I scan the document. It’s brutal. Methodical. Every weak point in Rachel’s life was laid out as evidence.
Respondent has been present at three separate fire incidents within three weeks, demonstrating a pattern of instability and poor judgment.
Respondent is currently unemployed and has been unable to secure stable employment for over two months.
Respondent is currently residing with three unrelated adult males, creating an inappropriate and potentially unsafe environment for the minor.
Viral video evidence shows the Respondent in states of distress and panic, raising questions about mental fitness for primary custody.
“He’s using everything,” Rachel whispers. “The fires. The unemployment. You guys. He’s using all of it.”
“Rachel—”
“He’s going to win.” Her hands shake. “He’s going to take Tommy. I’m going to lose my son because I’m living with three men, and I was unlucky enough to be at three fires, and I can’t find a job, and—”
Her breath hitches. Full panic attack starting.
“Look at me.” I crouch in front of her. “He’s not taking Tommy. This is Derek being desperate. We’ll fight this.”
“How? He’s right about everything.” Tears stream down her face. “What judge is going to look at my life right now and think I’m a stable parent?”
I don’t have an answer.
Because she’s right, on paper, Rachel’s life looks like chaos. And Derek’s lawyers know exactly how to use that.
Chapter thirty
Chapter 30
Jake
Alaska is incredible.
The lakes are pristine, untouched, teeming with precisely the kind of biodiversity I’ve been studying for six years. The research team is brilliant. The data we’re collecting is groundbreaking. This is everything I’ve worked toward.
And I can’t stop worrying about Rachel.
I’m on the plane back to Millbrook Falls, staring out the window at clouds, running through everything that could’ve gone wrong in the seven weeks I’ve been gone. Derek could’ve shownup. Another fire could’ve started. Tommy could’ve gotten sick. Rachel could’ve—
My phone buzzes with a text from Cole.
We’re picking you up from the airport, all three of us. Need to talk.
That’s not ominous at all.
I text back:Everything okay?
Rachel and Tommy are fine. But there’s a situation. We’ll explain when you land.
A situation. Great.
I spend the rest of the flight imagining worst-case scenarios. By the time I land and see Cole, Theo, and Marco waiting at baggage claim, I’ve convinced myself someone’s dead.
“What happened?” I drop my bag and look between them. “Where’s Rachel? Is Tommy okay?”
“They’re both fine,” Cole says immediately. “But Derek filed for emergency custody. Papers came through yesterday.”
My blood pressure spikes. “What?”
