Chapter 12 - The Doctor Who Never Met Her
"How can a psychologist ask a court to remove me?" Daniel demanded.
"He can submit an affidavit supporting someone else's petition," Mara explained. "He doesn't get to make the decision. But his statement is being used as medical evidence."
The petitioner was a company-appointed administrator claiming that an emergency sale was necessary for Lily's care. Mara was already challenging its authority to act for the trust.
Nora arrived that afternoon and hugged Lily until the girl squeaked.
"Sorry," Nora said, loosening her arms. "I've missed you like crazy."
At the kitchen table, Nora examined the signature attributed to her.
"That's the signature from a Christmas card I sent Daniel," she said. "Even the little ink blot is the same."
Mara requested the underlying electronic records. Nora signed a sworn statement that she had never authorized a sale or delegated her trustee powers.
Then Dr. Nina Reed, an independent child therapist, met Lily for an introductory visit. She didn't ask Lily to recite the garden story. They drew pictures and talked about school, bedtime, and what made a room feel safe.
Afterward, Dr. Reed spoke to Daniel privately.
"She's frightened of punishment and separation," she said. "That deserves care. It doesn't prove the diagnosis in Mercer's paperwork. I can't diagnose someone else's motives, but I can tell you this child needs stability, not threats."
Daniel looked at the drawing Lily had left on the table. It showed a house with two doors: one red, one green.
"She asked me which door is safe," Dr. Reed said. "I told her she gets to help choose."
That evening, Mara called again.
"I contacted Mercer's office. They won't release the appointment record without a formal request. But the affidavit claims an interview on a day Lily was at the aquarium."
"We can prove that."
"Yes. And there's more. Vanessa has made a separate report accusing you of hurting Lily. Child protective services will be calling."
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Daniel looked across the room at his daughter.
The people who had tried to take away her home were now trying to take away her father.
