Chapter 7 Over The Dark Edge

Over The Dark Edge Charlotte was alone in the dimly lit living room, the little girl's photo on the coffee table in front of her. When she considered the helpless infant entangled in their strife, her heart hurt. Usually a haven, the space felt stifling tonight, weighed down with doubt and anxiety. Jacks walked in, concern printed on his face. He took her hand and settled down next to her. "The investigator and I have had another conversation. He thinks we have a good case to win custody. With eyes never leaving the scene, Charlotte nodded. Everything has to be ready for us, Jacks. Unpredictable is Lucy. She will do all in her power to keep us apart from our daughter." Jacks gave her a squeeze. Charlotte, we'll take her down together. We shall defend our family. Charlotte and Jacks saw Mr. Harris, their attorney, at his downtown office early the following morning. Legal book shelves lined the walls, and the air was heavy with the aroma of leather and ancient paper. Mr. Harris gave his glasses a serious adjustment. "I looked over the file. Though the evidence is strong, Lucy is not going to give up lightly. We have a protracted and challenging fight ahead of us." A cold scuttled Charlotte's back. What has to be done? "Get as much evidence as you can," Mr. Harris said. "We must establish that you are the best choice for the child's welfare and that Lucy is unfit." Charlotte received a text message on her phone as they exited the office. She recognized who it was right away even if the number was unknown. **Lucy** Sweetie, you're over your head. Is it your belief that you can take her? Never mind. With shaky hands from rage, Charlotte handed Jacks the letter. Her teasing of us. Jacks hardened his jaw. The woman is terrified. She is aware that we are drawing nearer. The next several days were devoted to compiling all the proof they could lay their hands on. They located old neighbors, met with former acquaintances of Lucy, and even spoke with social professionals who had previously worked with her. Every fresh detail revealed made Lucy's instability even more apparent. Their phone rang one evening as they were sorting through a mountain of paperwork. Private investigator was the one. He said, "I've found something," quite sharply. Then you must see this. In a little café outside of town, they met Mr. Thompson, the investigator. He presented them with an album including papers and pictures. Lucy has been concealing something, he remarked. She has a track record of dishonesty and fraud and has been using several identities. Heart thumping, Charlotte turned the folder over. This alone establishes her incompetence, doesn't it? It's a start, Mr. Thompson said in response. Still, more is needed. Anything that will unequivocally demonstrate she poses a risk to the child is what we need. Charlotte buzzed her phone once more as they left the café. It came from an unidentified number this time. Answering hesitantly, she said. "Charlotte," a voice everyone knew said. Lucy, that was. What do you want, Lucy? Insisted Charlotte. You think you're so smart, Lucy said, sneering. Yet you will never succeed. That will be ensured by me. Charlotte became rather angry. Not giving up, Lucy. Everything will be done to keep our kid safe. We'll see about that, Lucy stated in a chilly, intimidating tone. Will see. Court dates and legal meetings flitted by during the next few weeks. Every day Lucy presented more difficulties and dangers. But Jacks and Charlotte were adamant, and every day their resolve got stronger. Mr. Harris called with urgent news one afternoon as they were getting ready for another court appearance. We got a tip, he said. A video exists in which Lucy acknowledges her dishonesty. We can win the case with only that. There was hope, Charlotte thought. Where is it? How are we to acquire it? A former associate of Lucy is holding it, Mr. Harris said. His agreement to testify is in return for immunity. Tensed was the court appearance the following day. With resentment in her eyes, Lucy sat across the room as Charlotte and Jacks gave their proof. Lucy admitted to her lies and manipulation in a clear and damning voice on the tape that was played for the court. Charlotte prayed for a miracle while the judge went over the evidence. At last the judge lifted his head, serious in his face. It is evident from the facts put forth that Lucy is unfit to look after the child, he said. Charlotte and Jacks get custody. Joy and relief shot through Charlotte as the courtroom burst into applause. That was their victory. For their daughter, they had prevailed in their struggle. But Lucy came up to them, her face contorted with fury, as they were leaving the courthouse. This is far from done, she spat. Get her back, I promise. Watch. Charlotte was a tall, determined woman. Lucy, we're going to be ready. Always prepared is what we will be. Charlotte stared at Jacks as they drove home, pride and love filling her. They had conquered the night. She understood, nevertheless, that the fight was far from finished. They would have to keep watchful and prepared to defend their family from the still-present shadows. Charlotte had a wave of tranquility that evening as they put their daughter to bed for the first time. They had battled for her and they would fight for her no matter what. Still, she couldn't get rid of the impression that Lucy's remarks were a foreboding of the wars to come. And she realized the battle for their family had really just started as she dozed off.