Darlene studied him for a long moment.
Then she nodded to Evelyn.
“Do it.”
Grant’s expression sharpened.
He had expected Blake to be easy to discredit.
A poor man accepting a rich woman’s money made a simple story.
A former investigator refusing immediate payment was more dangerous.
The court officer cleared his throat.
“Mrs.
Stanley, the competency order cannot be enforced until the filing irregularities are reviewed.
No medical examination will occur today.”
One of the physicians snapped his briefcase shut.
The other avoided Grant’s eyes.
Grant moved toward the door.
“This performance changes nothing.
The board meeting begins at noon.
By the end of it, she will be removed.”
Evelyn blocked his path.
“You are free to attend.
Your phone stays here until the court officer determines whether it contains communications related to the forged petition.”
“You cannot seize my property.”
“Then take it with you,” Darlene said.
“And explain to the judge why you refused to preserve evidence.”
Grant looked around the room.
Every path he had expected to control was narrowing.
He placed the phone on the desk.
Before leaving, he stopped beside Blake.
“Your daughter attends Oakridge Elementary, doesn’t she?”
Blake’s body went rigid.
Grant smiled without warmth.
“Children with fragile lungs need stability.
You should think carefully before making your life unstable.”
Blake took one step toward him.
Darlene spoke first.
“Threaten his child again, and the board meeting will be the least of your problems.”
Grant walked out.
The office remained silent until the elevator doors closed.
Then Blake turned to Darlene.
“My daughter needs to be moved somewhere safe.”
“A company driver is already outside her school,” Darlene said.
“Mrs.
Clark is with him, and Evelyn arranged temporary accommodations under a private security name.
They will not move Abigail without your permission.”
Blake stared at her.
“You planned for him to threaten her.”
“I planned for Grant to use every weakness he could find.”
“My daughter is not a weakness.”
“No,” Darlene said softly.
“She is the reason you cannot afford to lose.
There is a difference.”
Blake called Mrs.
Clark.
She confirmed that she and Abigail were waiting inside the principal’s office with a female security officer.
Abigail sounded excited about riding in a black car, unaware of the danger surrounding her.
Blake authorized the move.
