Page 91 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
Colin stopped in the doorway, astounded that for a man who suffered such excruciating back pain it required the heavy medication Jaqueline described that was in the bag, he could handle the big, struggling boy so easily. One would think his back couldn’t take such punishment.
Finally, Josh pulled away from the bruising grip, “You sell ‘em. Tell the truth, Dad. Your customer got mean when you didn’t have the pills.”
“I do not. By the way, shithead, that’s none of your business.” Gruff, the pony-tailed, overweight dad pointed his finger at Ms. Lather. “I want the address where those kids are now.”
Colin could see her shaking her head and before she could refuse, he stepped forward. “I have the kids and there’s no way in hell you’re ever getting near them again.” Colin waved the bag in front of the man. “In fact, I’m going to call the police about these pain killers. This stuff is dangerous and should never be around little kids.”
“Your brat stole them.” Pushing forward, Josh’s young, hate-filled voice rang with conviction.
Colin looked at him but held back from being too aggressive. After all the boy was underage, and his eyes held a desperation Colin could only imagine grew from fear. However, he wouldn’t let this nonsense go undisputed. “No. You shoved them into Charlie’s pocket as we were leaving. He’s a six-year-old boy. No way he’s guilty of anything but recognizing how badly run that foster home situation is.”
Ms. Lather looked horrified. “I’m beginning to see the full picture, Mr. Jones. And I already called the police. They should be here any minute.”
Before either Colin or Ms. Lather could make a move, Josh’s father grabbed the bag of pills from where Colin had put them on the desk and sped out the door, leaving his kid behind.
“Dad. Hey, wait for me.” Josh’s voice rang with despair.
He didn’t wait. Instead, he left his young son to deal with the repercussions, which took a few hours before the police were satisfied with the situation, and Colin could head back home.
On the way, he shook his head at the dysfunctional drama that recently unfolded and found himself happily anxious to get towhere Jaq and the kids waited. Feeling incredibly lucky, his face wreathed in smiles, he quickly parked the car and bound up the steps, only to find the place deserted.
Chapter Eighteen
Once back home, both children seemed happy to lay down in their beds and have a nap, and for that, Jaqueline felt happy. She’d noticed how exhausted they seemed after their meal. Maisie, who couldn’t keep her eyes open, had gone to sleep instantly, but the boy’s soft crying could be heard when she went to check on them.
“Charlie, love, what’s wrong? Is your tummy sore from eating so many fries?”
Sniff. “No.”
His small hand quickly brushed at his tears only to have another flood follow. “I’m f-fine.”
Jaq rushed into the bedroom and picked the boy up in her arms. Then she leaned back on the pillows, holding him against her. In a low voice so as not to wake up Maisie, she said, “You can tell me, honey. It’s okay.”
In a broken voice, he whispered, “I miss my Maman. A lot. Last night scared me and Maisie. They didn’t want us to sleeptogether until Maisie, and I made such a fuss they finally let her come be with me.”
“I’m so sorry, Charlie. It must have been horrible.”
“She would never have let us be taken away.” His last few words were wailed in a voice filled with heartache.
“That’s true. She wouldn’t.” Oh, God. What can I say? How to explain so as not to frighten him more? “But that’s because she had the law on her side. As your mother, she had the legal right to take care of you.”
“Now we’re alone. They called us orphans.” His wobbly voice continued to rip her heart into tiny pieces, leaving her fighting for control. He glanced up, and she saw his tired, sad eyes drenched in his own misery. “It’s s-scary.” His tears were slowing but panic still echoed in his tone.
Jaq hugged him tighter, rocking them both gently. “I know it’s hard for you to understand, Charlie. And I’m really sorry it scares you. But Colin promised your mom he’d look after you both if the government lets him. That’s why we have a lawyer to fight for us in court. But for now, Colin and I will do everything we can to keep you with us until he gets guardianship.”
“What if he doesn’t get it?”
“He’ll fight until he does.”
“How long will that take?” He brushed at his face and stopped when Jaq helped, her hands gentle.
“See that’s the problem, Charlie. We don’t know. But I promise, we’ll keep you in the loop of what’s happening.”
“Good or bad?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Promise?”
