Page 66 of Raise 'Em Up

“Sorry, Dave, but I need to see Lennox Crane,” a woman I don't know says, and I quickly move over to her.

“Go ahead, Lennox. We will escort you back to your cabin whenever you are done,” Dave replies, and I bite back my words.

Last time I lashed out, they withheld my meals, and I need to keep up my strength if I'm going to break out of here.

I follow the petite brunette down a few halls and she leads me to a conference room of sorts.

Opening the door, I burst inside. “Mom,” I gasp, pulling her into my arms as she hugs me tightly.

There's color in her cheeks, and she looks like she's gained some weight. When we pull away, she touches my face and her eyes are clear for the first time in forever.

She seems happy.

“Baby, what did they do to you?” she gasps, getting a look at my black eye. I wave my hand in a dismissing gesture and glare at the suspicious man sitting across from where we are standing.

“Lennox, I am Jeremy, your mother's attorney. I have filed all the necessary paperwork and you are free to leave here. But before we do, may I suggest you filing a restraining order against Missi Kondum?”

My eyes widen and I nod immediately. Closing my eyes, I thank God really quickly, then move over to the forms he has laid out on the table.

“Do you have a pen?”

“What if it doesn’t work? What if she can’t get him out?” Donny asks, chewing on his thumb as he paces back and forth.

Cobbler thinks it’s a game, she's barking and nipping at his ankles, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

“She’s his mother. If his father can have him put in there, she can get him out. Although I still don’t fucking get how that asshole was able to force him in there. He’s over eighteen. Fucking blows my mind how them whack jobs seem to be able to work around the law, all because of their bullshit beliefs.”

“I don’t know, but I’m fucking done with that asshole waving his dick around like no one can touch him. I have money too, you know! I can start tossing it around if need be,” Donny grumbles.

The sound of a door slamming shut has our eyes shooting to each other. “They’re back,” I say and I’m on my feet, running out the door after Donny.

“Fuck, yes!” Donny laughs, before tackling Lennox.

“Be fucking careful!” Mateo growls, prying Donny off his boyfriend.

“Holy shit, man.” My eyes widen as I take a look at the damage done to his face. “What the hell did they do to you in there?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” He smiles, but I can tell he’s only putting on a front for us. “I’m out of that shithole now, and I’m not fucking going back. Now, let’s find out how we’re going to get me back on the team.”

We all head inside the house and file into the living room. “Oh, thank God you're back!” Fatima says when her and Felicia see us all sitting on the couches.

“Hey.” Lennox nods. “Yup, I’m out. Thank God.”

“I can’t believe that batshit crazy bitch was in on this bullshit. God, she really is crazy. How is she not locked up? Anyone with eyes can see she has a few screws loose.”

I don’t miss the uncomfortable, pained look in his eyes. That bitch really is a fucking menace.

“Well, the good news, at least for me, is that I’ve finally got a restraining order out on her ass.” Lennox sighs, wrapping his arm around Rylee. He’s sandwiched between her and Mateo, like he needs their touch right now.

I look at Donny and we share a slight thought. We’re not going to have Rylee to ourselves for a few days, so he can have the time he needs with his lovers.

“Thank fuck. It's about time. Any chance we can all take one out on her?” Donny huffs.

“Don’t you think we’ve tried that.” Rylee sighs. “You've got to have a lot of proof, or someone with connections. I’ve got none, same goes for Colt. You might have a chance, Donny, but she hasn’t done much to you.”

“Hey, if I could have her attention on me and not you, trust me, I’d be down for it,” Donny says, picking up Cobbler and pulling her onto his lap. She starts licking his face with her little tail wagging.

Fatima and Felicia leave, and we get back to the urgent situation. “Alright, we have to find out how to get Lennox back on the team. With the competition less than a month away, we can’t re-work the routine or find a replacement. They wouldn’t be able to learn the moves in time.”

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