Page 61 of Playing For Keeps
“Hunter Efron?” a man with a deep voice asks.
“Speaking. Who’s this?”
“This is Wayne Stout. I’m representing Isabella Carter. She gave me your information.”
My pulse quickens. “What can I do for you, Mr. Stout?”
He clears his throat. “Call me Wayne.”
“Okay, Wayne. What is this about?”
“Isabella tells me she’s pregnant with your son. Are you aware?”
“Yes.”
“Good. She said you were, but you never know when cases like this cross your desk.”
I stand and trek to the window in my suite with growing concern. “Is everything okay with the baby?”
“Yes, but we need to discuss what happens with him if Isabella gives birth while she’s detained.”
A stake of protective iron takes root in me. “She’s not even five months pregnant. Don’t you think it’s a little early for this talk?”
“No. If she goes into early labor due to stress, I need to know where you stand.”
“Stand with what?”
“Taking temporary custody of your son.”
A moment of hesitation hits me. I shake it off. “He’s my son. I’ll do whatever he needs.”
“That’s where we have a problem.” His tone thickens with control. “Isabella would like someone other than you to take custo?—”
“She can’t do that. I’m his father, and I have rights.” Adrenaline courses through my veins. “I know who she wants to give him to, and there’s no way I’ll let that happen.”
He sighs. “I was afraid you’d say that. Do you have representation I can speak to?”
My blood boils, and I march to the desk in my room. “Why would I need representation? Lay it out for me so we can get to the bottom of this today.”
“She wants you to give up your rights so she can make sure her son is raised by people who want him.”
“Never. I won’t let that happen.” I tighten my jaw. “We have nothing more to discuss, Mr. Stout. My attorney will be in touch.”
“Very well.”
I hang up without saying goodbye. This woman is going to make me a murderer. It will be a cold day in hell before I let her hand over my son to a mobster. A man who took my mother from me and ruined my life. And he still wants to continue to do so years later.
I hit Aiden’s number on the screen of my phone as I pace the room. The phone rings twice.
“Hey, Hunter. What’s up?”
“Tell me the FBI is taking down my mother and the crimeorganization that’s behind all her actions.” My hands sweat and shake.
“Um…I don’t know. They aren’t telling me anything about the case.”
“Do what you can and find out.”
“That could be a problem.”
