Chapter 13 - The Protective Order
Clara didn't spare another glance at the ruined couple in the lobby. She turned on her heel, pushed past the sliding glass doors, and was at Leo's side in half a second.
"Hey, hey... shh, baby. Look at me," Clara said softly, climbing onto the edge of the hospital bed and wrapping her arms around Leo's small shoulders. "Look into Mommy's eyes."
Leo’s wide, terrified eyes locked onto hers. He was shivering again, but this time not from the cold—from the sound of Evelyn's screeching voice echoing through the corridor.
"She’s never touching you again," Clara whispered, pressing a long, warm kiss to the boy's bruised forehead. "I promise you on my life. She is going away where she can never hurt anyone ever again."
Dr. Patel walked over, holding a clipboard, followed by a woman in a dark gray overcoat with a state badge pinned to her lapel.
"Clara Miller?" the woman asked gently. "I'm Agent Karen Diaz from Colorado Child Protection Services. I’ve already reviewed the security camera footage provided by Ms. Santos, and Dr. Patel has shared the forensic photographs."
Clara tightened her grip on Leo, her muscles tensing instinctively. "You aren't putting him in foster care. I don't care what Richard's old custody agreement says—"
"Breathe, Mrs. Miller," Agent Diaz interrupted gently, raising a hand. "Twenty minutes ago, I contacted Presiding Judge Morrison on the emergency family court line. Given the overwhelming evidence of severe domestic abuse and attempted homicide, Richard Vance's parental rights have been suspended via an Emergency Protective Injunction."
Agent Diaz handed Clara a signed legal document bearing the official seal of the state.
"Full, temporary sole custody is awarded to you immediately," Diaz continued. "Furthermore, the District Attorney's office has just upgraded the charges against Evelyn Vance to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. Bail will be denied at her arraignment tomorrow morning."
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Clara closed her eyes. A heavy, suffocating weight that had crushed her chest for two long years finally cracked and dissolved into tears of overwhelming relief.
Cliffhanger: "There's just one legal obstacle left, Mrs. Miller," Agent Diaz said cautiously, glancing at the door. "Richard Vance's high-powered defense firm has just filed an emergency petition claiming you violated federal kidnapping laws when you rammed your way off the property."
