Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
My stomach dropped as I reached for the phone. The other women in the kitchen noticed my expression and quietly moved away, giving me privacy while remaining close enough to offer support if needed.
“Hello?” I answered, working to keep my voice steady.
“Ms. Jans, this is Ms. Winters from DCS.” Her voice carried a clipped tone that made me feel like I was guilty of something even when I knew I wasn’t. “I’m calling to follow up on our conversation from last week.”
“Yes, of course.” I turned toward the window, watching Lily as she carefully navigated the play area, mindful of her condition even in the excitement of the game. “I was going to call you tomorrow. We’ve started the medication regimen Dr. Brennan prescribed for the Osteogenesis Imperfecta.”
There was a pause on the line. “Yes. I received the preliminary report, but we’ll need more conclusive testing before making any determinations about closing this case.”
My fingers tightened around the phone. “Dr. Brennan said the bone density scan --”
“Dr. Brennan’s preliminary opinion is noted,” Ms. Winters interrupted, “but we require a more comprehensive evaluation before ruling out other factors.”
The clinical dismissal of Lily’s diagnosis sent heat rushing to my face. We’d waited so long for these answers, only to have Ms. Winters treat the diagnosis as inconclusive.
“What other factors?” I asked, struggling to maintain my composure. “The genetic testing is still pending, but Dr. Brennan was quite clear --”
“Ms. Jans,” she cut in again, her tone sharpening, “I understand you’re eager to resolve this matter, but my concern extends beyond medical explanations. I’ve become aware you’re still residing at this motorcycle club shelter rather than returning to your apartment.”
I closed my eyes briefly, fighting back the urge to snap. “New Beginnings Women’s Shelter is a registered nonprofit providing secure housing for women and children. Yes, it happens to be protected by the Kiss of Death MC, but it’s a legitimate shelter.”
“A shelter typically used for women fleeing domestic violence situations,” Ms. Winters pointed out. “Which is not your circumstance. Additionally, I understand Lily’s father is a member of this same club.”
My hand began to tremble. “Ash visited today to see Lily. He’s not living here.”
“Nevertheless, the environment raises concerns -- multiple known felons with gang affiliations having regular access to a child already at risk for injuries.”
“They’re not a gang,” I corrected automatically, anger flaring. “And no one here would ever hurt Lily.”
“Your judgment in this matter is precisely what’s under review, Ms. Jans.” Her voice cooled several degrees. “Choosing to surround your physically vulnerable daughter with ex-convicts rather than returning to conventional housing suggests questionable decision-making.”
“You have no say in who I deem appropriate for my child to interact with. I’ve done nothing wrong. The very reason you started investigating me to begin with has been proven incorrect.”
“Just because one situation might be resolved does not mean I have to ignore other issues.”
The kitchen suddenly felt too small, the air too thin. “Haven is the safest place for us right now. Lily has made friends. She’s happy here. And she has round-the-clock protection.”
“Protection from what, exactly? Or perhaps I should ask, from whom?” Ms. Winters’ implication hung between us. “Ms. Jans, I’ll be frank. Your continued residence in a questionable environment, combined with your developing connection to this motorcycle club, gives me serious concerns about Lily’s welfare.”
My free hand gripped the counter edge for support. “Lily is receiving excellent care. She has her medication. She’s happy. If it weren’t for these people, we still wouldn’t know what was wrong with her and she’d be getting her other shoulder dislocated when you grab her again!” I knew I shouldn’t snap at the woman, she likely wanted me to lose my cool, but this was so much horseshit. “What more do you want from me?”
“I want you to demonstrate sound judgment by removing her from an environment populated by criminals.”
“They’re not --” I stopped myself, knowing the argument was pointless. “What exactly are you saying, Ms. Winters?”
Her sigh carried clearly over the line. “I’m saying unless the final medical reports conclusively support this diagnosis and you relocate to more appropriate housing, I will be petitioning the court for temporary removal from your custody until all testing is complete. There are simply too many ongoing safety concerns.”
The world tilted beneath my feet. “You can’t do that. You have no grounds.”
“I can and I will if necessary,” she replied, her voice professionally detached. “This is not personal, Ms. Jans. It’s about Lily’s best interests.”
“Taking her from her mother is in her best interests?” My voice rose despite my efforts to control it. “After everything she’s been through? Some of it at your hands.”
“The judge will decide. In the meantime, I suggest you reconsider your living arrangements. I’ll be scheduling a home visit at this facility next week to assess the environment personally.”