Page 32 of Proof

Chris looked up at Evan. “Now what?”

“Now we file for full custody. She has been put on notice that she simply cannot do what she wants.”

Chris smirked. “That’ll be a first. She is not going to take it well.”

“Not your problem. She can have all the tantrums she wants, but unless a judge decrees that she can move Carter out of state, she doesn’t have a leg to stand on.”

“But what if she just packs him up and leaves?”

“Chris. Are you forgetting you are a U.S. Marshal? Kidnapping is your area of jurisdiction.”

Chris laughed for the first time. “That woman makes me nuts, although I doubt they would let me take the case. Conflict of interest.” He paused. “But did you know that there are over 875,000 abductions every year? And ninety percent are family members, sixty percent of which are women.”

“Interesting stats, but I doubt she’ll become one of them. Do you think Carter would go willingly without telling you?”

“I would hope not.”

“Good. When do you plan on speaking with him?”

“He has practice on Thursday, and I’ll be there coaching. Then we usually go to Jack’s Bar-B-Que. Sometimes one or two of his friends will join us.”

“Good. Glad to hear you have a lot of interaction with Carter and his friends. Does Bruce?”

“Who?” Chris joked.

Evan chuckled. “Keep everything on a routine schedule, so Carter doesn’t feel any disruption.” Evan checked his notes. “We don’t want him to start to experience anxiety over this. I’m not saying he won’t, because he probably will, but maintaining a sense of normalcy will help. If they plan on leaving in six months, that will put the date sometime after the school year begins. Is she aware of how unsettling that can be?”

Chris huffed. “Is she aware of anything other than herself? You know her as well as I do.”

Evan nodded. “I’m acting as your lawyer now. She will be her own worst enemy if she continues to be combative. I was relieved you controlled your emotions. The two main things we need to focus on are winning over the psychologist and winning over the judge. As I mentioned the other night, keep a journal of everything pertaining to Carter: how much time you spend with him, homework, baseball, anything and everything. Evidence of your ability to parent him singularly will be key.”

“Understood. So, what’s next?”

“Monica should have the paperwork ready.” He picked up the phone and buzzed her. “Do you have the papers for Mr. Gaines?” There was a pause as he listened and then said, “Great. Thanks.”

A few minutes later, Monica appeared with a file. She sat in the chair that had been occupied earlier by Lucinda. The top of the form said MODIFICATION OF CUSTODY AGREEMENT. Chris looked it over. “Do you want me to fill this out now?”

“The sooner, the better. It’s going to take some time to get all our ducks in a row. Once the initial paperwork is filed, then we can get a court-appointed psychiatrist or psychologist so there will be no issues with favoritism.”

Chris went to work on the forms. “What should I put down for the ‘AS OF’ date?”

“I suggest September first. That will keep Carter in the same school district.”

“Do you think this will be resolved in the next few months?”

“That, I cannot guarantee. But often, when a parent is attempting to violate an agreement, the court gives the case priority treatment. Remember, we’re heading into the summer, and people take vacations.”

“Speaking of vacations, I wanted to take Carter to the Grand Canyon, but I doubt Lucinda will go for that, especially if I’m filing for full custody.”

“Correct. Keep things local and uncomplicated.”

Gaines let out a huge sigh. “Plus, with the new job, I may not be able to get much time off.”

“Don’t let anyone hear you say that. Your stance is that you are available to your son twenty-four-seven.”

“Roger that.” Chris completed the forms and handed them back to Monica. “Thanks.”

Chapter Nine

---