Elena asked. We'll get one done immediately. Rush processing. It'll be clean and that'll resolve their concerns. What if it's not enough?
Elena's voice shook. It will be. This is a nuisance complaint, nothing more. Whoever filed it is trying to cause trouble, not protect anyone. After the call ended, Elena sat on the couch feeling sick.
It was David, she said. It had to be. You don't know that. Who else would do this? He's angry about the divorce settlement.
About the fact that I'm not broken and alone like he wanted me to be. Mason's jaw clenched. If it was him, he's going to regret it. Don't. That'll just make things worse.
Elena, please just let it go. Let the lawyer handle it. Mason pulled her close. I won't let anyone take you away from us. You might not have a choice.
There's always a choice. The next few days were tense. Elena went through the background check process, answering invasive questions about her entire life history. Mason's lawyer prepared documentation proving her employment was legitimate. The kids sense something was wrong, but didn't know what.
Why are you sad? Sophie asked one evening. I'm not sad, sweetheart. Yes, you are. Your smile doesn't reach your eyes.
Elena pulled Sophie onto her lap. I'm just worried about grown-up stuff. What kind of stuff? Boring paperwork things. Is someone trying to take you away?
Elena's heart stopped. Why would you ask that? Because that's what happens. Adults come and do visits and ask questions and then people leave. Sophie's voice was matter of fact, but her eyes were scared.
That's how it works. Not this time. You don't know that. Sophie, I don't want you to go. Sophie's composure cracked.
"You promised you wouldn't go. " Elena held her tight. "I'm keeping that promise. " "But what if they make you? Then I'll fight to stay, and your dad will fight, and we won't stop fighting until we win," Sophie cried into Elena's shoulder. Mara appeared in the doorway, having clearly heard everything. "What's going on? " Elena explained, keeping it simple.
Mara's face went white. "Someone reported you? " Yes. That's insane. You're the best thing that's happened to this family. Mara, no.
Seriously, dad's actually happy now. Sophie's doing better in school. Ethan talks about his feelings. And I'm not. She stopped.
I'm not as angry anymore. You have every right to be angry. I know, but you made it easier to be less angry. Mara's eyes filled. Please don't let them take you away.
I won't. I promise. Tuesday arrived too fast. The case worker showed up at exactly 10 in the morning. Amanda Chen was a tired-l looking woman in her 40s carrying a massive binder and a tablet.
Mr. Carter, Miss Brooks, thank you for meeting with me. They sat in the living room. The kids were at school at Mason's insistence. I'll need to tour the home and ask some questions about the living arrangement, Amanda said.