Page 48 of Imperfectly Perfect

She pulled open the folder she’d brought with her and slid it across the table. It wasn’t Conrad’s medical records, though, which was what they really needed. Savannah needed Kyla for that, and after the last conversation she was more convinced that Kyla wasn’t going to be helpful in obtaining them.

Athena skimmed through the papers, which were mostly just bills with occasional doctors’ notes. On the very top was a timeline of events as best as Savannah could piece it together. Savannah’s stomach was back in knots again.

“I need the full medical records, and then I’ll need to contact another doctor to do an evaluation on them.” Athena didn’t look up at her. She flipped through the pages more. “There isn’t much more I can do to move this forward until I have those.”

“Right.” Savannah felt like she’d been gut punched. Because it would be impossible to obtain those records. Kyla wouldn’t easily give them over or go on the hunt for them, and they were probably going to have to subpoena them eventually.

“Do you think you can get them before our next meeting?” Athena put the papers back into the folder that Savannah had brought and stared at her directly.

How was she able to do that? It was almost as though Athena didn’t realize that she’d just delivered a stunning blow to Savannah, that the case would probably shrivel up and die from here on out, and Savannah had done nothing more than waste everyone’s time.

“I’ll try.”

“Please schedule a follow up with Fallon when you do have those papers.”

That was it. This was the take it or leave it moment, and Savannah had no other choice. She could either get the information they needed to move forward with a lawsuit or she could give it all up now. Nodding, Savannah reached for the paperwork. Athena shook her head.

“I’ll have Fallon make copies of these. They might come in useful later.”

“Okay,” Savannah mumbled, not sure that her voice was even loud enough for Athena to hear her.

Athena stepped out of the office, leaving Savannah alone. The disappointment hit her the hardest. She didn’t know what to do with it either. She’d hinged so much of her response to Conrad’s death on getting some justice, and it was looking like the chances were slim. She just wanted something for Kyla and the kids, something that could help keep them afloat for a little longer so they had proper time to grieve.

And yet, it was so much more than that, wasn’t it?

This was about her own grief journey, and her own process and way to work through no longer having her brother around. When Athena stepped back into the room, she handed over the paperwork but remained standing as she gathered up her own items.

“I’ll see you soon,” Athena said in her usual monotone. She never did show much emotion, and that had also been something Savannah had to work through.

Shouldn’t lawyers be passionate about the cases they took? Or should they be like this? Her divorce lawyer hadn’t been much different, but it wasn’t like there was much going on there. Savannah had just wanted out of the marriage first and foremost, and then she wanted to retain some custody of Brinley, even if she had to share it with him.

“I did have one question,” Savannah said before Athena got the door open.

Athena paused, looking directly at her, expecting her to ask without issuing the command for her to do so.

“Do you know much about family law?”

“Custody issue?” Athena chimed back.

Savannah nodded quickly. “I was thinking about taking my ex back to court to modify the current agreement.”

“It’s not easy to do unless you have proof the other parent is being neglectful or abusive.” Athena folded her arms around the papers.

“I know. I don’t think I was adequately represented the first time around, and being in this office and working with you has proven that.” Savannah wrung her hands together tightly. “You’re very thorough.”

Athena nodded, taking the compliment for what it was. “Is this just to modify the agreement or are you going to seek full custody?”

Savannah shook her head, unsure. “I don’t know. I suppose I would need someone to look it over more and see what’s possible.”

Athena moved back to the table and sat down. She didn’t open her folders though. “Is your ex contentious with you?”

Savannah nodded. “All the time, and disrupting my personal life currently.”

“Do you think your ex pays enough in support?”

“I don’t care about the money,” Savannah answered. “Forrest has a good job in the tech field, but I can survive without what he’s giving for Brinley.”

“Does he pay adequate child support?”

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