Page 24 of Lily's Shadow

I only had a few seconds to see inside but I saw a bottle filled with water, a couple jars of baby food on the dresser and Cordelia sound asleep in her car seat. So they seem to be taking care of her.

Instead of going to my room, I walk around the corner in case they are watching. Making it back to my room without incident, my phone rings as soon as I close the door. It’s my dad.

“LilyAnna Harris!” He barks out. “What do you think you are doing?”

“Dad, what are you talking about?” I respond in my innocent voice that usually gets me out of trouble.

“Did you think I wouldn’t have my people watching? You stay away from that room!”

“I had to Dad. I had to see with my own eyes that she is ok. Dad, you don’t understand that is my daughter. I may not have given birth to her, but she is mine.Heart and soul.” For the first time since this all began, I break down in tears.

“Lily,” he says, “I do understand you are my daughter, it would kill me if anything happened to you.Promise me, you won’t go back over there.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t promise that. If I think Cordelia is in danger, I will do whatever it takes to get her out of there. I love you, Dad.”

Austin

Looking around Lily’s house I am in awe of all the people that have come to help me get my daughter back.

Taylor, Frances and Mr. Harris have taken over the dining room table with laptops and cellphones that seem to be in constant use. Arin, Sydney and Hayden are in the kitchen cooking breakfast for everyone.

My mom isn’t here right now, she took Hayden’s daughter Hanley and Sydney’s daughter Naomi to school.

Dr. Ortez came by the house earlier to draw some blood to find out what Brandon used to drug me. It must have been in the beer. I feel so stupid for drinking it. I know better!

I feel kind of useless, everyone has a job to do but me. I’m startled out of my thoughts by a hand on my shoulder. When I look up, it’s Taylor.

“We got this, Austin. Go take a shower and get ready for court.” He says quietly.

“Do you really think she is going to show up?” I ask him.

“You are going to show up. You are going to show the Judge you are serious about Cordelia.You are going to present your evidence and walk out with legal custody of your daughter.” He explains in a serious tone.

It doesn’t take me long to get ready. I’m sipping a cup of coffee when a knock on the door gets everyone’s attention. It’s Dr. Ortez.

“I rushed your bloodwork, Austin. Here are the results.” He hands me a piece of paper but when I look at it, I don’t understand any of the medical jargon.

Taylor followed me to the door, so I hand it to him. After looking it over he asks the Dr to explain the results.

“Mr. Montgomery here, was drugged with ketamine. It is usually injected or snorted but can be ingested. Of the two beer bottles you gave me to test, one was clean, the other had traces of the drug.” He says.

I can’t believe Erica would go to this extreme. I mean there is no proof she is behind this. However; it’s a strange coincidence that the ransom note is for exactly the same amount she has been trying to get out of me for the last several weeks.

I’m snapped out of my thoughts when Taylor tells me, “It’s time to go.”

He steers me to the passenger side of his rented car. “I’m driving, you need to pull yourself together man.”

He’s right, I need to put on a strong front for the judge. I’m not leaving that courthouse without custody of my daughter. After I take a couple of deep breaths I notice there is a motorcycle driving in front of us and another behind us.

When we pull up to the courthouse, Timber and Blade salute me before driving off. We get inside and Taylor directs me to a bench. Already sitting on the bench is Wrench, sprawled out and chilling like this is his favorite hangout spot. I almost laugh at him.

“I’m going to see if I can catch the Judge in chambers before we get started.” Taylor tells me before walking off.

I turn to Wrench and ask, “What are you doing here?”

“Watching out for my brother.” Is his answer.

“But, I’m not one of you?” I ask, confused.

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