Page 61 of Anatomy of Us

“Your client has a legal duty to supervise the minor’s well-being during custodial time. Ignorance does not relieve him of that duty, and it speaks poorly to the sincerity of his concern,” the judge says, then turns back to Nate. “Did you know your partner was posting these images?”

Silence.

“Mr. Henderson. I asked you a question.”

“I… some. I knew about some of them, not all and—”

“And you did not consider it inappropriate to photograph an eleven-month-old child on a boat without a life jacket? Because you were also on that boat.”

Nate doesn’t answer.

“Mr. Henderson, this court exists to protect the welfare of minors. We do not exist to be used as a weapon in personal disputes, and we cannot ignore a series of glaring negligent acts while you accuse others of the same.”

The judge takes her glasses off again and sets them on the bench with deliberate care.

“I have reviewed this case thoroughly given its media attention. Ms. Méndez has shown, consistently and repeatedly, that she is a dedicated, capable, protective mother. She has provided a stable home, a strong supportnetwork, and she has prioritized her child’s well-being above any other consideration.”

She pauses, long enough that the words sink into the bones of the room, long enough that Nate has to sit there and take them.

“You, Mr. Henderson, have demonstrated the opposite,” she adds, pointing at him with her index finger. “Therefore, this court revokes Mr. Nathan Henderson’s shared custody rights effective immediately.”

Nate jerks up from his chair.

“You can’t do that!”

“Sit down, Mr. Henderson! Another interruption and I will have you removed from this courtroom. I can, and I am.” Her voice sharpens. “Revised Code of Washington, section 26.09 grants me authority to modify custody when there is evidence of neglect or danger to the minor. In this case, there is, along with clear intent to use the child for commercial gain.”

Harrington grips Nate’s arm and forces him back into his seat.

“Full physical and legal custody is awarded to Ms. Zoe Méndez,” the judge concludes.

“This is ridiculous,” Nate mutters through clenched teeth. “They’re just photos.”

“Mr. Henderson,” the judge growls, eyes on him, “one more word and I will hold you in contempt. Do you understand me?”

Nate shuts his mouth and fists his hands on the table.

“This court also imposes a five-thousand-dollar sanction for abuse of process, given the pattern of frivolous and unsupported filings in the last six months. If you file another motion without substantial merit, the sanction will be significantly higher. The justice system does not exist for you to waste its time on disputes without legal basis.”

Nate’s attorney shakes his head, slow and tired. I don’t think he takes another call from his client.

“Ms. Méndez.”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Zoe says, lifting her head. She trembles a little, emotion right under her skin.

“Take care of your son. This court trusts you will continue to do so with the same dedication you have shown thus far.”

“I will, Your Honor. Thank you,” Zoe promises, her voice dropping until it’s almost a whisper.

Epilogue

Zoe

February, the next year.

Florida heat hits like a tackle. Ninety degrees at nine in the morning, and it still doesn’t surprise me. This is our fifth year coming here for preseason. For Tessa and Wesley it’s the second. I guess it’s familiar now, in that weird way hotels and practice fields start to feel like home if you repeat them enough.

The air tastes like salt and sunscreen. My jersey sticks to my back before warm-ups even start.