Judge Whitmore leaned forward and propped her elbows on the bench.

“Is the court advocate here with the child?” Judge Whitmore asked.

“Yes, Your Honor,” the clerk said.

“They’re waiting in the child witness room down the hall.”

“Mr.

Hale, do you have witness evidence backing up your claim that the mother is unstable?” Judge Whitmore asked.

“We do, Your Honor,” Hale said.

“We have affidavits from Mr.