“There are at least four camera crews down there.”

“Did you bring the papers?” I asked.

Arthur opened the folder and pulled out three copies of a document.

“This is the petition for co-guardianship,” he said.

“It designates Claire Bennett as co-guardian of Lucas and Owen Whitmore.”

“It grants her equal decision-making power regarding their welfare.”

He laid the papers on the rolling table.

“If you sign this, Claire, you are legally bound to protect these children.”

“You will also be exposed to intense public scrutiny.”

Claire looked at the documents.

She looked at the pen Arthur held out to her.

She did not hesitate.

She took the pen in her trembling hand.

“I will sign,” she said.

She wrote her signature on the designated lines.

Her handwriting was small and neat.

I signed below her name, my signature bold and sharp.

Arthur took the papers and stamped them with his notary seal.

“I have a clerk waiting at the courthouse,” Arthur said.

“He will file these the moment the doors open in twenty minutes.”

“Once they are stamped by the court, it is official.”