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Topher tries to explain, but it’s something that I’m not truly grasping. They have a separate legal system that runs concurrently with the human judicial system. Their laws were created years and years ago and have always been kept secret from most humans. That’s the basics, and I think in this area, I’m happy enough to accept it.
“Basically, what happens in this court will reflect in the human eyes, too,” Alex says, and I sigh and nod. “The only main difference is because you are human—you won’t be around your peers.”
“There’s no humans allowed in a werewolf court?” I ask with a frown.
“No human who is not a mate or child of a wolf will be allowed there, no,” Topher says. “But since this will be a custody battle and not a criminal case, the likelihood is you’ll be the only human.”
“So, are we doing the right thing by not being the ones to initiate? Are we not giving them an advantage?” I ask. My fingers itch to take Phoebe back from Alex, a desperation to just snuggle her close and let her tiny little gurgles fool me into believing it’s all going to be okay.
Seb must notice because he reaches over to take my hands in his, and he squeezes ever so gently.
“No,” Alex says, shaking his head. “They’re the ones arguing against you having custody, so they must bring the suit. As it stands, you’re her only biological parent, so you have custody, regardless of your species. They have a year to dispute your claim, and if they don’t, they never can again.”
“A year to dispute it, or a year to bring the case and fight it?” I ask with a frown.
“A year to dispute it,” Topher says. “But I can see where your thoughts are going. They’re not going to drag this out. Trust me.”
“I’m trying,” I say quietly.
“And we appreciate that,” Alex says, squeezing my hand. “We’ve got three lawyers in our clientele that deal with this type of case, and with your permission, I’ll contact them first thing tomorrow. This will let us start preparing whilst we wait for the summons to come through.”
“And that part is allowed?” They all nod. “Then do it. I’ve got the funds, so get the best person that you can find. I’m not going?—”
“You will not be paying,” Topher says, looking as if he’s just eaten a lemon. His hazel eyes darken as he stares me down.
“It’s not the important argument right now,” Alex says, effortlessly diffusing the argument before Topher and I can engage. “Reaching out to them is the important step.”
“They’ll be the best ones to answer your legal questions,” Topher says after a moment, and I nod. “We’re going to figure out what my parents know about Ryan’s death and whether they were involved.”
“If they were, they’ll be dead before the next sunrise,” Seb murmurs, and a chill races down my spine.
“But whilst we wait, what do you know about his death?” Ben asks. “I’ve already dug up all the official information I can find, but I want to know what you know.”
“Um, okay. He died nine months ago. It was a hit and run, just like my parents,” I murmur, looking down at my hands as tears well up in my eyes.
Nobody comments on my sadness, and I’m glad.
“He was just walking in the street. He crossed the road, and a car came zooming around the corner and hit him.” I choke the words out, both hating and loving the feel of Seb’s arms around me as he offers the comfort he can. “He was safe, you know? He didn’t cross a busy road or not check. He used the zebra crossing.”
I wipe my eyes on the sleeve of my arm, my breath coming out in heavy pants as I try and compose myself.
“Do you think it was an accident?” Topher asks. His words aren’t harsh, but they’re not gentle, either.
“I… I don’t know. I don’t think so, or at least if it was an accident, they knew what they did.”
“What do you mean by that, little butterfly?”
“The car that hit him didn’t just settle for that. They reversed and went over him again. And again. The footage showed it all, so there was no doubt that they did that part on purpose,” I whisper.
“Wait, footage?” Ben demands. I sniffle as he shoves his food out of the way and rests on his knees properly. “Have you seen this footage, Maia?”
I shake my head as bile rises up inside me. Did I watch the video of my fiancé being murdered? No, I most definitely did not.
“So, how do you know it exists?” he asks.
“I was told about it during an interview,” I say slowly. My stomach is churning, and I’m very glad that I haven’t eaten much. I look up at him, my curiosity overtaking some of my sadness. “Why?”
“Because I’ve not found any evidence of this footage,” Ben says, getting up from the chair to grab his laptop from his bag. There’s an eager tinge to his actions as he rushes back to the sofa. “Which means that there’s either none that exists and you were lied to by the officer on the case or it’s not in our archives.”
