At the hospital, doctors treated Leo with fluids and antibiotics. Sophia had two cracked ribs, a concussion, and extensive bruising, but no permanent internal damage.

When she woke, I was beside her, our son sleeping safely against my chest.

“Are they gone?” she asked.

“Forever.”

By sunrise, Eleanor and Audrey had been booked on charges including assault, child endangerment, unlawful imprisonment, identity theft, forgery, and financial exploitation.

Emergency protective orders barred all contact with us.