Broken but Breathing (Jinx Tattoos 2)

“No, it’s my daughter,” Snake barked.

“You’re a monster! You expect us to simply hand her over with no warning like some stray puppy. She has to be prepared and groomed. Can you imagine what taking her from us and never looking back would do to her? She’s nine years old for Christ’s sake.”

“She belongs with me. Don’t act like you got her through legal means.”

“How were we supposed to know you were out there? We were told her parents were drug addicted derelicts who’d bartered her for cash for heroin! We took her in knowing there was a chance she was a drug baby.”

“And you want what, a medal for that? You want me to thank you for keeping my child away from me for the past four years?”

Es placed a hand on his arms. “Nothing is going to be settled like this,” she said, and he turned his head to glare at her. “I know you’re angry. You have every right to be. Right now, you need to think about Jocelyn, and what she needs. Put her first.”

He ground his teeth and bit his tongue. The copper taste of blood hit his taste buds. Lashing out at Es would change nothing. She didn’t deserve the brunt of his anger. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. I need to think like a Vice President instead of a father.

“And how do you suggest we handle this?” he asked, forcing the words out of his mouth.

“Ease her into things. Introduce you,” Mr. Miles said.

“And what should we tell her, hmm?” Mrs. Miles said.

“How about the fucking truth? My wife was a damned good mother. She shouldn’t be remembered as some cracked out druggie who cared more about heroine than her child. The thought is an insult to her memory.”

“We didn’t do this on purpose, Mr. Kolton,” Mr. Miles said.

“The only thing I care about is getting back on track and taking steps to being where we should be. You’re lucky I’m agreeing to do that. We both know if I took your asses to court you wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, so don’t mistake my willingness to do what’s right for my daughter as a sign of weakness. I’m sure you did your homework so you know exactly who and what I am.”

“An uncouth swine, not fit to—”

“So help me, shut up,” Mr. Miles barked.

“I understand this is an emotionally charged issue, but I must insist we leave the negotiation and communication to the lawyers. We’ll come up with a visitation schedule, then we’ll send it to you for approval,” Greg said.

“No, I want to know what you’re going to tell her first,” Snake insisted.

“That we’ll be having new friends over to visit. We’ll leave it up to you to reveal the true origins when you deem appropriate,” Mr. Miles said.

Cowards.

“My client is fine with that. We’ll expect your proposal for visitation in the next twenty-four hours for something no more than a week from now. The client will begin a partial living situation within the next six months.”

“Absolutely not,” Mrs. Miles roared.

“Listen, bitch, it’s this or I’ll come and take her right now and all that money you have won’t help you. Trust me when I say my patience is running thin, and you won’t like me when I stop being nice.”

Mrs. Miles began to sob.

“Can we keep this civil please?” Mr. Miles roared.

“That’s completely up to you, Mr. Miles. My client is doing you a favor by not reporting your illegal adoption and going through legal venues. We understand this is a trying time, so we’ll forgive your transgressions. But this will be the only time that happens,” Arbuckle said.

“Understood,” George replied.

“We’ll be in touch,” Arbuckle said, hanging up.

“Who the fuck do they think they are trying to keep me from my daughter?” Snake practically bellowed, pounding his chest.

“We’re going to get it together, but you have to be patient. If you fly off the handle and go after them, they’ll have the law on their side and you won’t see Jocelyn in your house,” Arbuckle stated.

“Just hold on a little while longer, Snake,” Es said, the gentle voice of reason.