“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Joe retorts.
I almost smile.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
“You bitch.”
“Why are you getting mad at me? You’re the one who’s risking spending multiple decades in federal prison.”
“Can you really blame me after what your sister did? She left us in financial ruin?—”
“Don’t youdareblame this on Carly.”
“Oh, yes.SaintCarly, who never did anything wrong.”
I grip the edge of the counter. I catch Cormac shifting out of the corner of my eye.
Maybe this would have been better if he’d spoken to Joe.
“I think we should renegotiate my rights to see Amber and Skye.” My voice is shaking with anger.
“I told you, I don’t want you anywhere near them.”
“You’re not going to have much choice when they’re put in my custody when you get arrested.”
“You’re seriously threatening to take them away from their only remaining parent?”
“Trust me, they’re better off under my care than yours.”
“I highly doubt that, considering who you like to get involved with.”
I look over at Cormac.
He’s standing with his arms folded, watching me with that intense stare of his.
I look away. “Let me see the girls, or I’m calling the police. It’s your choice.”
There’s a long pause, and I grip the phone tighter as I wait for Joe to reply.
If this doesn’t work, I have no more cards left to play. Other than perhaps sending Cormac over there to deliver this message in person.
“Fine,” Joe finally snaps. “You can see them. But don’t think this changes anything.”
I exhale in relief. “Thank you.”
I barely finish speaking the words before Joe hangs up the call.
I set the phone down and glance at Cormac.
He hasn’t moved an inch, his eyes still fixed on me. “Well?”
I can’t fight the smile that tugs at my lips. “He agreed to let me see the girls.”
I wait for him to smile, but he doesn’t.
He simply dips his chin once in the barest acknowledgment.
“Cormac, I… I can’t thank you enough. Helping me like this… It says a lot about who you are.”
