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And when she spasms around me with a tender whiroan, it feels likeI’ve ever had before and so with anyone else

Chelsea’s head still rests onafter the water turns cold Eventually, we climb out of the tub, dry each other off, and fall asleep in her bed wrapped around each other

24

Ten a, Chelsea and I walk into courtroom 7-A in the Family Court of the District of Colunated table; Stanton, Sofia, and Brent sit in the front row behind us Chelsea is nervous but cory for a win It’s the feeling I always get No nerves--just eagerness

The attorney representing the Children and Faency takes her own place at the table across thedown the skirt of her conservative, well-tailored black suit She’s a redhead in her forties who looks almost as confident as I feel

The bailiff announces that court is in session and we all rise as the judge--a gray-haired, spectacle-wearing woman who, if the lace around her collar is any indication, is a fan of Ruth Bader Ginsburg--enters the roo who--then she asks in

"I call the director of CFSA, Dexter Smeed, Your Honor"

Dexter Smeed looks exactly like you’d picture so hair; pressed, starched white button-down shirt; broeed jacket; and light green bowtie He’s sworn in and takes a seat in the witness box

"Mr Smeed, have you ever seen Chelsea McQuaid before today?"

"No"

"Ever met her, visited her home?"

"No"

"Sent her an e it in "Have you ever interviewed any of the McQuaid children?"

"No"

I step out froainst it "And yet you felt qualified to override the recommendation of the social worker on the case, Janet Morrison--who has seen, visited, and interviewed Miss McQuaid and the children--to order the removal of custody?"

"I did, yes"

"And how did you make that determination, Mr Smeed?"

"I periodically review the files of all the case workers in ency The file contained all the information I needed It’s uardian"--his eyes scan to Chelsea and pause fully--"and who is not"