Page 44 of Madden

"That pisses you off, doesn't it? That I'm not a goody goody like you. I have a past, one that isn't good. It's not cookie cutter. I’m not the type of person who lives for their kids." He sneers.

What a fucking asshole. "That's right, you never lived for me or Beckett. You haven't seen us in years, and the first thing you asked me was if I could turn my goddamn body cam off and let you slide with breaking the law. Do you realize how fucked up that is, Boyd?"

He looks at me, but doesn't say anything. The only thing he does is shake his head.

"Ain't got nothin' to say?" I question. "Well, I do. I have a lot of things to say. No thanks to you, I've got a great job, a nice house, a paid for truck, and a group of friends. Beckett is in college, he's graduating, and about to take a great job here in Laurel Springs. None of that is because of what you or mom did. Hopefully, you can live with that while you're rotting in your cell in Birmingham."

He coughs, holding up his hand. But I continue on.

"Beckett and I are going to have amazing lives, ones we could only dream about while we were living in that piece of shit trailer you left us in. While we're raising families we can be proud of, they'll never know who you are. I hope you can live with that, because you never thought about us when you were being a prick, taking care of everyone except your kids."

He inhales deeply, his nose flaring. "You're a mouth little fuck."

"And you're gonna be in jail for a long time. Hope you don't need money on your books, because I wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire. Have fun, Dad."

With those words, I turn on my heel and walk away. He screams my name, and I know he wants me to react, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction. Instead, I walk out with my head held high, and go right to my truck. I have an appointment to keep in Birmingham.

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I'm sitting in the meeting room, waiting for Trey to be brought up. My stomach is in knots because of what just went on with my dad, and I'm worried Trey won't give me the answer I want.

I can't stand to fail Bec the way I was failed by my parents. I want to help her, be her knight in shining armor, and all that romantic shit, but more than anything, I want Mick to have the life he deserves.

The door on the other side of the room opens, and I'm greeted by Trey.

"Who is this?" He asks the officer who brought him in.

"I'm Madden, a police officer from Laurel Springs Police Department. I know your sister, Rebecca, and your son, Mick. I'm here to talk to you about not being a selfish prick and doing what's best for your son."

His eyes harden as he stares at me, and I'm worried I've come on too strong, but there's no sense in backing off now.

CHAPTER 30

BECCA

I'm sittingin the office, putting some pictures I found of Holder and Hannah in a photo album, when there's a soft knock at the door. I turn around and see Shelby. Immediately, my stomach drops. I haven't heard from her since we sent the certified letter to Trey. I've wanted to ask about it, but I didn't want to be disappointed. "Do you have news?" I ask, licking my suddenly dry lips.

"I do." She grins, a bright smile spread across her face.

I'm scared to ask if it's good or bad. I'm assuming good since she's smiling, but I've been wrong a lot. "What is it?"

She pulls a piece of paper out of her briefcase and flashes it in front of my face. "Apparently, Madden went down to see Trey and convinced him to sign the papers. There's a letter in here from Trey. It's sealed, but some contacts I have at the Birmingham facility told me Madden was down there earlier this week."

I'm overwhelmed. I don't know what to say, not sure how to feel. There was never a point where I told Madden I wanted him to talk to Trey, but he seems to always know what I need before I ask. "I don't know how to thank you..."

"You don't have to. It's what I do, it's what I love to do, and it's my pleasure. I've already filed the paperwork with the courts, and we'll be receiving information soon about what you need to do in order to get him officially yours. This is great information, Bec, and I'm extremely happy for you."

I stand up and head over to the entryway, holding my arms open for her. We hug tightly. "I know this is what you do, but you've had so much empathy the entire time. Shelby, you're special, and I appreciate you more than you know."

"Don't make me cry and don't let that shit get out. I have a rep around here. If people think I'm a pushover, I'll never hear the end of it." She reaches up to wipe under her eyes. "I'm happy for you, Bec. You deserve this, and so does Mick. I'll be in touch."

She hands me the paperwork, the letter, and leaves with only the scent of her perfume trailing behind her. I don't know how to process this. I'd geared myself up for a fight with him that might last a decade. I will go to any lengths to get Mick, but I knew he would fight me. For it to be over like this? It's a mind fuck.

The paperwork means a lot, but it's the letter I'm interested in. I don't think he's ever written me a text message, much less a letter. Getting up, I go over and shut the door to the office. Chief Harrison is out for the day, and I want some privacy to read this. I don't know how I'm going to react, and I don't want to embarrass myself.

With shaking hands, I open the envelope, take the letter out, and unfold it. I recognize Trey's handwriting from when I saw it while we were kids.

Rebecca,

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