Page 15 of Pretty Black

“I always feel like the homophobic ones doth protest too much.” The preachers and senators and anyone else who got visceral when it came to love.

“You might be right.” Caspian pulled his phone from his pocket. “Speaking of Mr. St. Clair, he’s calling. Should I answer it?”

A pit formed in my stomach. “Fuck. I hope he didn’t release them already.”

“Should I?”

“Go ahead.”

“We have a problem.”

“What do you mean?” Caspian asked.

“The lawyers for Diamond Management have filed an emergency petition to the courts for involuntary admission. It details the risk of immediate physical harm if Iris isn’t admitted.”

“Is that even legal?” I asked, hands shaking.

“In Illinois, a judge can force an individual to be admitted against their will. Anyone can file this petition with a relationship or legal or financial interest, and it can result in immediate hospitalization of the individual.”

“How can they do that? This could be used for retaliation for anyone mad at anyone else.” I tried not to get worked up, but my voice pitched.

“Well, that is a little more complicated. As part of the petition, they have to describe the mental illness and demonstrate an immediate risk for harm, so they have to have good evidence—” Mr. St Clair cut himself off.

“They have something?” I asked, gaze locking onto Caspian’s.

“They have a video.”

“You want to know if this is current or doctored and from the past?” Caspian asked carefully.

“Yes. Is there a possibility this petition is accurate?”

Caspian held my gaze, flooded with emotion. I shook my head mouthingHow?He lifted his shoulders.

“Mr. Locke, Mr. Black, are you still with me?”

“The petition has merit. But I don’t think Iris is at risk of harming himself as of this phone call.”

Mr. St. Clair sighed. “Unfortunately, there is very little I can do to combat a video. I will do my best because of our pending litigation and have Mr. White removed from managing Mr. Black’s healthcare management, but I would say be prepared for him to be admitted on a seventy-two-hour hold.”

“Fuck!” I screamed, pulling at my hair. I couldn’t go back. I couldn’t do another stay.

“They’ve listed you as a witness, Caspian. Is that also correct?”

“Yes,” Caspian said through his teeth. “Will they make me speak?”

“They may, and I wouldn’t advise perjuring yourself, no matter what you think is best for Mr. Black.”

“How can they even do this? What if I don’t show up?” I said, anger welling up inside me.

“The judge could have done all of this without giving us a chance to contest, but because of the sensitive nature of the case and the pending restraining order and litigation, the judge was kind enough to agree to hold off on admitting him before we have a hearing. If you don’t show up, it will end in the judge ruling against you and an involuntary admission.”

“Fuck.” I sank to my knees, unable to contain my rage any longer.

“What is the worst case here? Will he only be held seventy-two hours, or could Alexander push for more?”

“With a court order, they can admit Mr. Black for ninety days, then reassess and file for another ninety days continuously. It depends on the facility and the care providers and their assessment of Mr. Black. But we can petition for discharge and or a transfer if we are unhappy as long as we get Mr. White off his case management.”

“So I’m fucked.” I let my head hang, coping with the realization I may have made the wrong decision last night.

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