For once, waiting was something she could do with other people beside her.

PART 7 — The Request to Take Them Home

The custody review took place later that morning.

There was a judge, a clerk, attorneys, and a record of the proceeding.

It was not an informal meeting where the county attorney could announce an outcome because the evidence seemed persuasive.

Caleb sat beside his lawyer with a legal pad in front of him.

He looked up when I entered, then looked past me toward the door.