Chapter Forty-Six
“Come in, young man, and have a seat.” Judge Cooper was dressed casually in a pair of tan slacks and a cream-colored sweater. She closed the door, leaving Sam and Harper outside her chambers. In her mind, Ryley was old enough to understand right from wrong with clarity.
Her chambers were far from sterile as she guided him to one of the wing-back chairs beside an electric fireplace. It had a homey feel, giving her the peace to ponder her difficult decisions undisturbed. Ryley looked around as he fidgeted in the dark green chair. His feet barely touched the ground as he slid back and then forward, perching awkwardly on the edge as if he didn’t know how to sit. His face paled when he finally glanced in her direction. She leaned back and propped her elbow on the arm of her
