No angry grown-up would ever order Noah into a truck.

The backbone of the whole nightmare had been broken for good.

Michael had full legal and physical custody, recognized and backed by the state court.

“Will we see Uncle Derek later?” Noah asked.

“He’s at our house right now,” Michael said.

“He’s waiting for us to get back for dinner.”

Noah took a slow sip from his juice box.

He leaned his head on Michael’s arm.