Page 44 of Daddy’s Protecting

“There’s no need for that, Little girl. We’re going to enjoy the rest of day and night. We’ll worry about tomorrow in a few hours.”

“Okay.”

When they arrived home, James Flanigan stood on the front step. He waited for them to park in the garage and join him.

“Ms. Grant. I’m glad I caught you at home,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “Your ankle bracelet has registered you outside your area for the past week.”

“Cynthia’s court case is currently being held. She has called and left a message on your cellphone every day to inform you.I also have the court’s official notice of the trial for you,” Dirk answered for her. His tone was confident and assured.

“You are?” the release officer asked, looking pointedly at Dirk.

“Dirk O’Roark. I am Ms. Grant’s attorney.”

“I’ve heard of you, Mr. O’Roark. I am James Flanigan, release officer assigned to Ms. Grant’s case.”

The two men sized each other up. Cynthia noticed neither man extended a hand to shake the other’s. This was obviously not a typical business or social situation. She glanced up at Dirk’s face and noted his professional face was firmly in place. There was a big difference between his expression when they were alone and when he was operating as a lawyer. She treasured the intimate connection they had.

Her instant anxiety that she was in trouble evaporated as he spoke. He was her protector from all who threatened her. Cynthia felt her shoulders relax down from the stress position they’d crept into. Her Daddy had this all under control.

“Perfect. I’ll look forward to seeing the court document. I do have the log of the phone calls. If I didn’t, I would not be here. A squad car would have been dispatched to pick you up,” Mr. Flanigan stated bluntly.

“So, there’s something else that brought you here?” Dirk asked, his gaze narrowing.

“Yes.”

“Come inside,” Dirk invited as he pressed the code on the door lock. Ushering everyone inside, Cynthia automatically returned to the kitchen table where they had spoken before.

When everyone was seated, the appointed release officer folded his hands together on the wooden surface. “You will soon be removed from my supervision, Ms. Grant, when your case is finalized. I have provided the judge with my observations and my notes of your conduct while you’ve worn the ankle monitor.”

“What did you report?” Dirk asked sharply.

“That is confidential. However, since we have not discussed any violations or warnings during your release, I can assure you that it is positive.”

“Closing arguments are tomorrow,” Cynthia blurted. “Could you give me permission to go see my mom? If they send me to jail, it will be my last opportunity to see her.”

“There are visiting hours in most facilities,” Mr. Flanigan assured her.

“You don’t understand.” Cynthia stopped and swallowed hard. She looked at Dirk and at his nod, she continued, “My mother is in a care facility. She is dying of cancer. Our relationship is… strained. She won’t come see me. Ever.”

Silence stretched across the table. Finally, Mr. Flanigan answered, “Will one hour away from the house be sufficient?”

“Yes,” Cynthia assured him. It wasn’t as if she would have a chance to speak to her mother.

“I will note it in your file.” Mr. Flanigan stood and walked to the door to let himself out without another word.

“Would you like to go now?” Dirk asked quietly.

“Please. Do you mind driving me?”

“Of course not.”

Back in the car, the duo rode in silence for several minutes. Finally, Dirk spoke. “I’m sorry I didn’t think of visiting your mother.”

“What?” Cynthia asked, drawn from her thoughts. “I’m sorry to interrupt our limited time together.”

“But we are together, Little girl. I’m glad you spoke up and requested permission. Seeing her has obviously been weighing on your mind.”

“I usually try to see her once a month. Since I created all this,” Cynthia waved her arm around in an encompassing path,“I haven’t had a chance to go. It dawned on me today that I might not see her again.”

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