“Stop thanking me.” Sutton wraps her arms around me. “I was going to be here whether you wanted me to be or not.”
“It’s a good thing my lawyer was coming. If I didn’t want you here, I could have him take you away.”
She laughs. “Pretty sure that’s the job of the police, but okay.”
“Or file the restraining order.”
“Are you sure you want me here?” She tries to pull away, but I don’t let her get far.
“Yes. I need you here.”
My parents took Troy for the afternoon so I could meet with John at my house this afternoon. This was something I didn’t want him to be here for.
A knock sounds at the door. Giving her a quick kiss, I head to the front door. But before I can open it, Sutton stops me.
“Whatever happens today, just know I’m here for you.”
“I know.” I smile at her. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“John. How are you?” Swinging open the door, I sweep an arm out for my lawyer to come in.
“Derek. I’m sorry we’re not meeting under better circumstances.”
John is older, with short gray hair and dark brown eyes. Wrinkles line his face. I can’t imagine being in his position is an easy one.
A family attorney? That has to be a hard line of work.
“Honestly? I’m glad we’re finally getting this over with.”
“I don’t think I need to beat around the bush here,” John starts, setting his briefcase down on the dining room table. “Tomorrow is going to be a hard day. It always is when children are involved.”
“Have you heard from Missy’s lawyer?” I ask. I drop into the seat across from him and wipe my hands on my jeans. I’m glad I opted for a T-shirt today, because it’s starting to get hot in here. Or maybe that’s my nerves taking over.
As much as I’ve tried to keep an even head about this, I’m a live wire, and the smallest thing could make me snap.
Everything has been harder than it needs to be for three long weeks since that day in the hospital. Troy doesn’t seem to have any lingering trauma from that day, thank God.
“I haven’t heard from him, no. But not for lack of trying.”
“Is that a good thing?” I hate the hopeful note in my voice.
“I’m not going to lie to you, but I don’t know. And the judge that is trying your case tomorrow is sympathetic to mothers.”
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. This is not what I wanted to hear.
“What does that mean for us then? What do we need to do to make sure we’re ready for tomorrow?” Sutton grabs my hand under the table.
“You’re going to present your case. Tell them what Missy has done in the past. Tell the court about that day. It’s not a jury trial. It’ll all come down to the judge.”
“And he could give my kid to the woman that left him locked in a car?” I snap, jumping out of my seat. “How could anyone give that woman custody? I wouldn’t trust her with a goldfish.”
“I pulled the police report. Child endangerment charges were filed, but until she goes to court and is convicted, there’s not a lot I can do. I can argue this in court as a reason to postpone the custody agreement, but that’s about the best we can hope for.”
“And that’s it?”
John throws up his hands. “I know, Derek. But this is what we have to do. I need you to stay levelheaded. We’ll argue your case and hope that the judge sees reason.”
