Page 59 of Worth the Risk

Olivia Hooks, Joseph’s legal secretary, new wife, and submissive answered on the second ring. “Hooks, Hartman, and Fielding. How may I help you?”

“It’s Dan Ogilvie, Livia, from the club. I’ve got a situation and was hoping to schedule an appointment with Joseph as soon as possible.”

“Hi, Mas—um, er, Dan. I’m sorry, but he’s booked solid this week. Is it urgent?”

“It’s not an emergency, but it’s important. When is his next opening?”

There was a pause. “Hang on, sir, while I check on one little thing.”

The next voice that came on the line belonged to Joseph. “Dano. Olivia told me you have something pressing. I’ve got a few minutes before I have to leave for court. What’s up?”

He listened without interrupting as Dan filled him in.

“Divorce and family law are not my expertise. But one of my partners is excellent. If you don’t mind, I’d like to punt your case to him. His name is Jeremiah Fielding.”

“Whoever you think can help me. I’m done living under threats of exposure and hardly ever seeing my kids.”

“I know how these things go sometimes. It can get ugly, especially if one party is willing to sling mud. The question is, are you ready to hit back?”

“I’ve got a new sub, and I’m ready to move on, but I’m not willing to sacrifice her, my private life, or my kids because of my ex-wife.”

“And you shouldn’t have to. I’ll ask Jeremiah to work you in as a favor to me. In the meantime, activate Rossi, especially Jonas. Sounds like you’re going to want to have some of your own mud to sling, if it comes down to it.”

Once Dan hung up, he called his boss to schedule a meeting. Tony had time in his schedule that afternoon and recommended bringing in Jonas, which was fine with him. The more expert help he could get to shake loose from Allison, the better. That left him with one other item on his to-do list, checking on his kids. He FaceTimed both Caden and Emily together.

“I wanted to check in with you guys after last night. I’m sorry about how our long weekend ended.”

“Yeah, we were having a great time until Mom ruined it,” Emily stated, her pretty face disheartened. She’d always been hopeful of a reconciliation, but after each blowup she witnessed, he could tell her balloon of hope deflated another few inches.

“This week has been worse than usual. Mom’s ticked at you, Dad, about the car, but more so about Bella. I don’t get it. She’s with Evan now, but she freaks anytime someone mentions you dating. I mean, why did she divorce you if she’s jealous?”

It had been mutual, but Allison had initiated it, making Caden’s point valid.

“I don’t like him,” Emily cut in.

Dan immediately keyed in on this. “What don’t you like, sweetheart?”

She hesitated. “We’re not supposed to talk bad about Evan.”

Caden chimed in, not caring. “He’s a tool.”

“Good to know, bud. But why is he a tool? Has he done something?”

He and Emily were in the same room and shared a look. Then Caden’s picture froze. An instant later, Dan got a notification. When he checked it, he didn’t watch the video. The headline said it all. “Local CFO Who Embezzled $2 Million Over 3 Years—Charged.”

“What the—” He caught himself before completing the familiar curse, but barely.

He switched back to the kids. “Is he still coming around?”

“Yeah. Mom says he’s innocent until proven guilty. But he’s a tool, and on TV, tools are always found guilty, so I’m counting on him getting 15-20 years. It’s basic math.”

“Are you guys scared of him? Be honest.”

“No, Dad. He isn’t physical or anything,” Caden reassured him. “Besides, if he tried something, I could kick his ass.”

“He could, Daddy. Evan is really scrawny.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Dan replied, struck cold by the thought of his son having to take down his mother’s boyfriend. “You two stay out of his way while I do some checking.”

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