my chest rising and falling. “Trevor is moving on the land right now, while we are standing in this hallway.”

Arthur looked toward the elevators, then back at the heavy courtroom doors.

“The judge hasn’t even signed the temporary order yet,” he muttered.

He turned and pushed the oak doors open again.

I followed him back into the quiet, wood-paneled room.

Judge Whitaker was still at his bench, speaking quietly to his clerk.

The clerk looked up as the heavy doors creaked.

“Your Honor,” Arthur said, his voice echoing in the nearly empty room. “We have an emergency.”

The judge looked over his reading glasses, his brow furrowing.

“Mr. Vance, we just adjourned,” Judge Whitaker said, his voice flat.

“My client has just received reliable information that the respondents are currently attempting to clear land at Cedar Hollow Road,” Arthur said. “With heavy machinery.”

The judge stood up, his black robe rustling.

“Is this true, Ms. Lane?” he asked, looking directly at me.

“Yes, Your Honor,” I said. “My neighbor just called. There is a bulldozer at my gate.”