“Julian said she was asleep,” I said.

“Victoria stood in front of the door and wouldn’t let me in.”

“Hear me out carefully,” Arthur said.

“I’m listening,” I said.

“A judge won’t sign an emergency welfare inspection order because of a door lock and a warehouse receipt,” Arthur said.

“She’s six years old, Arthur,” I said.

“I know how old she is,” Arthur said gently.

“But without documented proof of immediate physical harm, the police can’t legally go into a house over a parent’s objection.”