Chapter 9: The Solicitor's Office
Victor made his move four days later.
His solicitor filed an emergency application claiming Sophie was a missing child who had been concealed from her legal next of kin.
The application named Victor as Mara's closest living relative and Sophie's rightful guardian.
It was filed on a Thursday morning.
By Thursday afternoon, our solicitor — a sharp, unhurried woman named Ms.
Adeyemi — had filed the counter-documentation.
I sat across from Ms.
Adeyemi in her office on Friday.
"He's claiming next of kin," I said.
"Does that hold?"
"Not against a named paternal guardian with DNA evidence and a formal declaration from the mother." She set a folder on the desk between us.
"What he's doing is creating noise.
He wants you to feel uncertain enough to negotiate."
"He called me the night the police came.
He suggested I shouldn't involve them."
"I know.
PC Hartley's report is part of our file." Ms.
Adeyemi folded her hands.
"The recording has been reviewed by the digital crimes unit.
I can't tell you the specifics of what's on it — that's now part of a separate investigation — but I can tell you that Victor's legal team has gone very quiet since yesterday."
"What does that mean?"
"It means the recording is serious.
And it means he has much larger problems than a custody application." She looked at me steadily.
"My advice is to let that process run its course.
Our job is Sophie.
And on Sophie, we are in a strong position."
I looked at the folder.
"What do I need to do?"
"Sign the guardianship application.
We'll have a hearing within three weeks.
Given the documentation, I expect it to be straightforward." She paused.
"How is she?"
"Sleeping in a real bed," I said.
"Eating three meals.
She and Lily have decided they're sisters."
Ms.
Adeyemi allowed herself a small smile.
"Good.
That will matter in the hearing."
I signed the application.
Walking out of her office onto the street, I stopped on the pavement for a moment.
The morning was cold and bright.
People moved past me in both directions.
My phone rang.
Daniel.
"I heard from Ms.
Adeyemi's office," he said.
"How did it go?"
"Well."
"Ryan." A pause.
"I know you said later.
For the conversation.
But—"
"Come for dinner tonight," I said.
"Claire's cooking."
A longer pause.
May you like
"She knows I'm coming?"
"It was her idea."
