“I have a right to see my son.”
“You have a right to scheduled visitation through proper legal channels. You don’t have the right to show up unannounced and harass his mother.” I cross my arms. “Leave. Or I call the police, and we let them sort out who has what rights.”
Derek’s jaw tightens. For a moment, I think he’s going to push it and force the confrontation.
Then he looks at Rachel. “This isn’t over. The custody hearing is in three weeks. Be ready.”
He turns and walks out without another word.
Jake closes the door the second Derek’s off the porch.
Rachel’s still standing in the same spot, shaking like she’s trying to hold herself together through sheer force of will.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Fine. I’m fine.” But her voice cracks on the second fine. “He’s right, you know about all of it. I am living in my brother’s house. I am unemployed. I was at two fires. Any judge looking at my life right now would question whether Tommy should be with me.”
“Any judge looking at Derek for five minutes would question whether Tommy should be anywhere near him.” I keep my voice even. “He’s manipulative. Controlling. That display just now. That was emotional abuse. Classic intimidation tactics.”
“That was Derek being Derek.” She sinks onto the couch. “And he’s going to use every single thing I’ve done wrong as ammunition.”
Jake sits beside her. “We’ll fight this. We’ll get you a lawyer. We’ll show the judge exactly who Derek is.”
“With what money? I can’t even afford my own apartment right now.” Rachel presses her hands over her face. “He’s going to win. He’s going to take Tommy, and I’m not going to be able to stop him.”
“He’s not going to win.” I sit in the armchair across from them. “Because we’re going to make sure he doesn’t.”
She drops her hands and looks at me. “Why do you care? This isn’t your problem.”
“You’re Jake’s sister. Jake’s my friend. That makes it my problem.” It’s not the whole truth, but it’s true enough. “And I don’t like bullies. Derek’s a bully. I’ve dealt with his type before.”
“In the military?”
“And after. People like Derek exist everywhere. They think intimidation and manipulation are viable strategies because it’s worked for them before.” I lean forward. “But he’s dealing with people who won’t back down now. And that’s his mistake.”
Rachel’s quiet for a long moment. Then: “Thank you. For stepping in. For making him leave.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Thank me when the custody hearing’s over and you still have Tommy.”
“You really think I’ll win?”
“I think Derek just showed his hand. He’s aggressive, controlling, and willing to harass you at your home. That’s not the behavior of someone who cares about Tommy’s well-being. That’s the behavior of someone who wants to win.” I stand up. “And when we show the judge that difference, Derek loses.”
I head toward the door. Jake follows me out onto the porch.
“Thanks for that,” he says quietly. “I was about to punch him, which wouldn’t have helped Rachel’s case.”
“Probably not.” I look back at the house. “Derek’s dangerous. Not physically, but emotionally. He knows exactly how to hurt her.”
“I know. I’ve been watching him do it for years.” Jake runs a hand through his hair. “I’m leaving for Alaska in a couple of weeks. I don’t want to leave her dealing with this alone.”
“She won’t be alone. Cole, Theo, and I will make sure of that.”
Jake studies my face. “You guys have been spending a lot of time with her lately.”
“She’s family. That’s what you do for family.”
“Right. Family.” But something in his tone says he’s not entirely buying it. “Just… be careful. Rachel’s vulnerable right now. She doesn’t need anyone making her life more complicated.”
