PART 11

At the first emergency custody hearing, held several days later, I wore the only suit I still owned.

It was the blue one from our wedding, though I hoped nobody recognized it.

Our family court judge, Judith Alvarez, reviewed the records presented by the parties and listened to the temporary recommendations.

No one was going to decide the entire future of our family in a single morning.

The court’s immediate concern was where Piper could stay safely while the investigation continued.