Page 143 of Redemption
“Well, it seems to me,” she says, wiping her hand over her skirt, “that we are all just basing this on what-if situations. I don’t see the harm in letting the boy play.”
Theo stands up, knocking his chair back. His hands are in fists, and he’s barely containing his anger. “I said he’s not playing, Josephine.”
She turns her head toward him with such cool indifference it sends a chill through my bones. “And as the parent with sole custody, I say you don’t have a choice in the matter. In fact, I don’t even know why you are here.”
“Throwing money around to gain custody doesn’t make you a parent, Jo. Think about what’s best for our kid. Do the right thing for him for once in his life.”
Her answer is merely a sneer. Theo sits back down, defeat written in the set of his shoulders.
“Now that that’s over, I suspect the harassment ofourkid will stop,” Eric says, throwing a conniving look at Theo.
I meet Eric’s gaze. “You are delusional. We are trying to help Tanner, and you’re willing to put him at risk for a game.”
Dr. Harrison flinches, looking out the window to escape.
I didn’t mean it as a dig toward him, but I know he can’t help but relive the past with this conversation.
“As the doc said, it’s our choice. My wife and I will be going now.”
They stand to leave, and I turn toward Lily. “Isn’t there anything you can do?”
She shakes her head, “I’m sorry, Hayes, but there’s not. My hands are tied.”
I don’t miss the look of disappointment that shutters Theo’s gaze.
Eric and Josephine reach the door, and Eric turns around. “I expectmyboy to be playing on Friday, Coach.”
And with that, they take their leave, not bothering to hide their smug looks as they go.
Dr. Harrison stands, extending his hand to me. “I’d best be going to, Hayes. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Lily says, and I’m glad. I don’t know if I can take sitting in a room with her right now. I know she hasprocedures to follow as the principal, but I’m frustrated that this kid will get hurt because of them.
Theo and I are the only two left in my office when the door closes behind them.
He clears his throat. “Thank you for trying to take care of my kid.”
I nod, lips pinched together because the sad reality is I failed.
He stands to leave, and even though there was sincerity in his voice, I can’t help getting in a parting shot.
“Theo,” I say, and he stops, turning to face me. “Next time you need access to people in high places, you come to me, not my girl. I’m not saying those people can make a difference—as can be seen from today—but MJ deserves better than to be used for her family name—even if it was for your kid.”
His eyes are dark as he stares at me and gives a sharp nod.
Then he’s gone, and I’m left with more worries than I had before.
Chapter 43
Mallorie Jade
“Kota, come back here.”
Hayes whistles through his teeth, and the dog comes bounding back, jumping on him and barking.
“Get down, you mutt,” Hayes laughs.
It’s Wednesday after school. Hayes felt bad that Kota has been cooped up a lot lately due to his schedule, so he invited me to walk one of the trails close to the waterfall.
