Chapter 6 - THEY WANTED DANIEL TOO
I almost left the operation after that.
Money was one thing.
My son was another.
Naomi stopped me from making the mistake Michael expected.
“Rachel.”
“They’re planning to take my child.”
“They’re planning to file papers.”
“That is not the same as succeeding.”
I stared at her.
“How can you say that?”
“Because we have evidence before they file.”
“Because Daniel is safe.”
“Because you are not going to disappear.”
“Because now we know the plan.”
I forced myself to sit.
The emergency custody draft claimed I had become emotionally unstable.
It said I was planning to take Daniel out of Illinois without Michael’s consent.
False.
It said I had threatened to cut Michael off financially.
Partially true now, but not when the document was drafted.
It said my anxiety frightened Daniel.
That made me furious.
Daniel had crawled into my bed because he was frightened of his father.
Then Naomi found the sentence that explained the weekend.
Mother has abruptly left the marital residence following a period of increasing instability.
Lake Geneva.
They wanted me to leave voluntarily.
Then file while I was gone.
My spa weekend would become evidence of abandonment.
Michael would tell a judge he did not know where I was emotionally.
Margaret would say she had been caring for Daniel because I was overwhelmed.
Vanessa’s financial packet would move simultaneously.
Money.
Company.
Child.
All while I sat in a hotel room believing I was resting.
I whispered.
“Three days.”
Naomi nodded.
“They planned to create facts quickly.”
By the time I returned, Michael wanted the house occupied by him.
Daniel physically with him.
Temporary financial access active.
Court papers filed.
Medical letters submitted.
Then he would say.
Look at how unstable Rachel is.
She came home and started accusing everyone.
It was almost perfect.
Then Detective Ramirez asked.
“Does Daniel know about the custody plan?”
“No.”
“Good.”
I looked at him sharply.
“He already knows too much.”
“I agree.”
“Then why good?”
“Because children should not carry adult investigations.”
He was right.
That evening, I made macaroni and cheese.
Daniel told me about a science project.
Michael came home at 7:30.
He kissed me.
I let him.
Then he hugged Daniel.
My son became stiff.
Michael noticed.
“What’s with you lately?”
Daniel looked at me.
I smiled.
“He’s tired.”
Michael ruffled his hair.
“Friday, Mom leaves for her relaxing weekend.”
“Then it’s just us boys.”
Daniel’s face went pale.
I reached under the table and squeezed his knee.
He understood.
Pretend.
Michael smiled at me.
“You really need this trip.”
May you like
I smiled back.
“You have no idea.”
