Chapter 7 - THE BUS STATION
Melissa had permission to take Noah on trips, but the emergency hearing was scheduled for the following morning. Priya asked the court for an immediate order preventing his removal from the state. While she worked, the caseworker contacted Melissa.
No answer.
Daniel stood in Priya’s office gripping his phone. He wanted to search every road himself.
Ms. Torres caught his eye. “Stay with us. If she calls, we need you ready.”
At 4:17 p.m., Noah sent a text from an unfamiliar number.
BLUE BUS. BIG CLOCK. SHE’S GETTING TICKETS.
Priya called the caseworker, who contacted the police. There was only one bus station in the city with a clock over the main entrance.
When they arrived, Daniel saw Melissa near the ticket counter. Noah stood beside her with a backpack that looked too heavy for his small shoulders.
Noah saw Daniel first.
“Dad!”
Melissa caught his arm. Noah cried out. Daniel started forward, then stopped when an officer reached them.
“Ma’am, let go of him.”
Melissa released Noah and held up two tickets. “I’m his legal guardian. We’re visiting family.”
The officer showed her the temporary court order Priya had obtained twenty minutes earlier.
Melissa’s smile vanished.
Noah ran to Daniel. This time Daniel held him without worrying that anyone would pull him away.
But the caseworker knelt beside them. “Noah needs a safe place tonight. We’re still checking the arrangements.”
Daniel’s heart sank. “He can come with me.”
“Not to the halfway house.”
Noah looked from one adult to another. “Do I have to go back with her?”
“No,” the caseworker said.
May you like
Across the station, Melissa pointed at Daniel and spoke to the second officer. The officer listened, then walked toward him.
“Mr. Mercer,” he said, “we need to ask you about the money missing from your sister’s account.”
