Judge Barrett’s voice went completely controlled and ice-cold. “Then this court will absolutely not approve any property waiver or settlement today.”
She adjusted her paperwork and looked directly into the court record camera. “I am ordering an immediate temporary freeze on all marital assets pending a full forensic review, and I am also referring this matter directly to family protective services and the prosecutor’s office for a criminal investigation.”
Gabriel looked as if the solid floor had completely dissolved right under his feet.
Penelope reached down and tenderly took Daisy’s small, cold hand into her own.
The little girl held on with all the strength she possessed.
Two hours later, the wide courthouse hallway had transformed into a very different kind of place.
Penelope sat quietly on a wooden bench outside Room 302 with one hand resting on her belly and her other hand wrapped securely around Daisy’s fingers while the stuffed rabbit lay between them. Samantha Croft stood a few feet away, talking in low, urgent tones with a family services investigator and a deputy prosecutor who had been summoned from another floor.
