That was the night she ran away.
The neighbor had called animal control about a dog barking non-stop at 2 a.m. That report had been buried. But now, it all connected.
Leonard stood up suddenly. “This is a setup! You people don’t want a father to reunite with his child!”
Moose growled louder.
The bailiff moved forward.
Judge Dawson’s voice rang out: “Enough. This child gave us all we needed to know.”
She turned to the bailiff. “Escort Mr. Griffin out of my courtroom. I’ll be issuing a restraining order immediately.”
Leonard shouted something incoherent, but Moose stood his ground, placing himself between the man and the girl.
It was as if this wasn’t his first time doing exactly that.
After Leonard was removed, the courtroom let out a collective exhale.
Isla reached down, buried her face in Moose’s fur, and whispered, “We did it, buddy.”
Tears streamed down Megan’s cheeks. Jim squeezed her hand.
The judge cleared her throat. “Isla… you are incredibly brave. And Moose—” she chuckled, wiping at her eye, “—you deserve a medal.”
