Chapter 8 - A Call Made Before Dessert

Margaret didn't bother leaving the room.

"Yes," she told the dispatcher. "I'm reporting a theft. My former daughter-in-law has property that belongs to my family. There's also a child here who may be taken in violation of a custody arrangement."

"There is no such arrangement," I said.

She turned away so the phone could pick up only her voice. "She's becoming agitated."

Sophie shrank into her chair. I pushed back mine and crouched beside her.

"Listen to me," I said. "You're safe. I won't let them make decisions about you without asking what you need."

Daniel followed us into the living room. "Mom overreacted," he said. "Just give her the box and let this end."

"Why does she want Sophie's box?"

His silence answered more than any explanation.

Vanessa appeared behind him. "Daniel," she whispered, "tell her."

"Not now."

"You promised me she wouldn't involve the police."

I turned. "Who told Margaret about the recorder?"

Vanessa's face drained of color.

From the dining room Margaret called, "Vanessa, don't you dare."

The front bell rang.

Sophie flinched. I sat on the rug by the fireplace with her close beside me and the box across my knees. Margaret swept into the foyer, opening the front door wide enough to display two officers against the cold night.

It was almost theatrical: the glittering tree, the uniformed men, the family arranged like figures in a Christmas card that had caught fire.

Officer Ramirez asked who needed assistance. Margaret pointed at me.

"She refuses to return stolen family property," Margaret said. "And she's threatening to take my granddaughter."

I showed the officer our custody order and the messages from my attorney.

"I have primary physical custody," I said. "My daughter came for a voluntary visit. We have a car outside."

Ramirez studied the order. The second officer, Officer Bell, moved into the room and crouched a respectful distance from Sophie.

"Hi there," he said. "Do you need anything?"

Sophie shook her head. Then she whispered, "Can you make Grandma stop talking about keeping me?"

Margaret snapped, "She has been coached."

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"By whom?" Officer Bell asked.

Vanessa stared at the red box, and I realized she was about to say something none of us could take back.