I thought of Arthur Pendelton, the retired family attorney who lived three blocks down on Caroline Street.

He didn’t practice full-time anymore, but he knew every judge in the Fredericksburg district.

“I’ll call Arthur first thing in the morning,” I said.

“Even if he can’t represent us, he’ll tell us who the toughest family advocate in the area is.”

Rebecca stood up from the armchair, her knees cracking in the quiet room.

“I should go,” she said, looking toward the window.

“If Thomas sees my car parked here much longer, he’ll think we’re conspiring.”

“We are conspiring, Rebecca,” I said, looking her in the eye.

“For Caroline’s sake.”

Rebecca gave a small, sad nod.

“I’ll testify,” she said.

“If it goes to court, I’ll tell the judge everything.”

“I’ll tell them about the money he took from my account, and how he threatened to leave the state if I didn’t give Caroline to you.”

Caroline looked at her biological mother, her expression guarded but softer than before.

“Thank you,” Caroline said.

Rebecca reached out as if to touch Caroline’s arm, but hesitated and drew her hand back.