Page 117 of Zone
Then she turns to me, where I’m standing in the middle of her living room with a sleeping Cricket in my arms, doing the little baby bounce. Her eyes go to her cousin, and she frowns.
I consider making a break for it, when my uncle steps forward and makes her an offer.
CHAPTER 27
Knox
“Mr. Bradford, I understand you think you’re the best guardian for Christine Dawn Allen, even though you were not aware of her existence before October 1 of this year.” The lawyer on the other end of the Zoom is dressed in a custom suit, and while he seems like a decent fellow, I want to punch him right in his smug face.
Clearing my throat, I’m thankful that my aunt Olivia, who is our family lawyer and hard-ass head coach of the Newhope High School drill team, which has won twelve back-to-back championship medals for precision dance every year, is sitting right beside me.
Aunt Liv is and always has been a badass, and I’m lucky to have her on my team.
I lean forward, speaking clearly and confidently. “Yes, sir.”
“It’s more than a simple presumption, Clarence.” Aunt Liv manages to sound bored and authoritative at the same time. “When the infant Miss Allen’s mother died, she specificallydesignated my client to act as her guardian. CPA agents delivered her into his arms along with the necessary legal paperwork, and the transaction was done. What’s happening right now is not only a mishandling of justice, it’s a traumatizing experience for an impressionable infant who does not understand why she’s been separated from the only loving father she’s ever known.”
I blink at my aunt, wondering if Cricket is really being traumatized. Aunt Liv doesn’t look away from the screen, but she pats me under the table, closing her eyes and giving me the most minute, nearly imperceptible head shake.
“Object to form.” The other lawyer studies his yellow legal pad.
“Seriously, Clarence?”
“We’re not arguing the debatable ramblings of a woman on her deathbed. We’re establishing the indisputable right of family privilege. Christine Dawn Allen belongs with her cousin Jada Allen, and that’s all that matters here. Jada wants to protect the baby and raise her in her family home surrounded by her real family’s history.”
“Family history is lovely, but it’s not the most important factor here.” Aunt Liv’s voice doesn’t rise, but I know from being scolded by her as a kid, she’s pissed. “My client has five times the income of Miss Allen. He has an established, close, familial relationship with the child, and he has a deep respect for the law, as evidenced by the fact that he did not fight law enforcement during the transfer. He allowed the process to take place, knowing that justice would prevail. He does not want to cut the child off from her family. He simply wants to provide her with a full-time, secure, loving home, and he welcomes Jada Allen’s presence in the child’s life.”
“His behavior was exemplary… especially for a professional athlete, and we know what that stereotype implies.”
“Object to form.” Aunt Liv narrows her eyes at him.
I have no idea what that means, but I kind of want to high-five her.
“I think we’ve accomplished all we can here today,” Clarence says. “We’ll deliver these facts to the judge and let you know how soon we can hear the case.”
“We’d like to set a hearing for two days from now, on Friday, as my client feels that further separation from his daughter will cause undue emotional distress for all parties involved.”
The fellow looks down at his calendar, exhaling heavily. “I’ll see what I can do with the holiday next week. My assistant will be in touch.”
“Thank you.”
The screens go dark, and I’m about to speak when Aunt Liv holds up a finger. I hesitate as she double-checks the computer. She shoves her red hair behind her ears, inspecting the device before lifting her head and giving me a nod.
“We’re all clear. Just didn’t want any live mics on our end.” She stands, bending down to give me a hug. “You did good, babe. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. I’m so glad Edward was there to keep you from doing anything rash. The way you handled that exchange mattered a lot, and I know you boys. You would’ve made this even more difficult.”
My chin drops, and I study my hands. “I imagined shoving them all down and making a run for it.” I exhale a laugh. “Uncle Garrett would’ve helped me. He’s the sheriff, after all.”
Her lips purse, and she shakes her head. “Your uncle Garrett would move Heaven and Earth for every single one of you, but I’m glad you didn’t put him in that situation. As it stands, we’re starting from the high ground. You have amuch more favorable position, and by not fighting, you come across as a responsible parent. Not a hothead pro baller, who thinks the world revolves around him.”
My lips twist, and I look down at my hands. “Are we all done for now?”
Her green eyes soften, and she slides a thumb across my cheek. “Yeah. Do what you need to do, Knoxey.”
“Thanks so much, Aunt Liv.” I stand, giving her one more hug before I dip out of her office.
She’s on the main street downtown, and I jog towards the bay a few blocks away before taking a left and then heading uphill, away from the water to the cute little bungalow that used to be Uncle Zane and Aunt Rachel’s house.
Now it’s Edward’s and his nephew Sage’s place, and I hesitate before tapping on the door.
