Michael Walked Out of His Office the Day Four-Year-Old Noah Called About a Broken Arm

He set his red ledger squarely on the polished wood.

He tugged at his watch strap.

It was nine in the morning exactly.

Vance laid his reading glasses on his desk before he spoke.

“You’re asking for an emergency residential evaluation without a lawyer,” Vance said.

“Yes, sir,” Michael said.

He laid his hands on his knees.

“Your ex-wife has primary physical custody under the current decree,” Vance said.