Kelly undergoes surgery. Steve's attorneys request remote appearance at a visitation conference. At five o'clock the evening before, the court denies the request. He boards an overnight flight. When he arrives, Judge Horowitz has already entered a default — granting permanent custody and a five-year order of protection at what was scheduled as a status conference.
The case passes to a fourth judge. Schauer vacates the Horowitz default and issues two temporary orders of protection — one against each party. The poisoner and the poisoned are treated as symmetrical threats. Steve tells the court a permanent temporary order does not give him a chance to face his accuser. The court tells him he is muddying the record.
Jennifer Jackman resigns as Attorney for the Child without explanation. Her replacement files a motion to suppress all blog content. A visitation conference is converted into a gag order hearing. Steve is declared in default. Judge Schauer orders the blog removed — every post, every photograph, every grandmother's letter. The words are precise. Erase. Deactivate. Delete.