Page 138 of Timeless

She had her hair under control when the man’s face appeared.

She looked stumped. “Um, Scott?” You could hear the shock in her voice along with something else. Nerves. He wasn’t who she was expecting.

“Hi, Amber, sorry I hijacked the conference call.” The man was smiling at her and speaking easy like doing that was no big deal. “As soon as they said you were being referred in… well, what can I say?”

Amber’s whole body was tense. I could see that from here.

“All right, let's get to it, Amber. Will called.” The guy had sounded carefree before but now he had switched modes.

Jack leaned forward, grabbing the laptop and turning it on to him. “Hi, Scott.” Jack didn't seem to pick up on his mom’s change of attitude.

“Jack, my favorite nephew! What are you doing out of bed?” The guy spoke to my son like he knew him. And why did Jack have so many men in his life who considered themselves an uncle to him? This man sure as fuck wasn't related to me. And he wasn't Amber’s brother either. So why the hell was she letting these men in Jack’s life?

I was looking directly at her. Jack knew a lot of men in Amber’s life. Like that man who was on the phone to her yesterday, who apparently spent over ten grand on Jack for his birthday. Then there was this Dex guy who thought it was acceptable to tell my son he was in the way.

And I didn't want to get started on Will and fucking Tae.

“I've been up with Dad all night.” Jack smiled happily.

“That's great, Jack. You know if I remember correctly, the cartoons start at five. I need to talk to your mom.” Scott gave Jack a grin. He was basically telling Jack to fuck off.

Jack looked up at Amber.

“It’s fine, Jack. Go.” Amber helped him down and he bolted out of the room.

I guess I should leave, too. I went to get up but Amber’s hand landed on my shoulder and she pushed me back down. Giving me a look I knew too well.

Why was she scared?

“All right, Scott, Jack’s gone, so go ahead.” Amber crossed her arms. “I wasn’t expecting Will to call his big brother.”

This was Will’s brother?

“Come on, Amber, we both know Will has rights here.” His voice was sharp and to point. “Will has a strong case to go for custody.”

Amber scoffed and shook her head. “Keep going.”

“You know this is my field, you should have known this would happen if you and Will split.” He leaned back in his seat with a smirk on his face. “Will has helped raise Jack. Will was there for his birthdays. So, the fact that Jack’s biological father is now out of prison means nothing, Amber. Jack’s father is Will. You knew we would go for Jack if you suddenly went bipolar on Will.”

Amber remained silent, just staring at the keyboard of the laptop.

“We both know Will has a case. The court is going to look at who should be caring for Jack, who is a suitable parent. Let’s face it, an outlaw biker who just got out of prison isn’t going to win against Will and then there is you. Your record clearly shows you aren’t a suitable mother in a court’s view. So, instead of forcing Will to take you to court, you need to look at your options.” He was speaking like this was actually happening. Like Amber was going to lose Jack.

I suddenly felt panicked. I never did well when it came to court. Every time I ended up there, I left in handcuffs with a sentence. I looked at Amber. How the hell was Amber just standing there? Taking this shit in and not reacting! I was not letting my son being taken from me. I didn’t care what court ordered it. It wouldn’t be fucking happening.

Amber finally looked up. “What evidence are you going to use to prove that Will was a father figure to Jack? He never once dropped Jack off or picked Jack up from school. He wasn’t allowed to drive Jack. Period. He was never alone with Jack. He never was allowed to go to any of Jack’s school events. He also wasn’t allowed to stay at this address more than three nights a week.”

“I guess it might come down to Will’s word against yours.” He shrugged.

Amber shook her head. “Will’s an addict.”

“Yeah, and whose name is all the medication in?” He leaned forward. “You know, Amber, being on that amount of medication isn’t going to go in your favor for Jack.”

Okay, Amber needed my help. I gripped her and pulled her to my lap, grabbing the computer and turning it on us.

I saw the man’s eyes slowly take me in. “The biker, I’m guessing?”

“Yes, this is Jackson,” Amber said. “As for it coming down to my word and Will’s, you are wrong.”

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