Page 28 of Protecting Christina

I reached over to open my door when Will stopped me with his hand on my shoulder. “Hold up.”

He leaned forward, staring at the house and looking to the left and the right. “I don’t see the white Mercedes that Gabrielle has on the file belonging to the husband. It seems like the coast is clear for now. But stay close to me until we get inside.”

“I’m not a hot-shot celebrity who needs a bodyguard next to her at all times. You’re here to make Faye feel safe. That’s all.”

“Let’s hope,” he muttered as we both got out of the car.

Despite my words, Will walked up the steps to Faye’s door as though he were attached to me. His head swiveled every which way, looking for Faye’s husband, I presumed.

After knocking twice on the door, a woman with long brown hair, bangs, and a perfect complexion opened the door. I was struck by how young she looked. She couldn’t have been more than a couple of years older than me, but Gabby had said she had three kids.

“Faye? I’m Christina, and this is Will. Gabrielle from the agency sent us.”

She looked past my shoulder at the street, then opened the door wider. “Please come in.”

Faye, who wore gray tights and a baggy gray sweater, walked us toward a couch and two chairs inside her living room. The house was quite large, most likely having three, if not four, bedrooms upstairs. A quick glance at the kitchen revealed granite countertops.

If not for the numerous toys and baby clothes strewn on the floor, it would have looked very similar to my home.

Will and I took the chairs while Faye sat on the couch. She rubbed her hands along her thighs and I waited for her to get comfortable.

“Are the kids asleep?” I asked when I didn’t hear or see any of them.

“Yes. All three should be down for the night.”

“Good. So, Gabby asked me to talk to you about your legal rights in terms of custody.”

“He doesn’t want the kids, but if he thinks I’m leaving, he’ll fight me for them just to punish me.”

“I understand,” I said. “Legally, he can apply for custody. However, whether he would be granted custody is another story. That’s where I come in.”

She nodded.

“Tell me about your husband’s behavior toward his children.”

“He mainly ignores them. He works most of the time, but when he comes home late at night, and if he’s had a bad day, he’ll take it out on me or the kids. That’s why I try to get them to sleep before he gets home. I can take care of myself, but I don’t want him to bother them.”

“Do you work?”

“I work from home. I’m a graphic designer and have a small business for myself.”

“Great. Is it enough to provide for you and your children?”

“Not in a home like this, but I could get something smaller. I don’t care where I live, as long as I have my kids with me.”

“And are you sure you want to leave?”

“Yes.”

“When were you thinking?”

“I’m done living like this. As soon as the paperwork is ready.”

“Okay. We’ll set out a plan and when the papers are ready, Gabby will have a safe place set up for you and the kids to live until you can get on your feet.”

She inhaled sharply and let it out slowly. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now let me take you through these papers step by step.”

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