When I last checked the place, I’d locked that door myself.

Judge Albright denied the emergency request without prejudice and scheduled the next hearing with time for proper service and evidence.

He told both parties not to alter or dispose of records relevant to the dispute and warned everyone that a temporary hearing was not permission to take possession of disputed property.

No dramatic gavel strike.

No speech about military honor.

Just careful words that meant my parents could not walk out with what they wanted that morning.