I reach blindly behind me, and Zach takes my hand, squeezing it as hard as I squeeze back.
“Her application is supported by Leonard Cameron, who has also extended an offer of accommodation at his family home. As part of a separate petition, care services evaluated the property when he and his partner expressed an interest in adopting. I’ve included the report with our submission.”
Zach’s father wanted to adopt? My throat is suddenly so dry, I cough into my elbow. The man barely cares for his own child, but he wanted to get his hands on more?
“Don’t worry. They’re not in the market any longer,” Zach whispers. “But I thought it might pad out your application.”
I don’t know how to feel about it. The offer Leonard made to turn me into a ‘professional’ girlfriend still haunts me. Hadn’t he also said something about buying my sister back? Is that why we’re here?
“I’ll take a short recess to consider the options,” the judge announces. “We’ll reconvene in an hour.”
“What happened?” I demand the moment he’s left the court. “Why are we sitting here in the middle of the night?”
The group across the way glance sharply in my direction but I don’t care. Like asking for an explanation is a bad thing. But to them it probably is. Everyone’s so much easier to control when you keep them in the dark.
“Police arrested Bradley Maxwell earlier this evening for possession of child pornography. Sierra was immediately removed from the household for protection. I have her file flagged, so when the notice came through, I filed your application. That’s why we’re here.”
“Child pornography?” I press a hand against my chest where my heart thumps like an animal trying to free itself from a cage. “He didn’t… There weren’t…” I force a swallow and lick my lips before trying again. “Not of Sierra.”
The pause takes so long I feel like I’m going to expire of old age before the lawyer answers. “Not that they’ve found, but the collection dates back years. The police still have to catalogue everything.”
Zach has slipped forward a row so he can sit beside me on the bench. His powerful arms wrap around me as I struggle to process the information. I think of Bradley shoving a greasy slice of pizza between his wet lips, the misophonia-inducing sounds as he ate. “Did he abuse her?”
“Not that I know of, but the child psychologist for the police won’t have examined her yet.”
“Where is she? With Carla?”
“God, no. Neither of the Maxwells will be allowed anywhere near your sister. Not now. Not ever.”
I burst into sobs, shaking with fear. “She never said anything about…” I trail off and shake my head. “How did they find out? Did Sierra tell a teacher?”
It’s the only explanation I can think of, but Aaron shakes his head. “An anonymous tipoff. Someone called in to the hotline.”
Zach grips my chin and stares into my eyes. “Don’t worry,” he whispers, then glances at Aaron before moving his mouth close to my ear. “It’s not real.”
Not real.
The courtroom is real. The judge is real. The waves of condemnation pulsing at me from the other side of the court are real.
“Caylon’s good at what he does.”
I close my eyes.Bradley’s porn collection isn’t real.
Thank god. My sister isn’t really tangled up in a net of abuse.
I should probably tell someone.
My eyes flicker open and I stare at Zach. He did this for me. To make up for his mistake, sure, but also because he knows how much I miss her. How much I want to care for her and keep Sierra safe from all the nightmares that plagued me.
But still… I should tell someone.
Then the judge is back in the courtroom and we’re all standing. When he motions for us to sit, my legs buckle to spill me onto the bench.
“I’ve reviewed the files and application. Mr Percival, can you state to the court your client’s wishes in this matter?”
“Sierra Furnham has consistently expressed a desire for continued access to her sister. Her preference is for Lilac Tanner to hold custody.”
“And counsel for the state?”
