We Lost Our Parents, But He Hasn't Lost Me

Chapter 4: The Truth in the Laptop

"Put the phone down," Judge Reed ordered.

Patricia's lawyer froze.

The bailiff moved quickly and took the phone from his hand. The judge then ordered the laptop brought forward and placed in evidence custody.

Ryan watched every movement, terrified that it would disappear like everything else.

A court technician opened it under the judge's order.

The password screen appeared.

Ryan stepped forward. "I know it."

The judge nodded.

Ryan typed carefully.

The screen unlocked.

There were folders named with dates, bank files, and one video recording. Ryan's father had made it two days before the crash.

The technician played it.

Ryan's father appeared on screen, pale and tired.

"If anything happens to us," he said, "the person behind the missing money is Patricia Miller. She has been working with attorney Grant Havel to move funds through fake custody expenses and false care accounts."

Everyone looked at Patricia's lawyer.

His face drained of color.

Ryan's father continued, "We are taking this to Judge Marcus Reed because he handled the original family trust. He will know the account numbers are wrong."

Judge Reed closed his eyes briefly.

Now he understood why Ryan's mother had named him.

The video showed documents, transfers, and forged signatures. It also showed messages between Patricia and Grant discussing "the children" and "control of the payout."

Patricia stood suddenly. "I did not kill them!"

No one had accused her yet.

That was the mistake.

The judge's voice was cold. "Bailiff, detain Ms. Miller and Mr. Havel pending investigation."

Ben began crying harder when the room filled with movement.

Ryan held him tightly. "It's okay. I have you."

The judge looked at both boys, and his expression softened again.

Then he said the words Ryan had been afraid to hope for.

"Temporary custody will not be granted to Patricia Miller."

Ryan almost collapsed.

But the judge was not finished.

"Ryan," he said gently, "you love your brother. That is clear. But you are still a minor. The court must place Ben somewhere safe."

Ryan's face fell.

"Please," he whispered. "Don't take him away."

The judge looked down at the file in front of him.

Then he said, "There may be another option."