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)
The words hung in the air like a death sentence. Eliza swayed slightly on her feet, and this time I didn’t hesitate, stepping to her side and placing my hand gently at the small of her back. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into my touch, as if drawing whatever strength I could offer.
“Eliza’s lawyer will be here soon,” Hannah said, her voice fierce despite her calm exterior. “She’ll get here and you can talk to her.”
Ms. Winters smiled thinly. “I assure you, I have everything required by law. Now, shall we proceed, or do I need to request additional officers?”
Pippa positioned herself between Ms. Winters and the hallway, her stance casual but her intention clear. “Ms. Thompson is on her way,” she stated firmly. “You might want to wait for her arrival before doing anything hasty.”
“I’m afraid I can’t delay,” Ms. Winters replied. “Not when a child’s safety is at stake.”
The standoff stretched between them, tension crackling in the air as Eliza trembled beside me, facing her worst nightmare becoming reality for the second time.
Ms. Winters pulled a folder from her briefcase, her movements deliberately slow as she savored her moment of triumph. “As I was saying before Mr. Hudson’s unfortunate display of temper,” she said, “I am filing for immediate removal of Lily from Ms. Jans’ custody.” She extracted a document bearing an official seal and held it up for all to see. “This emergency order has already been signed by Judge Harmon. I have the authority to remove Lily from these premises immediately.”
“Harmon?” Hannah stepped forward, her eyes narrowing. “Judge Whitmore has been handling this case from the beginning. She’s familiar with all the evidence and circumstances.”
“Judge Whitmore is unreachable on vacation,” Ms. Winters replied smoothly. “As is standard procedure, another judge reviewed the emergency petition in her absence.”
I watched Eliza’s face crumple at the words, her small remaining hope visibly extinguished. Ms. Winters hadn’t just planned this move, she had waited for the perfect moment when the judge who had previously ruled in Eliza’s favor wouldn’t be available to interfere.
“Convenient timing,” I growled, unable to keep silent.
Ms. Winters didn’t even acknowledge me. “Now, if you’ll step aside,” she said to Pippa, who remained planted firmly between her and the hallway leading to the residential area.
“No.” Pippa crossed her arms, her stance casual but her eyes hard. “We need to verify the order first. Our lawyer is on her way.”
“I’ll be happy to call in other officers. I’m sure they’d just love to have a reason to raid this place,” Ms. Winters countered, her voice taking on an edge of impatience. “Officer Martinez is here to ensure compliance.”
Martinez shifted uncomfortably, his hand instinctively touching his service weapon before dropping back to his side. “Ma’am, if their lawyer is on the way, maybe we should wait. Just to make sure everything’s in order. Last thing I want to do is traumatize Miss Lily again.” I liked the young officer addressed Lily with respect. It was the one positive in this whole fucked up situation.
“Everything is in order, Officer,” Ms. Winters snapped. “I want this done as quickly as possible. And I will not delay a child’s safety for the convenience of your motorcycle club’s attorney.”
Hannah stepped closer to Eliza, placing a supportive arm around her shoulders. “Ms. Winters, consider how traumatic another removal will be for Lily. She’s already been through this once. At least let her mother explain what’s happening, to prepare her.”
For the first time, Officer Martinez spoke up without prompting. “She has a point. Last time was rough on her.” He turned his gaze forward. “Especially when she got hurt.”
Ms. Winters turned to him, her expression hardening. “Your concern for the child’s comfort is noted, Officer. However, my concern is for her safety in an environment where violence clearly erupts without warning.” She gestured toward my now-bruising jaw and Ash, still restrained by Knuckles. “As we’ve just witnessed.”
Eliza found her voice at last, though it trembled with barely contained emotion. “Please, just wait for Lana.”
“Every moment we delay potentially exposes Lily to further harm.” The woman looked both smug and put out at the same time.
“Harm?” Pippa’s voice rose in disbelief. “The only person who has physically harmed Lily is you, when you dislocated her shoulder the last time.”
Ms. Winters flinched almost imperceptibly, the first crack in her facade. “I’m not even certain it happened in my care. Could have happened in the hospital. It’s one of many things we’re looking into.”
“What’s the real agenda here, Ms. Winters? Because this sure as hell isn’t about Lily’s welfare.” I kept my voice soft and made sure to not move. I had to keep my control as well as not make any moves the officer could interpenetrate as aggressive. I could really give a fuck about Ms. Winters.