Page 62 of Moose

Sav smiled up at me. “Yeah! Go home and relax. I got this.”

I nodded and headed toward the clubhouse to get the kids. Leaving my bike there, I started the truck as the kids came out. They chatted all about their day with Mama Crawford as we drove home.

My heart was beating so fucking faster but I knew Lily would be there for us.She had to be…

ThekidsandIpulled up to the house to see Lily already here talking to the two Child and Family Service workers.

My woman had my back, just like she told me she would. I smiled, then turned to the kids.

“We have some people who wanna talk to us. Is that okay with you?”

They both nodded.

“You don’t have to say anything you don’t want to. Lily is here to help us.”

We got out of the car and headed over to the group. Lily smiled, and both workers turned to me.

“Mister Lavoie. This is quite an impressive home.”

I nodded. “Thank you. Why don’t we go inside so we can speak.”

I unlocked the door and led them to the dining room. The kids ran upstairs to drop their things as we all sat down.

The woman looked around the house, then glared at me. “Like I said before, this is a very impressive home. And you can afford this all on the money you make at a local diner…?”

Lily slammed her hand on the table. “Inappropriate question. His finances are not up for discussion. You’re here for allegations made against him regarding the children, which we still haven’t heard by the way.”

The woman glared at Lily. “Abuse and neglect.”

“Then that has nothing to do with finances. I would like a copy of the report.”

The man smiled and handed Lily a folder.

“They’re pretty serious, Attorney Banks. We just want to make sure the kids are okay.”

She smiled at the man, and he smiled back, making my blood boil. But Lily looked at me and all my worries left. She was protecting the children.

“I understand and you know as well as I do, that if I thought these children were being abused, it’s my duty to report.”

The woman cleared her throat. “I doubt it. He’s a paying client. Which leads me back to your finances.”

Lily went to speak when I put my hand up.

“Let’s just get this out of the way. Yes, I own the diner and it’s very successful. We also have started a catering option which has brought in quite the revenue. But I’m sure you’ve already seen that. Regarding the home, my daughter bought it for me when she came into some money.”

The woman arched her eyebrow and looked toward Nova, who was coloring in the living room. I laughed and shook my head.

“Oldest daughter.”

“But we have here…”

“Savannah is my adopted adult daughter. I’ve taken her and her boyfriend under my wing for quite some time now. Does that clear everything up?”

She nodded. The man turned toward my kids. “Can we talk with them?”

I looked at Lily, and she nodded. “Yeah.”

The man got up and sat next to Maddox, who was playing video games. I sat at the table while I listened to them talk.

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