Chapter 4 - The Line in the Sand
"It's no coincidence, Julian," I said, taking a firm step forward, blocking his path toward Oliver's room. "And you're not going anywhere near him."
Julian sighed tragically, turning toward the police officers and the social worker. "Detectives, Ms. Ellison is an old acquaintance who holds a deeply bitter personal grudge against me due to an academic dispute from our youth. She is clearly emotionally unstable and attempting to interfere with a family reunion."
"He's lying!"
Oliver stepped out of the bathroom, his small frame shaking, clutching his cast against his ribs. He looked at Julian with an expression of pure, unadulterated hatred. "He hurt my mom! He kept her locked in the basement in Seattle! I saw him hit her!"
Julian’s face tightened for a microsecond before he put on a look of profound paternal heartbreak. "Oh, Oliver... my sweet boy. She’s filled your head with terrible fantasies, hasn't she? The trauma of the crash is confusing you."
"I am not confused!" Oliver shouted, his voice echoing down the hospital corridor.
Catherine Vance looked uncomfortable, balancing her tablet. "Mr. Vance, while you are listed as the biological father on the birth certificate, there is an active custody dispute and a missing person's investigation regarding Rachel Vance. Until legal paternity and custody status are verified by a family court judge, the child cannot be released into your custody."
Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly, but his charming smile remained pinned to his face. "Of course. I respect the law entirely. My legal team will file an emergency writ of custody at the county courthouse this morning. In the meantime, I assume the boy will stay in a secure state facility?"
Julian knew what he was doing. If Oliver went to a state facility, Julian’s political influence and high-priced lawyers could easily manipulate the social work system within forty-eight hours, taking Oliver away in the dark.
"I am filing a counter-petition for emergency foster guardianship as a designated family friend," I declared firmly, turning to Catherine. "And I demand a protective order preventing Mr. Vance from approaching the child until a judge hears Rachel’s side of the story."
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Julian took a slow step toward me, bending his head so only I could hear his low, dangerous whisper. "You always were too brave for your own good, Nora. You lost your career twelve years ago because you didn't know when to keep your mouth shut. Don't lose your life over a boy who isn't even yours."
"Try me, Julian," I whispered back, my eyes locked on his. "I’m not twenty years old anymore."
