Sharp. Focused. Dangerous.
“Are you in immediate physical danger?”
“No.”
“Is your child with you?”
“He’s inside their house.”
“Listen to me carefully, Elena. Do not argue. Do not accuse them of anything else. Go get your son. Leave. If anyone blocks you, call 911. Then come to my office first thing tomorrow morning with every document you have. Bank statements, insurance paperwork, IDs, everything.”
My father had stepped off the porch by then. His face had gone pale, but his voice was still hard.
“Hang up that phone,” he snapped. “Right now.”
I put the lawyer on speaker.
“Sir,” Ms. Patel said coolly, “if you interfere with my client taking her minor child and leaving, the next voice you hear will be law enforcement. I suggest you step away.”
My father froze.
For the first time in my life, he looked unsure of himself.
