Chapter 4 - Midnight at the Diner
The neon sign outside the diner window flickered with a tired, rhythmic buzz, casting a dull red glow across the Formica table top. It was past midnight, and State Route Four was dead quiet except for the occasional hiss of an eighteen-wheeler. I stared down at a ceramic mug of black coffee, watching the dark liquid ripple every time a heavy truck rattled the window frames.
My knuckles were still bruised. The skin across the side of my right hand throbbed where it had connected with Richard’s cheek hours ago. I could still hear Lily’s small, frantic voice echoing in my head, and the heavy thud of the tactical officers' boots as they swarmed the house.
My phone vibrated sharply against the table. "Marcus," Social Worker Miller’s voice came through the speaker. "I'm updating from the county intake office."
"How is Lily?" I asked.
"She's settled into the temporary placement facility downtown. No physical injuries beyond malnourishment and exhaustion, but she’s refusing to speak to anyone who isn't wearing a badge or asking about you." Miller paused. "Richard has already retained private counsel. He’s claiming you harassed him, forced your way into his residence, and coached the child."
"He locked her in a basement behind a chain and a padlock," I said. "I was standing right there when the door came off."
"I saw the officer's report, Marcus. I know what was in that basement. But Richard is connected in this county, and his foundation funds half the civic programs downtown. He’s going to use every legal lever available to get emergency custody back on Monday morning."
I opened my contacts list and scrolled down to a number I had saved three years ago. Sarah Vance didn't take high-profile charity cases for the press; she took cases that everyone else said were unwinnable.
I pressed dial. She picked up on the third ring. "This better be good, Marcus. It's half past midnight."
"Sarah, I need you on an emergency custody and concealment case," I said. "We're in front of Judge Callahan on Monday morning, and I have every intention of tearing Richard’s life down to the foundation."
May you like
"Send me the address and whatever police reports you managed to grab," Sarah said. "I'll meet you outside the county courthouse at seven a.m. sharp. Don't be late."
