Chapter 4 - THE SIGNATURE
“You’re not taking her,” I said, stepping between my mother and the children. Patricia held up the papers. “A judge signed these, Ryan. It’s over.” “Let me see those,” Thomas said. He snatched the papers from her hand. He read the top page, and a bitter laugh escaped his lips. “Judge Robert Vance. Of course.” “He’s a respected magistrate,” Patricia snapped. “He’s your brother-in-law,” I realized aloud. Uncle Robert. The man who had funded my first business venture. “She blackmailed him,” Thomas said, tossing the papers onto the floor. “Just like she blackmailed everyone else. When Michael’s wife died last year, Patricia swooped in. She didn't want Michael raising a Carter heir.” “Michael is unfit!” Patricia yelled, finally losing her composure. “I’m scarred, mother,” Michael said quietly. “Not broken.” Emily touched my arm. “Ryan, Sophie’s mother… it was Claire.” I froze. Claire was Emily’s estranged cousin who had passed away in a car accident eight months ago. “You kept this from me?” I asked Emily, the betrayal stinging fresh. “Claire made me swear to protect Sophie if anything happened,” Emily wept. “She knew what your mother was capable of.” Patricia checked her gold wristwatch. “This family reunion is tedious. I brought help.” She walked to the window and flashed her phone screen toward the driveway. The heavy front door swung open again. Two large men in dark tactical gear stepped into our hallway. They weren't police. They had no badges. And they were holding zip-ties.
