In the entryway sat unfamiliar boots, a designer trench coat, and several large suitcases. Gwendolyn was living here.

Corinne tried her home office. The lock had been changed.

Ross pulled a thick folder from his bag: a pre-prepared petition for legal separation. It requested temporary sole custody, and proposed that Corinne be allowed to see her daughter only under professional supervision.

“Sign it tonight and we can all move forward peacefully,” Gwendolyn said.

“I’m not signing anything without my attorney.”

Corinne called 911 and requested an emergency welfare check for suspected child abuse.