Page 79 of Trial By Fire
"I won't go," Mads says with a stubborn tilt of her chin. "I'll runaway before I go with her."
"No need to do that," Gabe says. "We've got your back, Madi. We'll do all we can to get this sorted out. I got the name of an attorney," Gabe tells me. "Bronwyn sent it a bit ago. It's one of the Babes' husbands. He's located here on the island."
"You should call him," Lindsey says, getting to her feet. "Dani? Would you come help me pack up my stuff? I could use the company."
"No," Dani says in a sad voice. "I don't want you to go."
Dani's attention shifts from Lindsey to me, and I take the brunt of her accusing stare.
"Dani," Lindsey says, "Hey, we've talked about this. I'll still be around, but Bronwyn needs my help with the wedding and bookstore."
"What about us?"
"I'll see you at the bookstore, and—I'll…I'll even take you to your dance classes since I've got my own car now—if that's okay with your dad. How's that?"
"But it's not the same," Dani argues. "Why can't you just stay here like before?"
I know Lindsey is trying to give Madi and me some time alone to talk to the attorney and discuss things, but Dani isn't budging.
"I can't because…I'm getting a job."
"You've got a job," Dani says. "Us. And Daddy! You're supposed to take care of us."
"I did. But you don't need me as much anymore. Your daddy's back on his feet, yeah? And this is a real job like I had in California. It pays and has insurance. I have an interview tomorrow, and if I get it, I'll be able to get my own place for the baby. I'm excited. Won't you be excited for me, too?"
"Can we come visit?"
"You'd better."
"A lot?"
My heart aches at the need I hear in Dani's voice. And I remind myself that I'm doing what's best for her.
"You better visit me a lot," Lindsey counters. "You and Madi both. Now, will you come help me pack so I can get started on my new adventure?"
Dani's expression makes it clear she doesn't want to do anything that means Lindsey leaves, but she finally nods.
"I guess."
Dani runs off down the hall, and Lindsey flashes me a look of understanding and concern, her gaze sliding to Mads before she turns and follows my daughter.
"I'm gonna take off, but if you need me, just let me know," Sully says. "I'll keep an eye out for Pam."
"Thanks, Sully. And thanks for the ride today," I tell him.
Sully heads out, and the moment the door shuts behind him, Mads looks up at me with a wary stare.
"So what now?" she asks.
"Let's head to the kitchen and call the attorney."
Gabe steps closer and places his large hand on Madi's shoulder.
"But first— No running away," Gabe says in a stern voice. "That's not the answer, and you could get hurt."
"Maybe," Mads says softly. "But it's still better than going back."
And there it is. When a kid thinks running away is safer than home, it's way too late to fix the problem.
