The principal continued.

“She told our staff that Emma’s father had authorized her pickup. Emma refused to leave with her. Shortly afterward, Mr. Travis arrived for his regular pickup.”

“They didn’t know who they were supposed to release her to, so I asked them to call you.”

The principal nodded. “Which is what we did.”

A headache began forming behind my eyes.

“I never approved you picking her up. I don’t understand why you’re here.”

“What?”

Melissa’s expression changed.

“I didn’t know anything about this, Mel.”

“Ryan said you did. He told me you guys decided Travis wasn’t picking her up anymore.”

Anger replaced my fear almost instantly. “We didn’t decide anything.”

Melissa looked genuinely hurt. “Why would he tell me you did?”

I had no answer.

Whatever Ryan feared, he’d gone behind my back to act on it.

Emma tugged my sleeve.

“I want to stay with Travis.” She