She inhaled once, not impatient, just focused.
“Tomorrow is logistics. First, you secure your money. Move your direct deposit to your personal account. Do not empty joint accounts unless I advise it; judges hate that. Second, you change passwords and security questions. Email, phone carrier PIN, banking, cloud storage, utilities, smart home apps, anything he can access. Third, identity documents. Passport, Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, insurance, mortgage, car title. Originals if possible, scans if not. Fourth, evidence. Upload everything in multiple places. Export smart-lock logs. Screenshot texts. Save voicemails. Fifth, do not communicate except one line after filing.”
“What line?”
“We need to communicate through my attorney. Do not come to the house.”
“That sounds cold.”
“Good.”
I stared at the hotel wall.
“What if he shows up?”
“You don’t open the door. You call non-emergency. You document. If he texts, screenshot. If he calls, voicemail. If Tessa tries to talk, one line: counsel. Nothing else.”
“What if I need to go back before the order?”