Chapter 16 - Closing the Doors
The next morning, we flew home to Denver.
Odette met us at the airport with a small sign that read WELCOME HOME, RHETT in blue marker. She had brought his favorite breakfast burrito from a neighborhood café and a new water bottle covered in superhero stickers. She did not ask him questions. She did not make him explain.
She simply knelt, opened her arms, and said, “I’m very glad you’re home.”
He hugged her immediately.
That afternoon, while Rhett watched a movie in the living room, a locksmith changed every exterior lock on my townhouse. I removed my parents and sister from the home security system. I changed the garage code.
I contacted Rhett’s elementary school and spoke directly with the principal and front-office manager. They removed all three names from his emergency contacts and approved pickup list.
The principal asked whether there was a custody concern.
“There is a documented family safety incident,” I said. “My attorney will provide any paperwork you need.”
“We’ll place an alert on his file immediately.”
I contacted his pediatrician and updated the medical authorization forms. I removed my mother from the summer-camp registration system. I changed the password on the family photo account because Delphine had access to it.
Each task took only a few minutes. Together, they closed doors I should never have left open.
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My attorney sent a formal notice to my parents and Isolde stating that they were not authorized to contact Rhett directly, appear at his school, collect him from any activity, or enter my home.
The notice was not dramatic. It consisted of clear sentences on professional letterhead.
