Page 60 of Exposed

23

I’M WATCHING YOU

MATT

After Pepper fell asleep last night, Simon woke up and I researched hackers on the internet while I was feeding him his bottle. The dark web is a complex market. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’ve got to help Pepper.

“I researched finding a hacker, and my friends in Colorado are searching. We’re going to find out who framed you so we can clear your name.”

Pepper looks at me, and her eyes get watery again. She quickly rubs at them and fans her face with her hands. “I promise I’m not usually a crier. These last few months have been stressful, and I’ve been more emotional. I don’t want to go to jail. You helping me means the world to me, and you have friends who don’t even know me that are willing to help me.”

After what she shared last night, I’m dead set onshowing her what it means to be wanted. I’d also like to find her parents and teach them a lesson, but I’ll have to settle for teaching Pepper how great she is.

I cup her face and kiss one of her tears away. “You’re not going to jail. My friends and I are happy to help you,” I promise her. “So, we’ve got a couple of things to do today. I want to add you to my phone plan. Then, I have a sunset family shoot scheduled later today, but it’ll only be about an hour and a half.”

I bounce Simon in my arms as we enter my exercise room. “You ready to work out with us, buddy?”

“You’re getting me a cell phone? That’s too much,” Pepper shakes her head.

“You’re my nanny, Pep. If something happens while I’m working, I need you to call me.”

She opens her mouth to say something, but my doorbell rings.

“Hold that thought.” I walk to my door while swinging Simon back and forth so he’ll smile at me.

When I open the door, I don’t recognize the woman in pants and a blouse standing on my doorstep.

“Mr. Matthieu Galloway?” She asks in a clipped tone. She’s holding a big yellow Manila folder.

“Yes, ma’am. What can I do for you?” I ask cautiously.

“This is for you. A suit has been filed against you.” She hands me the folder, then walks to her sedan and drives away.

“What the hell?” I mutter as I shut and lock my door. I balance Simon in one arm while I get the papers out. My eyes scan the top letter, trying to make sense of it.

Mr. and Mrs. Heath Truman are fighting me for full custody of Simon.

No fucking way. Are these his grandparents?

“What’s up?” Pepper walks into the living room where I’m frozen.

I look at her and can’t even get the words out. My hands are shaking, and she takes Simon from me. “Matt. It’s okay. What’s wrong?”

“Simon’s grandparents are suing me for full custody of their grandchild.”

My feet threaten to give out, and I sit on the couch. Pepper hands me Simon back and sits on the couch next to me.

Simon gurgles and coos, looking from me to Pepper. He smiles while he happily bounces his hands and feet up and down.

I place my hand on his back while I hold him close. “You’re mine, Simon. I won’t let anyone take you from me.” He grabs my finger and starts grunting. Then, his face reddens as he poops, and yellow shit drips down my chest.

“You always save your poop for me, huh?” I laugh at my son’s timing. I lay him down, then strip off my dirty shirt.

“I’ll get Simon fresh clothes,” Pepper chimes, then runs to my room where she organized and folded all of his clothes on top of my dresser.

“How about what your mom bought him?” She comes back out with a one piece outfit with a puppy and a big dog on it that reads, “Daddy’s little man.”

“Sure,” I agree, locked in a daze as I clean Simon on autopilot.

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