Page 67 of Cause and Effect

“What did he say?”

“You look beautiful like you do every day,” I said.

“Did you recognize his voice?”

“It sounded like he was using a voice changer, but something seemed familiar.”

“Don’t worry. We’re going to get this son-of-a-bitch.”

“Thanks, Morgan. By the way. Don’t mention this to Julian. He is really mad at me about Georgina.”

“He’ll get over it. Don’t worry about him.”

“Excuse me, Laurel?” Melinda said. “There’s a woman here to see you. She’s in your office.”

“Thanks, Melinda.”

I walked down to my office and froze when I saw Mrs. Keeley sitting across from my desk.

“Mrs. Keeley?” I cocked my head.

“Ms. Evans. I hope you don’t mind me dropping by.”

“How did you know where I worked?”

“It’s not hard finding a hotshot lawyer like yourself. I want to apologize on behalf of my son. I had a long talk with him yesterday, and he opened up about many things. He is the way he is because of my husband and me. My husband is an alcoholic and can sometimes get out of control. Justin sees things no child should ever see from their parents. After thinking long and hard, I’ve decided to leave my husband and file for sole custody of Justin.”

It wasfour-thirty when my Uber pulled up. As I was on the way to pick up my car, my phone rang, and Julian was calling.

“Hello, Mr. Hamilton.”

“Where are you?” he asked.

“On my way to pick up my car.”

“How are you getting there?”

“Uber,” I said.

“Why the hell wouldn’t you have asked me to take you?” He snapped at me.

“Because clearly, you’re still mad at me, and I wasn’t rocking the boat any further.”

“I’m coming over to your house later and bringing Chinese for dinner. What do the girls like?”

“Uh, they like almond boneless chicken and shrimp fried rice. Why are you coming over?”

“Because we need to discuss Georgina. I’ll see you later.” He ended the call.

I wasn’t in the mood for him tonight after the shitshow of the day.

“Hello, my darlings.” I smiled as I walked through the front door, and they ran to me. “How was school?”

“You’re never going to—” Sara said.

“Oh my God, Mom—” Stella chimed in.

“I can’t wait to tell—” Sophie talked over her sisters.

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