Chapter 9
The emergency custody hearing happened the next afternoon.
Daniel appeared in court with a swollen sense of victimhood.
Madison did not appear.
Her attorney sent a statement instead.
Helpful.
Very helpful.
Daniel’s attorney argued that I became violent in front of Lily.
Karen presented the photos.
My red cheek.
Madison’s red cheek.
Lily’s wrist.
The backpack.
The medicine.
The court form.
The police report.
Madison’s statement.
Then Karen said, “The mother used force only after her child was being physically restrained by an unrelated adult and after that adult struck her. The father stood by, then attempted to frame the mother’s protective response as instability.”
The judge looked at Daniel.
“Did you invite Ms. Pierce to the home?”
Daniel hesitated.
“Yes.”
“Did she have permission from your wife to interact with the child?”
“No.”
“Did you pack the child’s bag?”
Daniel looked down.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
He had no clean answer.
The judge granted me temporary sole custody.
Daniel received supervised visitation only.
Madison was barred from contact with Lily.
Victor Lang’s involvement was referred for investigation.
I cried when the order was signed.
Not because I had won.
May you like
Because Lily had not been taken.
Sometimes victory is simply a door staying closed.
