It’s a long and draining few hours that eventually ends in talks of custody.

Hannah’s grip on her leg is tight as soon as the word is uttered and Caroline slips her hand off of the table to slip a folder back into her briefcase, but mostly does it so that she can place her hand on top of Hannah’s to try and soothe her.

It’s going to be okay.

She squeezes softly as she speaks. “My client has been the sole provider of emotional stability and support for Abbie for her entire life. She’s been the primary – dare I say, only – caregiver for Abbie and has continued to do so, with very little involvement from your client in over a year.”

Hannah’s hand flips over so that she can lace their fingers together, clinging.

Morrison opens his mouth, but it’s Michael who speaks. “I want full custody.”

***

Needless to say, a settlement isn’t figured out just then.

She takes Hannah to The Bean Dream and sits with her afterwards, getting her a coffee and encouraging her to drink as her face is ashen, so visibly shaken by his words.

“Full custody?” It’s all Hannah’s said since they left, as if she can’t comprehend the words. “He doesn’t – he’s never once voluntarily spent a day with Abbie.” She draws her hands roughly through her hair, the stress making her movements jagged. “I was afraid he was going to ask for joint custody, I…”

She can feel Hannah’s distress in her own chest, as if she’s absorbing it. She wishes she could absorb it.

She scoots her chair closer to Hannah’s, sitting close to her, keeping her voice low and soothing. “He’s only asking for custody because he’s angry.”

Hannah whips her head up. “Like that makes me feel better?”

Caroline quickly shakes her head. “He’s pissed I found out about his account in Singapore – believe me, he tried to hide it pretty well. But it’s the ultimate bargaining chip –”

“Why didn’t you tell me about that?” Hannah demands. The anger in her tone is intense, sudden, burning, and so is the reflection of it in her gaze. “And why did you ask for the child support and alimony? I told you that I don’t want his money.”

It takes her aback, her eyes widening in surprise, even as a kernel of shame forms in the pit of her stomach. “I – I knew you wouldn’t want me to do it,” she admits quietly. “I knew if I told you, you would tell me no.”

Which is, guiltily, the entire truth. She couldn’t expressly go against a client’s orders in a settlement, but if Hannah didn’t know…