Page 37 of Sapphire Queen
Chapter 26
Sarifena stared out the window as the car moved across the gloomy terrain. Her emotions had turned a sunny day into one filled with rain, ruining her visit with Rory. Turning her head, she smiled at the innocent boy asleep in his car seat.
“How am I to let him go, Heath?”
“We won’t without a fight. I promise you.”
Glancing at her lap, her hands twisted against the fabric. She was the queen, surely, she could prevent this from happening.
The sound of Heath’s phone shattered the silence. She watched his jaw tense in response to whoever was on the other end.
“Who was that?”
“Commander Brady.” Heath threw his phone to the floor, “It seems Nicholas Brigham is back. And this time social services is with him. They are waiting for us.”
“What??” Sarifena gasped, “No… it’s too soon, Heath. I thought you said we would have more time.”
“I know, baby. I’m sorry.”
“They can’t have him.”
“You know we can’t stop them.”
“I’m the fucking Queen.” She hissed, snatching her hand from his reach.
“Yes… but that doesn’t mean you can just take a person’s child. We will work this out. I promise.”
“Stop PROMISING ME!”
Alex began to cry in the back, her outburst waking him from his slumber.
“Shit.” Sarifena turned, trying to calm him, “I’m sorry, buddy. It’s ok, go back to sleep.” Patting his leg, she quieted him. She didn’t look at Heath the rest of the silent ride home. Her heart couldn’t take the disappointment etched all over his face. He’d fallen in love with Alex just as much as she had.
Pulling into the drive, Heath’s calm voice cut through the tense space in the car. “We’re here, Sarifena.”
“I can do this, Heath.”
“We’ll do it together. I promise I’ll be right beside you.”
As they exited the car, they were greeted by several people. Commander Brady, along with Captain Stephens and Constable James, stood by.
“Your Majesty,” a woman, who Sarifena recognized as the social worker, gave a solemn smile. “I’m sorry about this, but Mr. Brigham has confirmed his paternity, making him the baby’s father.”
“Alex.” Sarifena spat.
“What?” the woman glanced at Heath.
“The baby has a name. His name is Alex.” Turning to the stranger standing beside her, “I assume you’re Nicholas Brigham?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I came as soon as I heard my brother and his wife were dead.”
“What makes you think you should rip this child from me? He is happy here – loved, in fact.”
“I’m his father.”
“You changed his diapers? You held him when he was born? You took care of him when he was sick?”
“Well, no. But I’m still his biological dad, and he belongs with me.”
