Chapter 11 - THE SIGNATURE
Daniel stared at the court order until the words blurred.
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY CUSTODY.
Petitioner: Evelyn Mercer.
Minor child: Owen Mercer.
The order claimed Sarah posed an immediate danger and Daniel was "unable or unwilling" to protect his son.
The judge's signature was dated that afternoon.
Before Owen had even reached the hospital.
Detective Ramos read the document and swore under his breath.
"She filed before today's incident was investigated."
Sarah woke and read it twice.
"She knew this was going to happen."
Ramos photographed every page.
"The order may be valid on its face, but the supporting claims can be challenged. Given the criminal investigation, nobody is removing Owen tonight."
Daniel called his attorney.
At 1:20 a.m., the attorney joined them by video.
"The judge who signed this is Harold Keene," he said.
Marcus, listening on speaker, interrupted.
"Keene? Mom knows him."
"How well?"
"He was at Dad's funeral."
Daniel remembered him now. Silver hair. Red tie. Hand on Evelyn's shoulder for too long.
The attorney continued, "There's another problem. The petition includes a sworn statement from a pediatric nurse claiming Sarah repeatedly gave Owen unapproved medication."
Sarah's face went white.
"What nurse?"
The name was printed beneath the affidavit.
Caroline Vale.
Sarah knew it immediately.
"She was Owen's nurse during the stomach-virus visit six months ago."
Daniel looked at Ramos.
"Can you find her?"
Ramos was already typing.
Then he stopped.
"We don't have to."
He turned the screen toward them.
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Caroline Vale had resigned from the hospital that morning.
And bought a one-way plane ticket leaving at 6:10 a.m.
