PART 20:

Miss Valdez, I’m now going to address the restraining order violation. Mr. Mercer, you were parked outside the Carver residence on November 15th for 17 minutes. Security footage shows you photographing the property and the children. How do you explain this? Daniel went pale. I just wanted to see them from a distance. I wasn’t going to approach. You violated a court order.

You surveiled minor children. You demonstrated you have no respect for legal boundaries. I was desperate. I missed them. I needed to see they were okay. They’re okay because you’re not in their lives. Judge Peter’s voice could have cut glass. Mr. Mercer, you then called Mrs. Carver at 3:00 a.m. yesterday morning and made threats.

Specifically, you told her that a man with nothing to lose is dangerous. Would you like to explain that statement? The blood drained from Daniel’s face completely. I didn’t mean I was drunk. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I would never actually hurt them. Threatening harm to children is a criminal offense.

The only reason you’re not being arrested right now is because I’m giving you one final opportunity to demonstrate you understand the gravity of your situation. Do you understand? Yes, your honor. Do you understand that if you violate the restraining order again, if you contact Mrs. Carver or her children in any way, if you come within 500 yards of them, you will be immediately arrested and charged? Yes, your honor.

Do you understand that your relationship with these children is permanently terminated? That you have no parental rights, no custody, no visitation, that you are, in the eyes of the law, a stranger who harmed them? Daniel’s eyes filled with tears. Whether genuine or performative, Natalie couldn’t tell. I understand. Judge Peters shuffled papers, her expression carved from granite.

Then here’s my ruling. The restraining order will not only remain in place, it will be extended to a permanent injunction. Mr. Mercer is prohibited from all contact with Clare, Mason, and Ava Carver for a period of no less than 10 years, at which point the now adult children may petition to modify or dissolve the order if they choose.

He is prohibited from coming within 500 yards of their residence, their schools, or any location where they regularly appear. He is prohibited from all forms of contact, including phone calls, emails, social media, or third party communication. Patricia tried one last time. Your honor, 10 years is excessive for what amounts to overly strict parenting.

Miss Valdez, I’ve heard the evidence. I’ve seen three traumatized children. I’ve listened to recordings that made my skin crawl. 10 years is lenient. If I had my way, it would be permanent effective immediately. But the law requires I allow for future modification. However, Mr. Mercer, understand this. If those children petition to see you in 10 years, it will be their choice, not yours.

You have forfeited all parental authority. You will also be enrolled in a batter’s intervention program and undergo psychological evaluation. If you fail to comply, criminal charges may be filed. Your honor, Daniel started. I’m not finished. You will also pay child support for all three children until they reach adulthood despite having no custody.

The amount will be determined based on your income. Mrs. Carver will retain sole legal and physical custody. She will make all decisions regarding the children’s upbringing, education, and medical care. You have no say, no input, no rights. Do I make myself clear? Yes, your honor. Daniel’s voice was barely a whisper. Then we’re done here.

This hearing is adjourned. The gavvel came down with a crack that echoed like thunder. For a moment, nobody moved. Then Daniel stood, his face crumbling, and looked across the courtroom at Natalie. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’m so sorry. I never meant.” “Baleiff, remove Mr. Mercer,” Judge Peters said crisply.

As baleiffs escorted Daniel toward the exit, he kept looking back, kept trying to speak. Patricia Valdez gathered her papers with tight, angry movements, and Natalie sat frozen, unable to process that it was over. Actually over. Michael turned to her, his expression triumphant. We won. Complete victory. He can’t touch them.

It’s really over. It’s really over. Ethan leaned forward from behind. you okay? Natalie realized she was crying, not from sadness or fear, but from relief so overwhelming it felt physical. The weight she’d carried for 3 weeks, for 8 years, really. The weight of not knowing her children were suffering, lifted all at once.

“I need to see them,” she said. “Right now. I need my kids.” They found the children in the witness room, clustered together on a couch with the victim’s advocate. All three faces turned toward the door when it opened, expressions cycling rapidly from hope to fear to desperate need for reassurance.

“It’s over,” Natalie said, dropping to her knees in front of them. “You’re safe. He can’t come near you for 10 years minimum. The judge ruled in our favor on everything.” “Everything?” Clare asked cautiously, like she didn’t dare believe it. “Everything? Full custody for me. No visitation for him. Permanent restraining order.

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