yet Mr. Bennett’s note states the children were not safe with anyone who benefits from his silence.”
Claire flinched.
“I don’t know what that means,” she said.
But she did.
I saw it.
So did Elise.
So, I suspected, did the judge.
The hearing did not end with answers.
It ended with new restrictions.
Claire’s contact with the children remained suspended pending further investigation. Nathan’s home study was expedited. The flash drive was ordered to be reviewed by forensic specialists under court-approved handling. Anna Bennett’s status became an urgent matter.
Outside the courtroom, Nathan paced near the windows with his hands on his hips.
“She lied,” he said. “She lied to their faces.”
Maya stood nearby. “Nathan.”
He turned, grief blazing through him. “They thought their mother was dead.”
“I know.”
“How do I tell them? How does anyone tell them?”
Dr. Patel joined us from the family waiting area. “
