Page 69 of Just Trouble

And heismy client. Okay.

“Well, there would be a negotiated agreement, a payment, probably paid monthly, in exchange for either custody or visitation. Basically, your financial support of Sierra buys your access to her. Visits are usually forfeit if payments are missed.”

“Sounds cold,” he says with disapproval.

“By the time parents get lawyers to sort things out, all friendly avenues have usually been exhausted,” I note and he nods. “Sylvia might just welcome a lump payment, given Sierra’s age, or she might not want anything from you.”

“She can’t deny me outright, though, can she?”

“You’ll probably want to request a paternity test to avoid that eventuality. It’s a wise choice before you make that kind of commitment anyway,” I say, sounding like the lawyer I am.

Luke is visibly indignant. “Because Sylvia wouldn’t know who fathered her child? I’m not going to imply that she’s a liar. She says it’s me, so I’ll respond accordingly.”

I frown. She hadn’t actually said it was Luke, though the implication was there. Before I can make that nit-pickity distinction, Luke continues.

“It sounds very carrot-and-stick the way you explain it, but does it have to be that way? Of course, I’d like to get to know Sierra and have a part in her life, but I don’t want the exchange to be defined so specifically. I’d prefer to support her, and get to know her if and when she wants to know me. Is that crazy?”

“No,” I admit. “It sounds nice. Respectful of her space.” I slant a glance his way. “You don’t have to do this, you know.”

“It’sright, Daph.” He’s glowering out the windshield. “Why wouldn’t I do what’s right? Why does everyone assume I’m an asshole?”

“Because you have been in the past?” I suggest.

“I’ve been angry in the past, but I’m over that.”

Fair enough.

When he looks at me this time, there’s a glint of humor in his eyes. “And even if I’ve been a dick in the past, Daph, remember, I’m on a quest to set that right.”

“So, support for Sierra.”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I do that?”

Ah, the Devil’s Advocate. One of my fave speaking roles.

“Well, it would have been right for Sylvia to tell you, but she didn’t. And it’s not like you’ve been difficult to locate.” I’m not really making excuses for him, just reviewing both sides of the issue. And, even though I didn’t consider it earlier, this result isn’t all Luke’s fault.

His tone turns fierce. “I’m doing it, Daph.”

I have to know. “Why? Sylvia’s not asking for it, and she might turn you down.”

“Then what happens?”

“You could sue her. There would definitely be a paternity test then and a lawsuit…”

“And all the lawyers make money,” he says with exasperation. I don’t argue because it’s true. “Let me put it this way, Daph,” he says and I feel the weight of his conviction. “I am the one person who knows how lousy it is to grow up in Empire, knowing you’re a Cavendish, having everyone else recognize that you’re a Cavendish, while Patrick tries to erase your existence. It’s more than ignoring you. He goes out of his way to make his views known and to turn others against you. And so, okay, I survived it and maybe it made me a stronger person, but that doesn’t mean that I want to stand by and watch him do the same thing to Sierra. And he will, Daph.” He’s grim. “Hewill.”

I have to say it. “After you leave town, you won’t see it.”

“Wherever I am, I’llknow. And if Sierra’s well-being is the reason we finally have it out, Patrick and me, then I’m ready for it. I’ll fight for her the way I didn’t fight for myself.”

“You don’t think you fought?”

“I made trouble. I stirred things up and provoked Patrick when I could. Then I left. I succeeded despite him. That’s not the same as holding your ground and fighting back.” He takes a breath. “And the worst part of is that she’shere, in Empire, within his range because Imeddled. You were right, Daph. I should have minded my own business, but now I have another mess to fix. No one is going to stop me from doing it.”

I’m impressed. And I’m touched by his ferocious need to protect this girl without knowing more about her than he does. I think that Sylvia is going to have to go some to turn him down, and I have no doubt that she’ll try, but I’d put my money on Luke.

He’s frowning at the streets we pass, and indicates that we need to make a turn. It’s a residential area, neither new nor old. Maybe 80’s. The houses are similar but not the same and when he points out the one, I’m surprised. It’s a bungalow, probably the smallest house on the block, neatly kept with a tidy garden out front.

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