Page 58 of Harley

“Actually, I’m a prospect in a MC,” Harley replied.

Dad lost his temper, and I tapped Harley on his back in warning.

“A gang member,” Dad gasped, outraged.

“No, a club member,” Harley repeated.

“What did you marry? How can anybody find you sane?” Mom snapped.

“Easily. I don’t think anyone would declare me insane for marrying Phoenix Michaelson’s son. But whatever. Your actions and words hold no weight anymore. I’m done with you both. I’m going to find Aspen and Archer and bring them home, to my new home… with the newest star of the Cub’s baseball team. My husband, Harley Michaelson,” I said, stepping to the side.

“Oakley, you’re completely delusional,” Mom hissed.

“We’ll see. Can we go, babe?” I asked Harley.

Harley linked an arm over my shoulders and marched me towards the limo.

Steven took my other side, and Stuart covered my back. The rest of the legal team fanned out around us. They shoved past my family, and we got into the car.

Resolutely, I didn’t look at them as we drove away.

???

By noon the next day, we had everything I needed. The trust fund was in my name and in my account, the funds released almost immediately upon signing. I also now had power of attorney over Aspen and Archer when we found them.

We left Dexter’s office, and Steven stopped me.

“Dexter did not like us triple-checking the paperwork before you signed it.” Steven chuckled.

That was true. First, Steven had checked it and then Stuart, before passing it to another person to check they’d not missed anything. They had literally slapped Dexter in the face.

“Edmond will be banned from Aspen and Archer’s accounts. Oakley, I foresee trouble ahead,” Steven warned.

“They’ll not get a cent more. Will you contact a forensic accountant?” I asked.

“Yes. I have no doubt fraud has occurred. Dexter will be held accountable as well, as he would have released the funds. I’ve got a report based on yesterday’s interactions and what he tried to slip past us. I’ll be reporting Dexter for misconduct, and the Bar will investigate,” Steven said.

We were returning to the airport and were safely in the limo. Dad had attempted to grab me outside Dexter’s office when we first arrived and had been stopped. It was clear how unhappy he was. He’d been ranting about challenging my mental capacity and the marriage.

Harley had pushed past him and led me inside. When we left the meeting, Dad had vanished.

“We’ll find Aspen,” Harley murmured.

“Yes. We will,” I agreed. I had faith that Harley could achieve anything.

Harley

I sat with Shutout’s agent as he went over the contract the Cubs had sent. A lawyer had already looked it over and explained everything. Nielson was happy to represent me.

“This is above-board Harley, no hidden clauses. And considering you’ve no experience in playing ball, the wages are very generous,” Nielson said.

“Do you think so? I’ve got no idea what ball players make.”

“One point five million is roughly the average for established players. The fact the Cubs are offering you that amount means they’re serious about you signing for them. This is a yearlong contract with the standard clauses. They are asking for a monthly medical to keep an eye on your injury, which is fair,” Nielson said.

“I’m not against that,” I agreed. I didn’t want to screw my arm up and fuck up my blacksmithing. That would be my fall-back plan once my baseball career ended.

“There’s no reason not to accept. Scuttlebutt has circulated and there’s interest from sponsors who want both Michaelsons for their ads,” Nielson said.

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