Page 9 of Cash
I blinked, taking time to process what she’d just said.“Kind of sounds like you mean you’ll prevent her from taking Lily even against the law.”
Lana grinned at me.“It won’t come to that.But if it does and the guys truly don’t believe you’ve hurt Lily, then yeah.They’d prevent anyone from taking her from you.”
“But how --”
“Itwon’tcome to that.”She cut me off with a smile and a gentle hand on top of my clenched ones.“You need the support Haven has.Emotional and physical support.Please take them up on their offer of a place to stay.You’ll feel safer resting there and they have an excellent homeschooling system in place.Lily can keep up with her studies in a very low impact environment.”
I really thought I might cry.“You know,” I began, my voice trembling, “No one says nice things about motorcycle clubs or bikers in general, to say nothing of ex-convicts.But Cash showed us so much kindness, especially to Lily.And you’re clearly an educated, professional woman.I’ll do whatever you think best.This is the most hope I’ve had since Ms.Winters came to talk to me today.”
“Many of the guys in Kiss of Death are fathers themselves.Most of them adopted kids from the women they’re with now.Knight, one of their members, has a biological daughter who had a kidney disorder and needed a transplant.His former girlfriend found him and Knight donated a kidney to her.”Lana replied with a smile.“He and Brynn are tight now.She adores him and he feels the same way.Brynn’s mother, Lavender, is the heart of their little family.So all of them take the protection of women and children very seriously.They also take family seriously.It’s a core principle of the club.”Her expression softened slightly.“I wouldn’t suggest Haven if I didn’t believe it was absolutely safe for both you and Lily.”
I nodded slowly, processing this unexpected turn.When I’d woken up this morning, my biggest concern had been convincing Dr.Samson to order more tests.Now I was contemplating accepting help from a motorcycle club with access to the specialized doctors I’d been trying to reach on my own with no results.
“You don’t have to decide anything right now,” Lana said, closing her portfolio and standing.“Take some time to think about it.In the meantime, I’ll start the legal work to counter Ms.Winters’ report and arrange for Lily’s further evaluation.”
She reached into her purse and pulled out another card.“This is Haven’s number.If you need anything -- anything at all -- call them.They have my contact information, and Cash’s too.”
I took the card, adding it to the two I already held.“Thank you,” I said, the words wholly inadequate for what she was offering.
Lana nodded.“Get some rest, Eliza.Things will look clearer in the morning, and we’ll tackle this together.”She moved toward the door, pausing to add, “You’re not alone in this fight anymore.”
After she left, I sat in the dim hospital room, listening to the soft sounds of Lily’s breathing and the distant noises of the hospital at night.I stared at the three cards in my hand.
For three years, I’d been fighting a battle I couldn’t name against an enemy I couldn’t identify.Doctors dismissed me, insurance companies denied us, and, as of today, a social worker suspected me of the very thing I’d been desperately trying to prevent.
But now, unexpectedly, I had allies.A lawyer who believed me without question.A tattooed protector who sang my daughter to sleep.A shelter offering us safety if things got worse.And finally, most importantly, the prospect of answers from specialists who might actually listen and look beyond the obvious.
I slipped the cards into my wallet, then reached out to stroke Lily’s hair, careful not to wake her.Her skin felt cool under my fingertips, her expression peaceful in sleep.For the first time in years, I allowed myself to imagine a future where I knew how to proactively protect my daughter.It was a dangerous thing, hope.But tonight, watching my daughter sleep while clutching these tangible promises of help, I decided to risk it.
Chapter Four
Cash
I found Lana at the edge of the compound, deep in conversation with Hannah.The women stood outside ofThrottle, likely where Knuckles’ old lady had told Lana to meet her.Hannah liked to head to the bar for some R and R from time to time.Hannah and the other women in the compound kept the place running and cared for the women and children who entered our protection.Sometimes, the women’s stories got to Hannah.The woman had basically dedicated her life to helping abused women and children get away from their abusers.The security lights in the parking lot cast everything in warm light, throwing long shadows across the surface.My boots crunched on the gravel as I approached the women, both of them looking up with identical expressions of determination.Whatever they were planning for Eliza and Lily, they meant business.
“Cash.”Lana nodded, her voice all business.“Good timing.We’re discussing arrangements for Eliza and her daughter.”
Hannah held a tablet against her chest.“Third floor has a corner room open.It gets good morning light, which might help the little one feel more cheerful.”Her face softened.“Kids need sunshine.”
I shoved my hands into my pockets, feeling awkward as always in these conversations.The shelter was the club’s pet project, our way of giving back, but the day-to-day operations remained firmly in the hands of women who knew what they were doing.My job was limited to keeping trouble away, not planning room assignments.
“You think they’ll come?”I asked, remembering Eliza’s wary eyes when I’d first suggested Haven.
“They’ll come,” Lana said with the confidence.“Eliza called me this afternoon.The hospital is discharging Lily tomorrow, and they have nowhere safe to go with Ms.Winters circling.I made it clear Haven would stand between them and the system until this is thoroughly investigated, including getting the little one tested for genetic or congenital anomalies.”Yeah.Why did smart people like to use ten-dollar words?
Hannah made a note on her tablet.“I’ll stock the fridge in their room with some basics.I’ve already put extra bedding and pillows in the cabinet for them.Does Lily have any allergies we should know about?”
Lana shook her head.“Not that Eliza mentioned.But she’s fragile physically.We’re still waiting on proper diagnoses so, technically, the jury is still out on the causes, but I don’t believe for a second Eliza hurt Lily.Not on purpose, though she feels bad.Poor thing felt the bone snap in her hand as her daughter fell.”
“You got her the appointment with your specialist?”I asked.
“Dr.Brennan can see her next week.She specializes in metabolic bone disorders.”Lana looked up at me.“If there’s another reason for the severity of Lily’s injuries, she’ll find it.”
“Doesn’t sound particularly reassuring.Break it down with English.And use very small words.”I held up my finger and thumb an inch apart and squinted for emphasis.
Lana gave me an exasperated look, but I saw her fight a grin.“The most obvious problem, the one Eliza is hoping for, is treatable.Sure, she’d have to do shit and she’d probably hate every second of it.But it’s not something that would physically hurt.Just boring as shit and takes time.”
I nodded, raising an eyebrow.“Better.”
