“Permanent protective orders are issued immediately for Noah Morales and Lily Morales,” Judge Gomez said.

Mr.

Vance reached for his leather briefcase, but Detective Henderson stepped past the rail toward Teresa.

“Mrs.

Ramos, step away from the table and put your hands behind your back,” Henderson said.

Mariana leaned against my shoulder, her shoulders shaking quietly as she stared at the floor.

Teresa turned her head toward us, her fingers clutching the back of her chair as two uniformed bailiffs stepped up beside her.

“Mariana, tell them this is a terrible misunderstanding,” Teresa said.