Page 64 of Finding You

She was finally napping by the time they got to lunch, and it was the first hot meal Dallas had eaten all weekend. Frey and Renato had stopped for a massive Mexican spread, and Dallas was halfway into his burrito when someone began pounding at the door.

Everyone froze.

“Uh,” Frey started, and then something hit the door.

Dallas was pretty sure it was a boot. Was someone seriously trying to break in with three extra cars in his driveway?

Adele climbed to his feet, squaring his shoulders. “Give it a second.”

Dallas opened his mouth to reply, but then there was shouting on the other side. “Let me in, you fucking asshole!”

Katie.

“I’m going to rip your fucking balls off, do you hear me?”

He started for the door immediately, but Frey grabbed his arm and held him back. “She doesn’t sound okay.”

Dallas knew what it was. She’d been served. He’d expected her to be pissed. He and Monty agreed it would be best done on the weekend when he had Audra because he knew she was going to be upset.

But he hadn’t expected her to show up at his house.

“She got the papers from Monty about mediation and the custody request,” Dallas said.

“Do you fucking hear me? I’m literally going to cut your fucking throat! You think you can take my daughter away from me? I’m going to have you arrested!”

Dallas started for the door again, but Adele held him back and shook his head. “Don’t. What did Monty tell you to do if she tried to take Audra early?”

Dallas let out a soft puff of air. “He said not to let her. That I was the custodial parent on my court-ordered time and that she couldn’t take her from me.” He also told Dallas that although there was a custody order in place, if Katie refused to give Audra back, the police wouldn’t force her to do it. So, he’d have to accept the fact that he might not see his daughter again until the mediation. Or the hearing, if she took it that far.

And right now, it was looking like she would.

“I’m going to speak with her,” Adele said. He was in his uniform shirt, and he looked very official. Dallas realized that was probably the best idea. He nodded, but he followed Adele to the door, then stood behind it so Katie couldn’t see him.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Frey in the hallway with his phone out, recording the whole thing. He was pretty sure those videos weren’t admissible in court, but it didn’t hurt to get it on record.

“Where’s my daughter?” Katie demanded.

Adele held the door in his hand, and it was clear she was trying to push it. But he was unmovable. “She’s asleep in her swing, so I’d suggest you keep your voice down. She doesn’t need to hear this.”

“She’s a fucking newborn. She won’t remember it! Dallas! Get your fucking ass out here now!”

“He’s not coming to the door,” Adele said mildly.

Dallas couldn’t see her face, but he knew she was seething. She didn’t like being told no. “Give me my daughter.”

“No. This is Dallas’s time with her. You’ll get her back on the scheduled drop-off.”

“I’m calling the cops. This is kidnapping. I am not putting up with this shit!”

“Please do. It’s probably better if we involve them, considering your current demeanor.” His voice was so calm, and Dallas was terrified because she had never reacted well to someone who didn’t match her energy.

Adele didn’t give her the chance to answer though. In spite of her efforts to keep it open, he managed to get the door closed and locked. Dallas stood there with his heart racing as she rattled the knob and kicked it several times.

“She’s probably going to call the police,” Adele said. “Do you have your custody order?”

“Yeah. I…yes.” Dallas had it out and ready since he’d brought a copy to Monty’s. “I should probably call my lawyer.”

“And pack a bag. Y’all are coming to stay with me tonight. Cops won’t make you give the baby over,” Adele said as he led Dallas back to the living room. Audra was awake now, and Lane was rocking her gently from side to side as she gummed on his shoulder. “But I don’t trust her to leave you alone.”

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