Page 204 of Fiery Romance

“Order!” The judge slams her gavel. “One more outburst and you will be escorted out!”

I drag my eyes off Island and point a look at my mother-in-law. Genevieve glares at me. Face red. Eyes bulging. She plops back into her seat. Island’s testimony did not go her way and I have strong evidence on my end, including the social worker’s testimony that my children are safe.

The case is over.

We both know it.

“Regan and Abraham will remain with Mr. Bolton,” the judge declares after a few minutes of discussion.

It’s the only line I’m waiting to hear.

The only line that matters.

I’m out of my seat before she can slam the gavel.

“Clay!” Cody yells. “You can’t just—”

I’m already through the door and bounding into the hallway. I glance at the bench outside, but Island isn’t there.Where is she?

Thinking she might be in the bathroom, I change directions.

“Excuse me.” I stop a woman who’s just leaving.

The woman looks up at me and pulls back.

I’m sure she’s frightened by me—a man twice her height and size towering over her with a desperate look in his eyes, but I can’t help myself.

“Ma’am, did you see a woman about this height?” I point to my chest. “Dark skin. Long braids. Absolutely stunning?”

“No, sorry.”

I back away and run into the main lobby.

Island isn’t there.

Fishing in my pocket for my phone, I dial her number.

Voicemail.

Dammit.

Did Island show up in court just to disappear after?

Through the windows, I see grey clouds rolling over the sky. Thunder cracks in the distance.

Cody’s footsteps patter behind me.

I spin around. “Have you seen her?”

“No, but I have seen Genevieve. She’s screaming bloody murder. The bailiff had to restrain her.” Cody looks pleased. “Serves her right for trying to set you up.”

I shake my head. Genevieve is the last thing on my mind right now. “I have to find Island.”

“Call her.”

“I tried. She’s not answering.”

“Maybe she left already.” Cody shrugs. “Or maybe she didn’t mean what she said in the courtroom.”

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