Chapter 8 - The Petition Filed Before Christmas
Charles Harlan had filed an emergency guardianship petition.
Not after Christmas.
Before it.
December 21.
Four days before Lucy opened the slippers.
Ruiz obtained a copy through the court.
Sarah read it in disbelief.
The document described her as emotionally unstable.
Negligent with medication.
Frequently absent.
Prone to angry outbursts.
It referenced school complaints and child welfare investigations.
Most disturbing of all, it included a sealed supplemental declaration.
Walter had written it.
I am increasingly concerned Lucy may experience a serious preventable injury if immediate intervention does not occur.
Sarah stared at the date.
December 21.
He had predicted an injury before the slippers were opened.
Mark's attorney nearly shouted when he saw it.
"This changes everything."
Detective Ruiz agreed.
The district attorney did too.
Police issued an arrest warrant for Walter Collins.
But Walter was gone.
His car was found at a commuter rail station.
Security footage showed him entering.
No clear footage showed him leaving.
His bank cards stopped being used.
His phone remained off.
Charles Harlan claimed he had no idea where his client had gone.
Sarah didn't believe him.
Neither did Ruiz.
Then something even stranger happened.
Walter's custody petition was not withdrawn.
Harlan appeared in court representing Walter.
The judge looked incredulous.
"Your client is currently wanted for questioning regarding an injury to the child whose custody he seeks."
Harlan remained composed.
"Allegations are not convictions."
Sarah sat beside Mark.
Lucy was not present.
The hearing had become surreal.
Harlan argued that regardless of Walter's criminal investigation, the evidence against Sarah still deserved review.
Sarah's attorney stood.
"The evidence was manufactured by the man who secretly surveilled my client for years."
Harlan replied, "Some footage was edited. That does not mean all concerns were invented."
The judge frowned.
Then Harlan made his mistake.
He referenced an incident that was not included in the petition.
"The December 28 parking lot incident further demonstrates Mrs. Collins's instability."
Sarah's lawyer turned.
"What parking lot incident?"
Harlan went silent.
The judge looked over his glasses.
"Mr. Harlan?"
Harlan glanced at his notes.
Sarah checked the date on her phone.
December 27.
Tomorrow was December 28.
The courtroom went completely still.
Sarah felt a chill spread across her arms.
Her lawyer stood slowly.
"Counsel just referenced an event that has not happened yet."
Harlan closed his folder.
"Misspoke."
"No," Sarah whispered.
Mark looked at her.
May you like
Sarah stared at Harlan.
"He knows what's supposed to happen tomorrow."
