Page 58 of I Got You

Cliff clears his throat and leans back in his chair, crossing one ankle over his knee while Joan sniffs and scrunches her nose like she’s sniffing out fear. It’s what these people thrive on. They had me there once. Not ever again. I’d like to shove my finger up her thin nostrils and give a good hard tug, reminding her and myself I’m not a young, naive girl anymore.

“Tim wasn’t mentally sound when this was last modified. It seems unlikely he’d leave things this way if he understood the ramifications,” the asshole says.

“I can assure you that these were Tim’s wishes. The will was last updated shortly after he was diagnosed with CTE, and he was in complete control of his thoughts and wishes,” the attorney clarifies. “That can easily be verified with his doctor’s notes from that time.”

Joan squirms in her chair again. “Well, he couldn’t have possibly left his fortune and young children to these…Margaret.”

Cole grumbles beside me, and I put my hand on his arm as my heart starts beating wildly again. I know reacting to these narcissistic bastards will only make things worse. Breathe in and out. Don’t let them see your fear.

“Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, Tim was very clear on where and with whom he desired his children to reside. Maggie has been their assigned guardian for the past two years, which is how it will remain. Unless you have any further questions, I think we’re ready to wrap things up.” He shoots us a soft smile, clearly ready for Mr. and Mrs. Plastic to get out of his office.

“I think we’re all good.” Cole pushes out of his seat, nods to the attorney, and I follow. “Cliff.” He calls him because he knows he hates it. “It’s been real. I hope the organization appreciates the sizable donation. Stay away from us, and maybe you’ll be able to save face.” Cole holds out his hand for me to exit in front of him.

I don’t hesitate. I open the door, and immediately, Shane stands tall and strong. My lungs expand with air at just the sight of him, even though I still feel the evil presence behind us, fully aware that this isn’t over.

Cole and I stop in front of Shane, and he inspects my face. “Everything ok?”

I don’t have time to respond before Mr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde move into our space.

“We’re not finished,” Cliff announces like he has authority. “You can’t really think you’re capable of raising those children. You’ve barely ever been able to take care of yourself. All that money and four kids. You’re in way over your head.” He narrows his eyes at me.

Cole bristles, and Shane physically expands while slipping his hand around mine. I didn’t think he could get any larger, but he just did.

“Careful,” Shane says, and the warning in his tone is unmistakable. “The kids are exactly where they're supposed to be, with us.”

I want to burrow into his massive body and hide.

Cliff adjusts to face him. “We haven’t met. I’m Clifford Matthews.” He offers his hand. “This is my wife, Joan. We were sorry to have missed the wedding. We didn’t even know Margaret was engaged. How long has this been going on?”

Of course, it’s “this” like our relationship is inferior.

Shane grunts, completely ignoring him and his hand, turning to look at me. “You ready to go?”

“Yes.” I reach for Cole’s arm.

“We aren’t finished,” Cliff demands.

I force my body straight, not allowing myself to cower while turning to face him. “We are. Dad’s wishes were plain and clear. Your issues with him were between the two of you. The kids are happy and healthy, and they belong with me. Find some other way to deal with your bitterness or revenge or whatever it is.”

Joan makes a snooty noise that comes from her long, wrinkled neck. It’s likely the only place not stuffed with Botox. “How dare you? We were there for you when you needed us. Now, you treat us like this. It just shows how ungrateful and incapable you are.”

The knot in my stomach lurches, and I might throw up.

“Enough.” Cole jumps in. “You can take it up with the lawyers, but don’t think for a second anything will stay hidden, so be careful.”

I close my eyes and turn, walking away and not waiting for anything else to be said. My body flashes hot and cold, and I hold my stomach, swallowing the rising contents back down. Shane’s hand lands on my back, and it feels safe, but the worry of knowing this is far from over, combined with shame as the memories flood my mind, overwhelms me.

I climb in Shane’s truck as he and Cole exchange goodbyes. Cole pops his head in, his calm confidence never waning. “It’s going to be ok. Let them try. There’s nowhere better for the kids to be. Anyone will see that.”

I nod, closing my eyes and breathing in through my nose as he backs out and Shane climbs in. I can’t look at him. I want to disappear. I have no doubt he has questions, but I can’t talk about it. Not right now. Hopefully never. It’s painful and more than humiliating. My time with them left scars that just got ripped open wide.

It’s not a time I want to relive or try to explain, especially not today. Right now, I want my dad back. I want the safety of his arms and the knowledge that no matter what, he’ll be there to help me and rescue me just like he had then. But he’s not. He’s gone.

“Hey.” Shane’s low, soft voice startles me over the rumble of the engine. “Are you ok?”

No. Not even a little bit. I nod, still not able to look at him. “This is just the beginning.”

He pushes out a breath like he’s uncomfortable and unsure what to say. That makes two of us.

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