“This is a mistake, Anna. I’d hate to have to bring everything we know about you up in court. There’s no way a judge would give you custody. You have to know that.”

Anna stiffened in my hold. I could practically feel the waves of anger and fear rolling off her. I brushed my thumb back and forth across her shoulder, trying to bring some sort of comfort. But I didn’t take my eyes off Mr. Foley. “Us. We’ll be asking the court to grant us custody.”

A light dawned as he put the pieces together, suddenly realizing that this wouldn’t be as much of a slam dunk as he’d thought. “Elise, let’s go back to the hotel and call our lawyer.”

Walker motioned towards the doors. “I think that’s best. I’ll also have to ask that you not return to Hope House. This is private property.”

Elise stiffened as she walked. “This is ridiculous. I want my grandchildren. John, they can’t do this.”

“Elise,” John said softly. “Quiet.”

She snapped her mouth closed. As if that soft tone were something else entirely. Not gentle at all, but the most severe threat.

John met Walker’s stare as they paused before the doors, Jefferson behind them. “Is it really wise for the police department to so clearly take sides in a matter like this one? Some courts wouldn’t look favorably on that.”

Anna tensed at my side, drawing in a sharp breath.

Walker gave John an easy smile. “I work for the people of this town. And I’m simply carrying out the law as it stands. Anna has custody right now.”

“I just hope you’re prepared to carry out that same law when a judge awards us custody.”

Walker shrugged. “We’ll just have to see what the courts say. Have a good afternoon.”

John and Elise turned and headed out the door. As John put his hand on Elise’s lower back, she flinched.

The doors shut, the bang of the action seeming to echo in the silent entryway. Jefferson moved quickly to lock them. “I think this is best for now,” he said.

Kennedy moved to help him. “You’re right. Just in case.”

Anna stepped out of my hold. “I’m so sorry.”

I felt the loss of her warmth instantly. I wanted to pull her back, to shield her from all of the ugliness I knew was coming her way. “This isn’t your fault.”

“I brought this here. Hope House is supposed to be a haven. A place where people feel safe. Not somewhere strangers barge in and create a scene. How did they even know where I was?”

Kennedy moved to her friend, pulling Anna into a hug. “Mase is right. None of this is on you. And we’ve had far worse scenes than this one. That’s why we have security and the police department on speed dial.”