Chapter 4 - THE CUSTODY FOLDER
The next morning, Ross filed for an emergency protection order.
He claimed Corinne had arrived without warning, frightened Casey, threatened the family, and attempted to enter the house aggressively.
His video began after Casey told Corinne not to come inside.
It did not include the child’s wrist.
It did not include Gwendolyn’s provocation.
It did not include Ross reaching for Casey.
Fortunately, Corinne had recorded the entire exchange.
Leah helped her contact family attorney Miriam Shaw, a direct and experienced woman who had spent twenty years handling complex custody disputes.
Miriam reviewed both recordings.
“He edited his video,” she said.
“He expected me to lose control,” Corinne replied.
“And when you didn’t, he removed everything that explained your behavior.”
Miriam opened the custody petition Ross had submitted.
It described Corinne as emotionally absent, unstable after military service, and incapable of providing a consistent home.
Ross requested full custody, exclusive use of the house, and control of Casey’s trust until the child turned eighteen.
That final request exposed the real objective.
Casey’s trust was worth nearly two million dollars.
Ross had no legal access to it while Corinne remained the trustee.
Gwendolyn’s name appeared in the petition as Casey’s proposed daytime guardian.
Miriam leaned back.
“This was prepared before you came home.”
“How long before?”
“The document metadata may tell us. But I suspect they planned to create a confrontation, obtain a protection order, and use it to keep you away from your daughter.”
Corinne thought of Casey’s frightened eyes.
“She tried to warn me.”
Miriam nodded. “Now we need to learn what is inside that office.”
Because of the temporary court order, Corinne could not enter the house alone. However, she still legally owned the property. Miriam requested an emergency supervised access appointment so Corinne could retrieve military materials and personal documents.
The judge approved one hour.
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Ross objected immediately.
That told Corinne the office held more than stolen paperwork.
