Chapter 45: Hands

Hazel screamed.

It was one long, furious note that rang off the chandeliers.

"Let go," Judith hissed. "She is a Wainright. She comes with me."

"Let go of her!" Giselle shouted.

She had both arms around Hazel, and Judith had hold of the baby's legs.

They pulled in opposite directions.

Hazel's hands closed on the silver brooch at Judith's collar.

The pin bent flat in her fist.

Judith looked down at the ruined brooch, and her grip loosened for an instant.

Giselle ripped the baby back, and the two women stumbled apart.

Then Judith got her arms around Hazel's middle, hauled her clear of Giselle, and turned toward the service door.

Troy reached her in two strides.

The room saw it.

Two hundred people, and a hundred raised phones.

He did not touch Judith.

He slid one hand under Hazel's arms, and lifted her clear of the old woman's grip.

His other hand stayed open at his side, palm out, where everyone could see it.

Hazel flung herself against his chest.

"Dada, Dada, Dada!"

"I've got you."

"Give her back to me!" Judith said.

"No."

She lunged at him with both hands, going for the baby's dress.

Troy stepped sideways.

It was a small step.

Judith's momentum carried her through the space where he had been.

Her heel caught the hem of her silk skirt, and she went down.

She fell hard on the parquet floor in front of all of them.

Her skirt tore, and the leather folder skidded away from her.

It burst open against a table leg.

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