Chapter 9: The Mother's Return
The heavy glass doors of the federal field office pushed open, and a woman in her late thirties rushed inside, breathless and visibly shaken. Her hair was windswept, her coat half-buttoned, and her eyes wide with a mixture of panic and fierce concern. This was Catherine Harrison, Richard’s estranged wife and Leo’s mother, who had been kept largely in the dark by Richard’s tight grip on family control and legal intimidation.
Elena stepped forward to intercept her before she reached the secure hallway. ""Mrs. Harrison?""
Catherine stopped, clutching her handbag tightly against her chest. ""Yes. I'm Leo's mother. I got a call from child services saying my son was detained at a federal facility. What is happening? Where is Richard?"" Richard had told her Leo was simply staying late at school for a debate club meeting.
""Your son is safe, Mrs. Harrison, but he was involved in a serious incident yesterday,"" Elena said gently, guiding Catherine toward a quiet seating area away from the bustling bullpen. ""He physically assaulted an eight-year-old girl, pushing her down a flight of concrete stairs at the academy.""
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Catherine staggered back slightly, pressing a hand to her mouth. ""No... that's impossible. Leo is proud, yes, but he wouldn't—Richard always said he was just displaying leadership skills...""
""Richard has
