“You got a letter from the State Prison’s office,” she states, moving to the end of the counter and lifting an envelope. “I opened it by accident.”
“Accident my ass,” I mutter, snatching it from her. I yank the letter out and scan over it. Curses filter through my mind. What the actual fuck are they thinking? They’re going to seriously let her out?
“They’re not even having a parole hearing?” Lexy whispers hisses the question.
“Let me call the lawyer,” I tell her. He would have gotten one of these as well as I requested that any letters sent to me from the State Prison also be sent to him.
I pull up Barnes’s number and hit the dial icon. I know it’s late, but calling his personal cell won’t bother him.
Barnes answers on the third ring. “I know this isn’t a personal call, nephew, and you realize it’s after business hours.”
“Yeah, but you can understand why. You get the letter?” I ask.
“Yes, and I’ve already called to find out what’s going on,” he grumbles calmly. “According to the parole board and warden, there isn’t a hearing because she’s being released early due to overcrowding in the prison. The warden claimed she was an honorable inmate, and they didn’t see her being harmful to those once released.”
“Bullshit. They should’ve given more warning than a fucking letter,” I snap, rage boiling in my veins at the news. What the fuck are they thinking, letting a woman who tried to kill her son out ongood behavior?
“I agree with you. I have already gotten on the ball about getting a protective order in place. A judge friend of mine has already signed off on a temporary one for the time being. She’ll be served that one upon release, but we’ll go before the judge within the next thirty days to get the permanent one.”
“Thanks, Barnes. I appreciate it.” I let out a heavy breath. At least he’s already got the ball in motion to keep Dash safe. “Is there anything else we can do besides the PO?”
“At this time, just keep doing what you’re doing,” he states. “I’ve got this part under control. I’ll do everything in my power to keep her from getting anywhere near that boy.”
I nod, looking to Lexy. “Thank you.”
“Now that business is out of the way, I want you, your sister, and your son to meet your aunt and me for dinner tomorrow evening. Claire is pestering me for a night out with her ‘children’.”
There’s no keeping the grin from sliding into place. Claire has always called Lexy and me her children, no matter how old we are. Our mom and her were best friends growing up, and she was our godmother before she married our uncle. They never had children and would spoil us growing up.
Lexy lived with them for a little while because of school two towns over then moved in with me and Dash to be closer towork. I know I could always count on them to help with Dash, but I’ve never been one to ask anyone besides Lexy.
“I’ll make sure to tell Lexy, not sure if her schedule is clear, but Dash and I will be there for sure.”
“Good, now I’ll talk to you later, and Tyler?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t let this bring bad shit up for you. We’re going to protect Dash the best we can.”
I suck in a breath and squeeze my eyes shut, nodding. “I appreciate it, Barnes. I really do.”
“See y’all tomorrow,” he says before hanging up.
I pull the phone away from my ear and shove it back in my pocket.
“What did he say?” Lexy demands.
“We’re having dinner with them tomorrow evening,” I tell her and ask. “Where’s Dash?”
“He’s playing with his dinosaurs in his room. Now answer me, what did he say?” Lexy is definitely not a woman to bullshit.
“He said he’s already spoken with a judge and had him sign off on a temporary protective order. I’ll go before a judge later on for a permanent one.”
“Okay, that’s good, but why are they letting her out in the first place?”
“Overcrowding and good behavior,” I grumble, not trying to work myself up over it. It’s a feat I barely manage to do. I don’t like to show my anger at home because of Dash. No child, no matter how old, should see anger, even if it’s not directed at them.
“What are you going to do?” Lexy asks, stepping closer to me.
