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By the time Emma’s mother arrived, still in scrubs, the little girl was sitting on Mike’s lap eating chicken nuggets, surrounded by fifteen of the roughest-looking men in the state. Safe for the first time in years.
Bones spoke quietly. “He’s smart. Hurt her where it wouldn’t show. Scared her into silence.”
Judge Cole arrived soon after, not in robes but in jeans and a riding jacket. She took one look at Emma and made a single call. “Detective Morrison. Special victims. He’ll be here in ten.”
Carl stormed outside in his bathrobe, blustering. “What the hell is this? I’m calling the police!”
“Please do,” Judge Cole said calmly. “They’re already on their way.”