Chapter 15 - THE COURTROOM TRAP
The family court was smaller than the criminal courtroom.
Quieter.
More dangerous.
Isabella sat at the petitioner’s table with a new attorney.
Her arm was in a sling.
She looked every inch the grieving stepmother.
William and Emma sat across the aisle.
Ethan waited in a protected room down the hall with two armed officers.
The judge reviewed the papers.
“Mrs. Vance claims Mr. Sterling has exposed the minor to repeated danger and is therefore unfit. She seeks temporary custody pending full investigation.”
Isabella’s lawyer rose.
“We have photographs of the boy in an unsecured mountain cabin. We have testimony from the private nurse who fled in fear. We have the holographic will naming Mrs. Vance as guardian.”
William’s attorney stood.
“The will was obtained under duress. The nurse is a relative of the accused. The cabin was a necessary safety measure after two kidnapping attempts.”
The judge looked at Isabella.
“Mrs. Vance, do you have anything to add?”
Isabella stood slowly.
Her voice was soft and broken.
“I only want what’s best for Ethan. William has been... unstable since the warehouse. He drinks. He leaves the boy with the housekeeper who once broke into my private study. I fear for Ethan’s safety.”
Emma felt the blood rise in her face.
She started to stand.
William’s hand closed over hers under the table.
Hard.
The judge turned to William.
“Mr. Sterling, will you submit to a psychological evaluation?”
William’s voice was steady.
“Yes.”
“And will you produce the boy for a private interview with the court-appointed guardian ad litem this afternoon?”
“Yes.”
Isabella smiled faintly.
The hearing ended.
Outside the courtroom a process server stepped forward and handed Emma a sealed envelope.
She opened it in the hallway.
Inside was a single sheet of paper and a keycard.
The paper held an address in Queens and one sentence.
Come alone at midnight if you want the real evidence against Isabella.
The keycard was blank except for a small etched letter.
May you like
E.
For Eleanor.
