Chapter 6: The Law and the Heart
By Monday morning, reality caught up with Jax in the form of a dark blue sedan pulling up outside the local garage where Jax worked as a mechanic. A woman in a sharp business suit stepped out, holding a clipboard and a thick manila folder. It was Ms. Vance from Child Protective Services. Someone in town—likely the bus station authority—had reported a minor traveling alone across state lines.
""Mr. Mercer,"" Ms. Vance said, standing in the oil-stained garage bay as Jax wiped his greasy hands on a rag. ""We have a complicated situation. Leo is currently a ward of the state. While your name is on his birth certificate, your legal status as a primary guardian is non-existent due to your criminal history and lack of formal custody paperwork.""
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Jax felt the room spin slightly, but he kept his composure, stepping closer to the agent. ""He's my son. He came looking for me. I'm not letting him go into foster care."" Ms. Vance looked at Jax, her expression evaluating and professional, yet not entirely devoid of empathy. ""I appreciate your intent, Mr. Mercer. But love isn't enough for the court. You need a stable income, a suitable living space, and a legal evaluation. You have thirty days before a temporary custody hearing. If you fail to meet the state standards, Leo will be placed in a foster home.""
That afternoon, Jax returned home with a newfound sense of urgency. He looked at the modest trailer and his meager savings. For the first time in his life, Jax wasn't just fighting to survive day-by-day—he was fighting for someone else's future.
