Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Lana gave me an exasperated look, but I saw her fight a grin. “The most obvious problem, the one Eliza is hoping for, is treatable. Sure, she’d have to do shit and she’d probably hate every second of it. But it’s not something that would physically hurt. Just boring as shit and takes time.”
I nodded, raising an eyebrow. “Better.”
Lana focused back on Hannah. “But first we need a confirmed diagnosis, official and in Lily’s records, and an examination of her records to see if all of Ms. Winters’ findings are consistent with something other than abuse. I’ll cover all the bases, but I want both Eliza and Lily here to be observed and protected.” She waited until she had both my and Hannah’s full attention. “I will not let a mother be falsely accused of harming her child. But I also won’t let a child continue to be in a dangerous environment simply because I feel sorry for someone.”
“Lily’s mother isn’t her abuser.” I surprised myself by speaking my mind. I normally rolled with the flow.
Lana gave me a raised eyebrow. “I like you, Cash. But I’m serious about this and you will not fight me. I’m putting my reputation on the line here, so I’ll do my own research. Just like always. Don’t get in my way. And if I’m wrong and Eliza is an abuser, then I will bury her.”
I had to stop myself from taking a step forward aggressively toward the lawyer. She saw my expression and raised an eyebrow. I blinked and took a step back. Fuck. What the hell was I doing? “Sorry,” I muttered.
“Interesting.” Lana studied me a couple more seconds before giving a delicate snort.
Hannah tucked her tablet under her arm. “I’ll get everything ready. The security system was upgraded last month, so no one’s getting in unless we want them to.” Her gaze flicked toward me. “I’ll make sure the other residents know we have newcomers. The women here are good about watching out for each other’s kids. I’ll also let Rip know you’ll be joining him in the security station for the foreseeable future, Cash.” She smirked before going back inside Haven.
As Hannah walked away, Lana turned to me fully. “Cash, I need to set some expectations. Eliza is going to be skittish, especially around you. She’s been failed by the system for years. She’s exhausted, terrified, and now being accused of the very thing she’s been fighting to prevent.”
“I get it,” I said, shifting my weight. “Keep my distance.”
“Not exactly.” Lana’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “You’ve already connected with Lily, which is very important. But Eliza needs to build trust at her own pace. Be available but not pushy. Let her come to you when she’s ready.”
I nodded, uncomfortable with the suggestion I’d be anything but professional. “I’m just helping out because you asked. Once they’re settled here, they’ll have all the support they need.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Lana said, her tone making it clear she saw right through me. “But don’t disappear on them either.”
As if I even could. Lily broke my fucking heart and her mother… Well. I needed to not think about Eliza, because when I did all I could think was mine.
The vibration of my phone in my pocket saved me from making an idiot of myself. Not many people had this number. I pulled it out, frowning at the unknown number on the screen. “Hello?”
“Cash?” Eliza’s voice came through, high and strangled with panic. “They’re taking her. They’re taking Lily. They came with papers and --” Her words dissolved into a choked sob.
My body tensed immediately. “What? Who’s taking her? Where are you?”
“The hospital. Ms. Winters came with a police officer ten minutes ago. They were going to discharge Lily in the morning, but they’re saying I can’t take her home. They’re taking her into social service custody right now.”
“What floor?” I demanded, already moving toward the exit.
“Parking garage, level two. They’re taking her to a car. Please, I don’t know what to do. Lana gave me your number for emergencies and --”
“I’m on my way. Fifteen minutes. Tell them your lawyer is coming and they need to wait.” I ended the call and turned to Lana, who had followed me, her face grim with understanding.
“They’re making a move,” she said, her voice hard. “They’re taking Lily now?”
“Parking garage, level two. They’re putting her in a car.” I was already calculating the fastest route to the hospital, which traffic lights I could run if necessary.
Lana’s expression shifted to steel. “Go. Now. I’ll make calls from the car and be right behind you. Tell them I’m on my way and they legally have to wait for legal representation since they are at a safe place.”
She shoved me toward the car, her voice dropping to a fierce whisper. “And Cash? Don’t let that car leave with Lily in it.”