“I’m not trying this case this morning,” she said, and Delaney’s shoulders dropped an inch.

“Primary physical custody is suspended pending a full hearing, Friday at nine.

Until then, the children go to the mother for forty-eight hours, supervised by the sheriff’s office, starting this afternoon.

Neither parent leaves Davidson County.”

Chloe was already on her feet.

“Your Honor, the child is still in a step-down unit.”

“Released means released.

Friday, nine o’clock.” The magistrate folded her tissue one last time.