Page 137 of Chaotic Curse
I gulp.“And…?”
“It’s been determined that there’s insufficient evidence that you face individualized danger if you’re removed to Colombia.This is your formal notice.”
The words hit in pieces.
Temporary Protected Status.
Insufficient evidence.
Removed.
I blink dumbly.“What does that mean?Right now?”
“It means your TPS and its benefits—work authorization, protection from removal—end as of the date of this notice.”She points to a block of text that swims in my vision.
She continues talking but I don’t hear her.
It’s just a jumble of blurred noise.
Raven appears in the hall behind me, robe tied, eyes wide.“What’s going on?”
I can’t pull air.“Immigration,” I whisper.
She grabs the file from me.“Let me see that.”Then she turns to Officer Patel.“This is insane.No government agency works this quickly.It’s only been a few days since Daniela and Vinnie’s divorce.”
Officer Patel doesn’t react.“I don’t know anything about that, ma’am.”
“You’ll be hearing from our attorney.”Raven pushes her out the door.“Now get the hell out of here.”
“Ma’am—”
Raven slams the door.
“I… I thought it was the police,” I say.
Vinnie comes around the corner, phone to his chest.“Who was at the door?Was it the cops?”
“Not yet,” Raven says.She hands him the packet.“DHS says Daniela’s temporary protective status has been revoked.”
“Jesus.”He looks at Raven.Looks back at me.“That’s impossible.”
“That’s what I said,” Raven agrees.“The government is notoriously slow.Something is fishy.”
“We’ll get an attorney,” Vinnie says.“I’ll call?—”
“Please.”I hold up my hand.“Forget about me.I don’t even care right now.We need to find Belinda.”
Vinnie lays a hand on my shoulder.“You are just as important to Raven and me as Belinda is, Dani.”
“But I’m an adult.I can take care of myself.Belinda’s a child.Please.We have to find her.”
Raven nods.“She’s right, Vinnie.”
I nod too fast.My vision swims.“The note.It’s typed.It sounds wrong.”
Raven’s hand tightens.“Police asked us to leave her room untouched.They’re on their way.”
“I know.”I press my fists to my thighs until they hurt.Pain makes the room sharpen.“I think— I think it’s him.”
