I blow out a sigh of relief. All things considered, Troy is fine. If he’s more worried about me squishing his hockey stick balloon than what happened, it’s okay.
Sutton’s hand rubs up and down my back, and it helpssettle everything inside of me. Thank God she’s here, but I don’t know what would have happened if she weren’t.
A nurse pops her head into the room we’re in. “Mr. Hollins, a few police officers would like to talk to you. His mother is in with them now.”
“I’ll be right there.” I nod my head at her and turn my attention to Jameson. “Will you stay with him?”
“Of course. I’ve got plenty of balloons we can make.” Jameson pulls a pile out of his scrub pocket. “I’ve got him.”
“Thank you.”
Taking Sutton’s hand in mine, I follow her out the door to another room. When the door opens, two police officers are there with Missy.
Seeing that Troy was okay calmed me down. Seeing this woman now? I’m ready to snap again.
“What the hell is going on, Missy?” I stalk over toward her.
“Sir. If I may…” An older police officer with short, gray hair sticks a hand out between the two of us. “We were called because someone noticed your son in the car, and with the warm temps today, they were concerned for his well-being.”
“Thank God.” I shift my gaze to him before looking back at Missy. “What were you doing? You can’t leave him in the car!”
“It was a quick stop.” She looks at me like this is the most obvious statement. “I had to fix a nail before we went to the movies.”
Sutton squeezes my bicep. I know it’s to try and keep my anger in check, but I don’t know if I can at this point.
“I don’t care!” I snap. “He’s five. He can’t be left alone.”
“I couldn’t take him inside with me.”
I start pacing. I need to rein in my emotions. With the two police officers in here, plus Sutton and her boss, I don’t need to lose my cool and for them to think I’m the problem. “You can’t leave him by himself.”
“My mom always did when I was little.”
And look how you turned out.
I’m fuming. Whatever goodwill I had in my heart toward Missy is gone. Putting my son in a situation like this is something I don’t think I could ever forgive her for.
“Do you have primary custody, sir?” the younger of the two officers asks me.
I nod. “Yes. We’re supposed to go to court in a few weeks to determine a shared custody arrangement.”
“Child services will likely do a follow-up visit, but since the child was not with you at the time of the incident, he can be released into your care.” He looks between the two of us. “Make sure you reach out to your attorney.”
“I will.”
“Ma’am.” He turns his attention to Missy. “We have a few more questions for you before you go. Mr. Hollins, would you mind giving us the room?”
“Sure.”
The last thing I want is to be in a shared space with Missy. Sutton exchanges a few words with Linda before she takes my hand once again and leads me to a room at the end of the hall that is completely dark.
Sutton pushes me onto the bed, steps between my legs and wraps her arms around my shoulders. Her fingers sink into my back, letting me know she’s here. “What do you need?”
Her quiet, whispered words push me over the edge. Pulling her close, I breathe her in, letting my suppressed emotions take over.
Hot tears start rolling down my face. I couldn’t stop them if I tried. Every bad thought that went through my head today is back. The worst-case scenarios that something might still happen are front and center.
“I can’t believe this is happening. How could she do this?” I squeeze Sutton tighter. I need her more than anything right now.
