Victoria pointed to each required signature.

Patricia explained what would happen next.

The children’s supervised temporary caregivers would keep them together for the next few nights.

Lucas looked disappointed when he learned they would not be coming home with me immediately.

‘I thought the judge said yes,’ he whispered.

‘He said we have a way to try,’ I explained.

‘The house has to pass inspection first.

I won’t bring you somewhere until it’s safe.’