Broken but Breathing (Jinx Tattoos 2)

Nerves had him on edge as he pulled into Arbuckle’s offices. This was the first time they’d heard anything from the Miles. It would set the precedence for how things would proceed. He was grateful that Joc landed with a nice family. The things he’d imagined her living through were straight off the ID Channel. Now, he had to deal with the complications that came with a substantial amount of money. We have the upper hand. They purchased her illegally. No judge would rule in their favor. Unless they’re on the payroll. Money had the ability to make the impossible possible. He wouldn’t lose her a second time. Walking his bike into a parking space, he got off and hurried into the small brick building.

Arbuckle’s secretary greeted him with a smile. The fifty-something women with coal black hair, heavy make-up, and a tight black T-shirt that showed her expensive cleavage always gave the impression she was on the prowl.

“Good evening, Mr. Kolton,” she purred.

“Evening.”

“You can go back,” she said, leaning forward.

He nodded and hurried through the small waiting room.

“Snake, come on in,” Arbuckle said.

He walked in and shut the door behind them. Sinking into the coal-colored chair he tried not to squirm. Something about the older man behind the desk and the set-up reminded him of being called into the principal’s office in high school.

“You heard something from them?”

“Yes. They had their lawyer send back a letter requesting a DNA sample. Which I anticipated.”

“You think I should do it?”

“Yes. Once we have the proof, it’ll open up the playing field. Right now you could be some whacko after a chunk of their money.”

“You think they actually believe that?” Snake asked, leaning back into his chair.

“No, but they’re covering all their bases. Right now they’re probably scrambling to create a legal paper trail for adoption and making sure there’s nothing left behind to prove the one under the table.”

“Can I tell them I’ll do the DNA test with a stipulation?”

“You could, but I wouldn’t suggest it. It could slow things up.”

“I want to know my daughter. Right now I know nothing more than her name and what she looks like. If they’ll send me information on her—just some basics: favorite color, foods, allergies—I’ll take the test no problem.”

“Okay, I’ll send the information to their lawyer tonight. He’s waiting on us. I don’t think it’s too much to ask.”

He gave a stiff nod and bit his tongue to keep his thoughts inside. It wouldn’t help anyone if he popped off and spilled every angry thought he had rolling around his skull. Arbuckle was a shrewd man who demanded patience and respect. Snake wouldn’t get on his bad side when he had so much riding on this.

“I already put a request in for a kit. Sometimes they’re backed up. We’re out a week, unless they protest your terms. I know we’re all anxious to get this process going so chances are you’ll have your information tomorrow.”

“Who’s going to be handling the kit?” he asked.

“We agreed on a lab that has no affiliation with either of us. They came highly recommended and they send a representative who administers the kit to each client. It’s a nice way to ensure nothing underhanded goes on.”

“Is there anything I can do, or should be doing to prepare for a potential court case?” Snake asked, wiping his palms on his jeans.

“You’ve already done it. You procured a house. You have steady employment that brings in a nice wage. Your girlfriend has been professionally trained to care for children physically as well as mentally. Did she move in with you?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“Fix that. Even better, if you can, get a ring on her finger. Courts like nuclear families.”

“And they wouldn’t find it odd we just tied the knot now?”

“Not with her back story. God, they’d eat it up. From tragedy to married bliss in under a year because you were the one. It’d be a good move for you.”

“I’ll think about it,” Snake said, feeling ill at the thought of using their love for his gain. Could I do that to her? I’ll only bring it up if things take a turn for the worse. Being married wasn’t an issue—he saw that for them down the road—but it needed to be for the right reasons, or she’d never forgive him. I’ll focus on moving her in.

“See that you do. If this thing gets ugly, you’ll want the tables stacked in your favor. I’ll give you a call when we have an eta on the DNA test.”