Chapter 13 - The First Move|
That evening, Catherine received a call from Henry Sterling.
"Catherine," Henry’s voice came through the speaker, crisp and urgent. "We just filed the formal motion for full custody and an emergency protective order in Cook County Family Court."
"How did Michael’s lawyers react?" Catherine asked, sitting on the sofa in Fairmount, watching Claire sleep in her bassinet.
"They tried to block the filing," Henry chuckled softly. "They claimed you were unfit due to post-partum instability. But I attached the medical records signed by Dr. Brooks—confirming you were entirely coherent, calm, and that Michael failed to attend the delivery."
Catherine let out a slow breath. "Thank you, Henry."
"Be careful, Catherine," Henry warned, his tone turning serious. "Michael is cornered now. The federal task force served his firm with a subpoena two hours ago regarding his dock operations. He knows you're not coming back, and he knows his empire is taking hits."
Ten minutes after hanging up with Henry, Catherine’s doorbell rang.
Rachel looked out the narrow window near the front entrance, her face draining of color. "Catherine... there’s a black car parked outside. Two men are on the porch."
Catherine stood up immediately, her heart pounding, but she forced herself to stay calm. She walked into the kitchen, picked up her phone, and dialed Daniel's private number.
He answered on the first ring.
"Catherine?" Daniel’s calm voice came through the line. "Is everything okay?"
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"Daniel, there are two of Michael’s men outside my sister's house," Catherine whispered, looking through the hallway toward the front door. "They're knocking."
"Don't open the door," Daniel said instantly, the sound of an engine revving in the background on his end. "I’m three blocks away near the park. I'm coming right now."
