“And your income is, heh, not derived from any activity declared to be criminal,” says the county clerk with a twinkled eye. Chicago’s eyes are flat.
“Just enter the petition,” she says.
“Sweetie, we get a lot of kids in here,” he says reasonably. “I know life with Mom and Dad can be tough, but unless you have a signed form–”
“Here.”
“–and not in shaky cursive–”
“It’s notarized,” Chicago snaps.
“Emancipation isn’t for fun, Miss.” He’s flat-eyed now too. “You’ll be a legal adult and your decisions will have real weight, you understand that?”
Chicago’s heart pounds and pounds.