Liza was on the phone to child services as soon as word reached her about JR's custody trick. She was meeting Marissa later that evening, she just wanted to make sure she was correct about Marissa's rights with regards to AJ. It seemed that JR's final act of spite was to try and keep Marissa away from her son perminantly. Liza was almost certain that wouldn't work. The problem was the woman at the other end of the phone was being less than helpful.

"What was that name again?"

"The child's name is Adam Chandler III, known as AJ, my client is his adopted mother…"

The woman couldn't seem to understand the problem.

"Yes I have his name here. His father Adam Chandler JR has full custody of the child."

"Yes I am currently disputing this and petitioning on behalf of Marissa Tasker for full custody."

"That is a matter for the courts."

"Yes, but my client was unaware of her legal status and was led to believe by JR… Adam Chandler Jnr. that they had shared custody.

"That's not what my paper work says."

"I know." said Liza trying hard to keep her patience. "But my question is, as Adam Chandler Jnr. is presently committed to a mental institution and awaiting criminal prosecution, is my client within her rights to take the child home given the custody agreement she believed to be in place?"

"Well normally, unless the parent has express wishes otherwise the child is placed with a family member."

"So as his adopted mother, she can take him home without affecting her custody suit."

"I don't know." said the woman rather unhelpfully. "Do you want to speak to my supervisor, I'm quite new here."

"I'd never have guessed." Liza muttered under her breath.

Over the phone Liza could hear a sigh and a rustle of paper and then someone giving the new employee instructions on how to transfer a call. The phone rung twice and then a man picked up.

"Hello," said Liza trying to keep her voice sweet. "I hope you can help me. I am a lawyer acting on behalf of Marissa Tasker. She is currently taking part in a legal suit against Adam Chandler Jnr. for custody of Adam Chandler III…"

"Are you calling to organise a home check?"

"No. JR Chandler… Chandler Junior, has been institutionalised and is currently awaiting criminal prosecution. I am calling in regards to my clients rights in regards to her adopted son."

"What was that name again…" the man asked.

Liza sighed.

…