Page 29 of Punked By the Playmaker
“An orphanage?” he hissed, repeating himself at a lower volume, though with no less outrage than the first time.
“That term is outdated and, quite frankly, not an accurate description of the majority of children found in group homes. Many residents simply have parents who are unable to care for them.”
“I don’t care,” Levi huffed. “You’re not taking my daughter there. I won’t allow it.”
Hilda sighed. “In cases such as Maisie’s, I’m legally bound to follow certain procedures. Until paternity can be properly established—”
Before she could finish, he cut her off. “But we have proof! Maisie, show her.” He gestured wildly in the girl’s direction.
Maisie reached for her phone, but Hilda raised a hand, halting her. “Unfortunately, those results won’t hold up in court. A proper DNA test is required.”
Levi threw his arms wide. “Fine! We’re in a hospital, so let’s do it now.”
“Mr. Nixon, it doesn’t work like that.”
Hands flying to his head, he tugged on the short strands of his hair as he paced the tight confines of the exam room. “All I’m hearing is everything we can’t do. Whatcanwe do so that I can take Maisie home?”
The woman folded her arms. “I think it’s important I be honest with you, Mr. Nixon. Even if the DNA test results prove you to be Maisie’s biological father, I would find it difficult to recommend that she be placed in your custody.”
Levi’s restless motion ceased, and he blinked at Hilda. “What? Why?”
“While you certainly have the means to care for her, your work schedule poses a problem.”
He shook his head in confusion. “What kind of problem?”
Hilda’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You’re required to travel frequently. Maisie’s had enough upheaval in the past year and needs stability, which you’re not in a position to provide.”
Rearing back, Levi placed a palm to his heaving chest. “No, you can’t do this.” Then he tacked on a broken “Please.”
It was thatpleasethat tipped the scales for me. No matter my personal feelings toward the man, I couldn’t stand by and watch as he found and lost the daughter he didn’t know he had in the same day. Not when I had the power to help.
“What about me?” I blurted, and all heads in the room turned in my direction.
“Excuse me?” Hilda asked.
“What if I petition for temporary guardianship of Maisie? Would that keep her out of the group home until other arrangements can be made?”
Levi stared at me like I was his personal savior, and I resigned myself to the fact that taking in his daughter meant I would be seeing him on a regular basis after working like hell to wash my hands of him only weeks ago.
I gestured to Austin. “I’ve been my brother’s guardian for the past four years, since our mother was relocated to a memory care facility. I have a good relationship with the courts, and nothing but glowing reports from his case worker.”
Austin chimed in. “She never lets me slack off on my homework.”
Hilda eyed me critically. “And you are . . . ?”
With the focus on Maisie and Levi, I hadn’t bothered to introduce myself. “Oh, I’m Arizona Clearly, Levi’s—”
“Fiancée!” the man himself shouted.
My jaw hit the floor, stunned by his outrageous claim.
Was he out of his goddamn mind? I understood he was desperate, but he’d taken it a step too far. Once the truth came out, Hilda was going to eviscerate any chance he had at earning custody of Maisie.
Austin’s and Maisie’s wide eyes were trained on me, gauging how I would react.
Levi sent a pleading glance my way, begging me to go along with his claim.
Hilda didn’t bother to hide the distrust written across her face. “Is that so?”
