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Megan barks a harsh laugh.
“As if they’re going to charge me. Kevin said you weren’t going to listen as you should. I’m just making sure your life is going to be hell for telling us no.”
Ms Crier’s mouth is open. She looks how I feel.
“All because I said no to you two practically kidnapping my daughter?”
“We were going to give her the life she should be having. You are a single mother and a useless human being. You shouldn’t have her.”
“I think you need to go to the nearest psych ward and have your head checked out. You sound crazy.”
“I’m not crazy!” Megan shouts. “I want my baby! And I won’t have you stopping me!”
She hangs up, and silence fills the air. For a moment, nobody speaks. Then Amy whimpers and starts to cry. Shit, I have forgotten that she is in the room with us. Tossing my phone onto the coffee table, I go to my daughter and hold her tightly.
“It’s okay, Amy. I’m so sorry.” I rock her, rubbing her back. “I’m so sorry.”
“Is she going to come and take me?” Amy sobs against me, practically clinging to my arms. “I don’t want to go with her! I don’t want to leave you!”
“That’s not going to happen, honey. I’m not going anywhere.” I look up at Ms Crier. “Isn’t that right, Ms Crier?”
The social worker looks like she doesn’t know what to say. I can’t really blame her, I’m rather stunned after what I just heard. I didn’t realize that I knew someone who was really crazy.
Who on earth did Dad marry?
Chapter 22 Luke
I see the police car pulling away from outside Elle’s house as I turn into her street. The sight of the police being present leaves me feeling scared for Elle and Amy. Did they think she was in danger? Or that she poses a danger? From the phone call I got from Carly in the middle of a meeting, she thinks it’s the latter.
I don’t understand what’s going on. Elle is a marvelous mom, and she has raised Amy really well. I can’t believe anyone would think she is a bad parent.
Parking outside the house, I am crossing the front lawn as the front door opens and Carly comes out with Amy. Both are wearing coats and hats, and Amy looks like she’s just finished crying. My heart breaks at the sight of her, and I go straight to Amy.
“Hey, kiddo.” I kneel before her. “How are you holding up?”
Amy’s bottom lip trembles, and she hugs me. It takes a second of returning the hug to realize this is the first time I’ve actually held my daughter. It almost makes me break down as well. I look up at Carly.
“Where’s Elle?”
“She’s inside. I said I’d take Amy out for ice cream after all that.” Carly gives me a pointed look. “Ben is not going to be back for a few days, so you won’t be disturbed if you need to talk.”
“I’ll remember that.” I ease Amy back and adjust her hat so I can see her face better. “You go and enjoy that ice cream. Have you had dinner yet?”
Amy shakes her head.
“Well, how about a takeout dinner tonight? I’ll get whatever you want.”
“Really?”
“Really. Think about what you want, and I’ll get it.” I stand up and nod at Carly. “Look after her.”
“Don’t worry, I plan to.” Carly clasps Amy’s hand. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s go and get that ice cream.”
I watch both of them leave, getting into Carly’s car and heading down the drive. Then I go inside, following the sound of clattering in the kitchen. Elle is there, going through all of the cupboards and seeming to be putting everything away or shuffling crockery around. I stand in the doorway and watch her. She looks angry, and I can’t blame her for that.
“Elle?”
“I’ve been meaning to clean out my cupboards for a while. This place is an absolute mess.” Elle doesn’t stop as she starts to unload the dishwasher. “The social worker didn’t say anything, but I felt so embarrassed at the state of my house. I can’t believe we left the place in such a state.”
