Page 102 of Zone
“Wait,” I start, but the woman turns on her heel, flanked by the two cops.
“You have all the paperwork. We’re finished here.”
Edward steps in front of me, holding me back. “She’s going to be okay. It’s only for a few days.”
But my baby girl’s cries are in my ears. Her little hands reach for me, and she cries harder, “Ba ba ba!” as the elevator doors close.
I try to struggle, but it’s too late. They’ve taken my daughter away.
CHAPTER 24
Melody
“How much do we know about Jada Allen?” My uncle Spencer’s brow is lowered, and his square jaw flexes. “Have you done a background check on her?”
“It’s the first thing I did.” I pull up the document and email it to him.
The minute the door closed, we sprung into action. Or Edward and I sprung into action. Knox collapsed into a chair with his head in his hands. Seeing him cry nearly broke me. I fell to my knees in front of him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, stroking his hair.
“I let them take her.” He sounded so weak and ragged. “How could I do that?”
Sitting back on my heels, I held his hands, meeting his watery eyes. “Edward was right. If we had fought the cops or tried to run away, we’d never get her back. We’ve got to convince the powers that be that Cricket belongs with you.”
“They’re not going to do it.” He shook his head, plunging his hands into his hair and staring at the wood floors. “I’m not her biological father. Hell, I’m not even married. I’m just a football player.”
“Look at me.” I reached up and put my palm against his cheek. “You’re so much more than that.”
Our eyes met, and my chest squeezed painfully. I realized in that moment I loved him more than I knew, and I was going to do everything in my power to fix this. My mistake.
“We need to get to Newhope now.” Edward appeared in the hall, carrying two large duffel bags. “You can call Aunt Liv from the car. I’m driving.”
Knox didn’t move. “I should’ve fought them. I should’ve taken Cricket to Newhope. Dad wouldn’t let them take her away. Uncle Garrett is the sheriff. He’d have stopped those fucking cops.”
“They were actually nice guys.” I tilted my head to the side. “I’m sure they’re being sweet to her.”
“We’re wasting time.” Edward nudged his shoulder. “Let’s go.”
“Fuck off, Edward,” he practically shouted.
His cousin stopped in the entryway, shoulders dropping. “I know you’re hurt and angry.”
“No shit, Sherlock.” Knox shoved the heels of his hands across his damp cheeks. “She was crying for me, and I just let that bitch take her.”
“It was the right thing.” Edward was so controlled, but I could see from the tightness in his eyes this was hard for him. “The two biggest factors in custody cases are what the child wants and the behavior of the adults in question. Cricket clearly loves and wants to be with you. You have to be calm, responsible, law-abiding. Fighting with the police would be a serious mark against your character.”
Knox’s shoulders collapsed. “She doesn’t understand. I never let her cry like that.”
“Listen.” I stroked his cheek again, hurting with him. “I’m going to do everything I can from here. Go to Newhope and get your aunt involved. Call me, and we’ll do whatever it takes. We’ll get married if we have to. Just don’t give up.”
Tearful blue eyes met mine, and my stomach twisted. “You’d marry me?”
I smiled, blinking my own tears away. “Are you proposing?”
“I don’t think that will be necessary.” Edward nudged his cousin’s arm. “I’ve got your bags. Let’s go.”
He looked up at Edward, and he waited. Knox’s jaw clenched, and Edward exhaled heavily, looking away. I don’t know them well, but I got the impression they don’t disagree often.
When he looked at me again, his brow furrowed. “You’re calling your uncle?”
