Chapter 17 - Emergency Custody
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An hour later, in the quiet chambers of the Family Court judge, Marcus Vance and I met with the magistrate assigned to Ethan’s custody case.
The magistrate read through the master clause documents from Rachel’s safe, nodding in approval.
“Mr. Carter,” the magistrate said, looking at me over her reading glasses. “Rachel Carter’s foresight was extraordinary. Under the terms of this master clause, you are officially designated as the sole legal guardian of Ethan Carter, as well as the sole trustee of all his financial assets.”
I felt a massive weight lift off my chest.
“Thank you, Your Honor.”
“How is the boy doing?” she asked gently.
“He’s healing,” I replied. “He’s sleeping in his mother’s old room at my house. He smiles now. He’s eating well. He knows he’s safe.”
“Then this case is closed,” the magistrate said, signing the legal custody decree with a flourish. “Take good care of him, Arthur.”
When I walked out of the courthouse into the bright afternoon sun, Ethan was waiting for me in the back seat of my truck, sitting beside my sister Clara.
I opened the truck door and climbed inside.
Ethan looked at me nervously.
“Grandpa? Is it over?”
I reached into my pocket, pulled out the legal custody paper, and handed it to him.
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“You’re coming home with me forever, Ethan,” I said, smiling through my tears. “Nobody can ever take you away.”
Ethan threw his arms around my neck, burying his face in my coat, sobbing with pure, unadulterated relief.
