Page 58 of Rush

Linc leaned back in his seat, presenting a board expression. “I’m going to ignore you as I ignore them.” He swiped a hand to indicate the littered tabletop. “I let my actions and character speak for me and hope the public is smart enough to recognizefalsenews when they read it.”

Parker sputtered and that’s when Linc realized the man thought the tabloid news would be his ace in his pocket. For thefirst time since this whole drama started, Linc felt good about the outcome.

“Anything else, Mr. Parker?” Flint asked when the man didn’t continue.

“Yes. The girl doesn’t speak.”

“And she hasn’t since the tragic death of her parents with no fault to my client,” was Jefferies swift reply. “Sophie attends weekly therapy sessions at the expense of Mr. Scott, I might add, to help her through her grief.”

“Yes, I’m well informed on that matter which is the key factor of why I won’t be speaking to her today.”

Linc felt something unknot in his gut at Flint’s statement, relieved Sophie wouldn’t need to be questioned. Even though she seemed okay with the idea when he’d talked to her about it, Linc wasn’t. He’d hated the idea of her being interrogated by a stranger.

Parker cleared his throat. “I have one more thing to say. As Jake’s parents, we’re the closest thing that girl has—”

“Sophie,” Linc interrupted, his voice flat with anger and landing like a slap.

Parker's face was confused and he verbally fumbled his response until all anyone could decipher was one flustered word, “Pardon?”

“My niece is notthat girl, her name is Sophieand as I remember it, this is the second time you've forgotten that.”

Parker turned to Flint, but he wouldn't find comfort there. The man looked almost as annoyed as Linc felt. “Of course, I know that! I'm just trying to make a point about us being her...” Trailing off, Parker remained silent. Which was probably in his best interest.

“Will you be finishing your point, Mr. Parker, or are you done?” Flint asked in a direct yet polite tone.

Parker shook his head and Mrs. Parker spoke for the first time. “We’ll love and care for that child,” she winced and corrected herself, “Sophie, as if she were our own.”

Linc gritted his teeth to keep from shouting,Like you did with Jake who left home at his first opportunity and never looked back? Jake had never shared the circumstances of his childhood with Linc and he always figured his brother-in-law’s silence spoke louder than words.

“Well, if that’s all, I’d like to address you first, Mr. and Mrs. Parker,” Flint began. “I've been doing this a long time and though nothing I say here today is admissible in court, I do believe, even with your supplied evidence, that you should withdraw your case for full custody. Mr. Scott is an upstanding citizen with the means both financially and fundamentally to care for a child, and with the backing of documentation from the minor child’s parents, I don’t see the court ruling in your favor at this time. I hate to be so blunt but a trial would be a waste of both your time and the court’s resources.”

Mr. Parker abruptly stood from his seat looking outraged. “I don’t care what you think.Thiswas a waste of my time.” he shouted at Flint with actual spittle flying from his lips.

“Sit down Mr. Parker! I’m not finished.” He waited for the man to take his seat, which Parker did, mumbling something under his breath that Linc couldn’t make out.

Once the room was once again composed, Flint resumed, directing his dialogue to the Parkers, “What I was going to suggest, is instead of petitioning for full custody, I think we should try to come to terms on a visitation schedule, supervised at first until Sophie comes to know you. Twice a year. Maybeonce in the summer and once during the winter holidays.” Flint cleared his throat and sat a little straighter. “But after witnessing your hostile display, I will admit to some concern.”

Across the table, Linc watched Sid Parker carefully. He was concerned too and didn’t want the man anywhere near Sophie. He would drag this shit out in the courts for years if need be.

Flint continued, “I get the impression the child’s well-being isn’t your main focus as it should be. I may not have the authority to make any decisions here, but believe me, what I say to the family court judge will influence them.” Flint waited and when Parker remained silent, he continued, “Now, if you’re interested, we can work on a visitation plan that will suit both parties.”

“No. Thank you,” Parker gritted through clenched teeth. “I am, indeed, not interested.” He grabbed his wife’s hand and pulled her from her seat. “Come on, Meg, we’re getting out of here.” Linc could feel the malice in the man’s gaze as it landed on him when he sneered, “This isn’t over.”

Mrs. Parker sent him pleading eyes as her husband pulled her from the room.

Neither look—Mr. Parker’s hostility or Mrs. Parker’s earnest appeal—sat well with Linc and a sick feeling landed in the pit of his stomach.

“Well, that went well.”

Linc looked over at Jefferies but couldn’t tell if the man was being facetious or sincere.

“Mr. Scott?” The same woman from earlier, stood in the doorway. “I’ll take you back to the waiting room.”

After saying goodbye to his lawyer with a promise that he’d call Linc as soon as he heard about a court date, Linc followed the woman back to the waiting room. With the straight shot down the hall and the impossibility of getting lost, he assumed the escort was more from protocol than out of necessity.

“How’d it go?” Nora hurled the question at him as he stepped through the door.

He sat beside her on the couch. “The mediator won’t need to speak with Sophie.”

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