Page 121 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“And are you high right now?”

Sissy let out an audible hiss. “No, sir.” Her chin jutted. “I’ve been clean since I entered treatment, four months ago—not that anyone cares about that. There are no impediments to me saying this. Mr. and the new Mrs. Stevens will be fine parents to my daughter. I’m not high. I’m not using. In fact, I can see things clearly for the first time in years. I know what I did—and I know no one will ever forgive me. I’ve learned no one will ever trust me again to be with my daughter. I can swear I’ll never endanger her again, but those are just pretty words. Actions speak louder than words, right? So, I’m acting. I’m giving up.”

“Ms. Smith, there are alternatives. I can grant court-supervised visitation under social services supervision. If you agree to random drug tests, you might gain some of your rights back.” He pointed to Remy and Rusty. “Just because they want something, doesn’t mean I have to abide by it. We can schedule another hearing six months from now. If you’re still clean, then we can revisit this.”

“No, thanks.”

Sissy’s smile of sadness terrified Remy.

“I’m doing what’s best. I relinquish custody.”

The judge nodded. “I’m a firm believer in having children’s lives being as settled as possible. If you’re sure this is what you want, then I’m willing to grant permanent custody to Russell Stevens. I don’t want you coming back a few months from now because you’ve changed your mind.”

“I won’t, sir, I promise.” Sissy nodded solemnly. “Where do I sign?”

Half-an-hour later, Remy stood by Rusty’s side in the hallway.

“That was too easy.” He still held the papers in disbelief.

She agreed with her husband’s assertion.

Sissy’d threatened to fight. She’d threatened and promised a lot of things. Giving up had never been one of the options.

“I need to get home to the girls. Are you sure you can’t come home?”

“I know I’d planned to spend the entire day on this, but now it’s settled, I should at least go by my office and put in an hour or two. I’d suggest we celebrate tonight, but that feels macabre. I thought I’d feel good about this, but I don’t. At least I’m not feeling like I usually do when I win.” Hopefully, the clarification helped.

He pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek. “All I can say is, thank you.”

“I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“Take your time.”

With that, her husband walked away, leaving her disquieted, and even a little choked up. This had been the plan all along. Get married and put up a united front. It’d all been for naught. Their marriage hadn’t been an issue, and it certainly hadn’t been a determining factor, as she had anticipated.

Grasping her briefcase, she headed for the stairwell. She barely hit her office when Zach was at her door.

“What happened?”

“It’s over.” Admonishing herself for her somewhat neutral tone, she offered a smile. “Sissy signed over custody to Rusty and said she won’t come back.”

Her boss’ eyebrow arched.

“Do you believe her?”

That pesky sense of unease gripped her. “I don’t know, Zach. Everything happened so quick. She was apathetic. She claimed she wasn’t using, and I’m inclined to believe her. But why not fight? Why not make some demands? She was all concessions. If she were anyone other than Sissy Smith, I’d worry. She seemed almost…depressed.”

“Sympathy for the opposition?”

“I think we broke her.”

That got his attention. “Do you think she might later claim she was under some form of duress?”

“I don’t think so. She was very clear with the judge and wanted everything on the record. It’s over, Zach—it’s really over.”

“Then pat yourself on the back and head home. There’s nothing here that can’t wait until Monday.”

He’s right.The work’d be there later, and suddenly, she had a pressing need to be with her husband. To know for sure their marriage would survive this. That he wouldn’t walk away from her now that he had what he wanted. Grabbing her jacket and briefcase, she gave Zach a perfunctory nod and practically sprinted to the elevator.

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