He knows.
He knows I told her about the ninja dream.
Ms. Rodriguez’s expression didn’t change. “Mrs. Lyon was understandably nervous about the home visit. That’s a normalreaction. Many people are anxious when Child Services comes to their home.”
“But would you say her level of anxiety was... excessive?”
“I would say it was within normal parameters for the situation.”
She’s protecting us.
She’s actually protecting us.
Richard looked frustrated. “No further questions.”
Ms. Rodriguez stepped down, and I felt like I could breathe again.
Maybe we’re okay.
Maybe this is going to be okay.
Then Richard stood again.
“Your Honor, I’d like to call Catherine Lyon to the stand.”
What? No, no, no, no, no.
Please, God, no!
I felt Gabriel go rigid beside me.
Anthony’s jaw tightened. “Your Honor—”
“Mrs. Lyon is a party to this case,” Richard said smoothly. “I have the right to question her.”
Judge Winters looked at me, then at Richard. “Proceed. But keep it relevant, counselor.”
“Of course, Your Honor.”
I stood on legs that felt like they’d been replaced with jelly.
Don’t fall.
Don’t trip.
Don’t do anything stupid.
I walked to the witness stand, my heels clicking too loudly on the floor.
The bailiff approached with a Bible. “Please raise your right hand.”
I raised it, trying to keep it from shaking.
“Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
The truth. The whole truth.
That our marriage is fake, and I’m in love with my boss, and I have recurring dreams about ninjas?
