She introduced herself as Leo’s school counselor.

After seeing him crying at morning drop-off, she had contacted child services because he had told her he did not feel safe going home.

She had not intended to turn up in the middle of a divorce hearing; the courthouse advocate had directed them to the wrong floor while trying to locate the appropriate family-services office.

Judge Norris had met them in the hallway during a break and recognized Julian’s name.

Audrey felt her pulse settle just enough to think.