The date was printed in bold black ink.

“Carla, my son is living in a house with a man who has a sealed court record,” Michael said.

“I’m just trying to figure out who this guy is.”

Carla shut her green folder.

Her voice eased a little, but she held herself stiff.

“I know you’re dealing with family trouble,” Carla said.

“My brother went through an awful custody fight five years ago.

I know exactly how distracting it gets.”