A process server came to Linda's work that day. Linda was a paralegal and executive assistant at a law firm downtown. She'd been around legal documents for a long time.
She opened it and gasped. "Linda Madison, Social Security No: YYY-YY-YYYY is ordered to report to the Transformation Wing at City Hospital within 24 hours of receipt of this message. Failure to report will result in police action." First Jon, then her.
She hurried in to see one of the firm partners and showed it to him. You weren't supposed to talk about notices with others, but one could consult their therapist, clergy, or lawyer. "They just took my son in, and now me...I want to be here to help him when he comes home. I promised when I dropped him off."
"You don't even know if they are letting you maintain custody, or what the charges were about. This is a secret court, Linda," her boss told her. "You had your advocate."
"What about a request for review or delay, for special circumstances?" She said, using her law knowledge.
"We can try..." he said. "But it is usually denied. The court must arrange a guardian while you are under to look after them. I'll make a few calls," he promised.
She went back to her desk and fretted. After a while, he came over. "I'm sorry, Linda. I asked for an emergency review, and it was denied. I did speak to the receptionist at the hospital, and your children will have guardianship from the moment you report for punishment. If you need anything..." he said." He paused, wondering what she'd done. "I hope you still can work here when you are released," he said. "You can have the rest of the day off if you want."
He left her at her desk, wiping her damp eyes.
