Mark placed his smartphone on the kitchen table and tapped the speaker button.
The line rang three times before a sharp voice answered the call.
Arthur: Mark, good morning. What can I do for you today?
Mark: Arthur, we have an urgent legal situation at my house.
Arthur: Is everyone safe?
Mark: Everyone is safe, but we need temporary custody papers drawn up immediately.
Arthur paused for a brief moment on the other end of the line.
Arthur: Does this involve the foster care emergency hearing from last week?
Sarah: Yes, Arthur, Mia is here with us right now.
Arthur: Sarah, you were supposed to wait for the judge to sign the order.
Sarah: Her uncle tried to remove her from the shelter without permission.
Sarah: I could not let her be taken away into an unsafe environment.
Arthur sighed deeply into his microphone on the phone line.
Arthur: I understand your heart, Sarah, but court rules are strict.
Mark: What do we need to do to make this completely legal?
Arthur: I need to file an emergency custody petition before noon today.
Arthur: The judge will want proof that your home is stable and secure.
Mark: Our home is completely stable, and we have plenty of room.
Arthur: I will draft the petition and bring it to your house in one hour.
Mark: Thank you, Arthur. We will be waiting for you.
Mark disconnected the call and looked over at the two young girls.
Lily was showing Mia how to draw a dog using colored pencils.
Mia was laughing quietly while watching Lily color inside the lines.
Sarah: Do you think the judge will grant us temporary custody?
Mark: We have a strong legal case, Sarah.
Mark: We have the space, the income, and the love she needs right now.
Sarah walked over to Mark and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Sarah: Thank you for understanding why I did this.
Mark: I just wish you had trusted me from the first moment.
Sarah: I was terrified you would worry about the legal trouble.
Mark: We face every challenge together as a family, Sarah.
The sound of a car engine pulled up in the driveway outside.
Mark walked over to the front window and peered through the blinds.
A black sedan was parked right beside the front walkway.
A man in a sharp grey suit stepped out of the vehicle carrying a briefcase.
It was Arthur, holding a thick stack of legal documents under his arm.
Mark opened the front door to welcome their trusted attorney inside.
The fight to keep Mia safe was about to enter the courtroom.