Page 30 of Patch's Bride
“And if the judge doesn’t approve it?” I ask, twisting my hand nervously in my lap. “What happens then?”
“Then we’ll simply file a separate injunction,” Serena says. “That will keep her from being moved until we can get a formal hearing in place.”
Smoke murmurs out loud as he scribbles notes in his legal pad, “The bar for an injunction is higher. We’d have to prove imminent medical risk.”
“She could die if she’s moved without proper support in place in the home,” I point out stubbornly. “And I know my stepfather is not going to do anything that costs money for her.”
Patch nods. “Regardless, I’ll write a letter on my medical letterhead outlining the possible risks of removing her.”
Smoke makes a note. “Any input from a competent medical professional will definitely help.”
Zen swivels his screen towards me, speaking up for the first time. “I’ll be scraping everything I can on your stepdad off the internet. I’ll be looking at things like financials, property records, calls, texts, the works. Patch said he’s been threatening you?”
I nod. “Through texts, yeah. Some voicemails too. Patch sends them to Smoke.”
“Send me everything he sent you. Every single text, every weird email and even the voice messages. I can cross-reference for patterns. If he’s communicating with anyone sketchy? I’ll find it.”
I glance at Patch. “Should I tell them about the cameras?”
He gives me a slow nod. “Yeah. Now’s the time.”
I inhale through my nose, let it out slow. “My mom gave me the Ring login before she died. I haven’t checked it in a while, but… he might not have changed the password. I can check today.”
Zen grins. “Do that as soon as you can. Forward what you find to me and Patch.”
I drop down into the closest empty chair and stare down at my hands. “That was a good call, I guess.”
Serena leans across the table, and her voice turns more serious. “Beth, we’ll do everything in our power to keep your sister safe. But we’ll need you to stay strong, calm, and credible. Judges take notice of situations where you yell, scream, or attack someone in the heat of the moment. They see that kind of behavior as instability. No matter how much your stepfather provokes you, you have to keep your mess together. Understand?”
Patch’s hand comes out to hold mine.
“She understands. We both do.” His voice sounds firm and final.
I add, “Of course, I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize becoming my sister’s guardian. She’s counting on me.”
Smoke stands. “We’ll file today. Be ready to show up in court, maybe as early as tomorrow morning.”
We say our goodbyes, and Serena walks us out herself. When we get to the front door, she puts a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You’re not alone in this,” she says. “You’ve got me, Smoke, and the whole club behind you.”
Patch says, “She’s right. We’ve got this.”
For the first time in days, I relax just a bit, believing we just might be able to scoot by without my stepfather making a mess of me and my sister’s lives.
I give her a quick, spontaneous hug and whisper, “Thank you,” into her ear.
***
After dealing with business at the clubhouse we head to Patch’s office. Maggie looks up when we walk in. Her fingers are hovering over the keyboard.
“How did everything go this morning?” Patch asks when we step from the waiting room containing a few patients to the back office. “Any complaints from Sharon about the new PA?”
“No. He’s been kicking ass and taking names all morning.”
Patch frowns at his receptionist. “You tryin’ to talk like a biker today, Maggie?”
She is all smiles as she nods. “I sure am. How did I do?”
Patch smothers back a smile. “Real good. You should get Beth to take you to the clubhouse sometime so you can hear the real thing.”
