Page 110 of Redeeming Melodies

The interview continued, Elliot handling every question with that quiet strength I'd fallen for. No drama, no performance. Just honest answers about finding home in a small town, aboutchoosing love over image, about fighting for his son's right to just be a kid.

"You need to be there." Liam said what I was already thinking. "He's facing this alone and he shouldn't be."

"Can't just leave. Ramirez, the case"

"Smith can handle Ramirez. Jimmy's stable." His voice went hard. "But Elliot? He needs you now."

"How?" Gestured at my wrapped shoulder. "Can't exactly drive to New York like this."

"I've got contacts." The smile I remembered from high school - the one that meant trouble in the best way. "People who owe me favors. Can have you there soon.”

On screen, the interview wrapped up. Elliot looked straight into the camera, like he could see through it to me. "I'm not ashamed of who I am anymore. Of who I love. And I won't let anyone use that against my son."

"Fuck." The word came out broken. Because this man - this incredible, brave man - had just changed everything. For both of us.

"Go pack." Liam was already on his phone. "I'll handle transport."

"The station"

"Will survive without you for a few days." His eyes went knowing. "Some things matter more than duty, Jake. You taught me that."

Called Smith, kept it brief. Left him in charge, trusted him to handle whatever came. Because Liam was right.

Some things mattered more.

Time to show Elliot exactly what that meant.

THE DECISION

My phone stayed dark no matter how many times I checked it. Jake always answered. Always. Especially today of all days. The leather seats of the town car felt too cold, too formal. Nothing like Jake's worn truck seats that smelled like coffee and safety.

"Focus, Elliot." Sarah’s voice cut from the front seat, sharp as ever. "Your dramatics won't help today."

Wanted to snap back, to remind her who really specialized in dramatics. But she was right about one thing - needed to focus. Everything rode on today. Tommy's future. Our future.

Still. Jake's silence sat wrong in my gut. Like an engine misfiring right before a big race. Something was off.

The courthouse rose ahead, all gray stone and judgment. Media vultures already circling, cameras flashing like lightning in the morning gloom. Caught snippets of their questions through closed windows.

"Mr. Blue, any comment on your relationship"

"What about the custody arrangement"

"Is it true that Sheriff Thompson-”

Fuck all of them.

Cassidy appeared like an avenging angel, parting the sea of reporters with practiced efficiency. Her hand landed firm on my back, steering me toward a side entrance.

"Head up." Her voice came low, steady. "You've got this."

Then I heard it. The one voice that mattered.

"Dad!"

Tommy barreled into me full force, all gangly limbs and pure love. Caught him close, breathed in that kid-shampoo smell Vanessa still insisted on. My son. My reason for everything.

"Hey champ." Had to clear my throat past the sudden tightness. "Looking sharp."

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