I hit end on the phone and then both arms go around Katie, who’s holding on to me for dear life. “I’ve got you, Katie. You’re safe.”
Chrissy
I’m over the moon when Bart brings Katie to me and tells me how he kept David from taking her while he was high. He writes out a police statement for me to have for court.
I’ve been on the phone all afternoon with Carrie, Lacy, my mom, and my attorney. Bart has stayed right by Katie’s side because she hasn’t wanted to let him go. After my attorney assures me that she’s got my case moved up and the custody hearing will be in only a few days, I feel a little relief knowing that David is in jail. At least for now. With David getting arrested and Bart’s statement, I have enough for my attorney to halt visitation until the judge hears the case.
I hang up and walk into the living room to see Bart standing in the doorway on his phone.
“Yes, sir. The warrant came in today. I’ve got a few things to take care of here, and then I’m going over to search David’s unit.”
He turns around as he says it, and when he spots me, his face turns red, and he instantly says goodbye and ends the phone call.
“Was that your boss?”
He nods his head.
“That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? That’s why you’re in Forest Grove. You are here investigating David.”
“It isn’t relevant.”
I put my hand on my hip. “How do I know you’re with me because of me and not just to get the inside scoop on David?”
“That’s stupid. I’m not.”
“Then why not be upfront with it?”
When he doesn’t come up with an answer right away, I know I’ve been had. “Maybe it would be better if you left. I think Katie and I have had enough drama today.”
“Chrissy…” he starts, but I don’t let him continue. I’m weak when it comes to Bart. I know I am. I need time. “No, I need a few days to think about this.”
I know he wants to say more, but he doesn’t. He goes down the hall, and I’m assuming he’s saying bye to Katie. He walks toward me, and I freeze as he gets closer. If he touches me, it’s over. I won’t be able to resist him.
He stops and stares at me until I meet his eyes. “This isn’t over, Chrissy. This is far from over.”
I blink, and then he’s gone, and I’m watching as he walks away. I can’t help but wonder if I just made a huge mistake.
16
Chrissy
I’m physically shaking.
The judge has heard both sides, and while my lawyer had a lot to work with to make a good case that I should have full custody, David’s attorney worked hard to make David appear to be the wronged party, and a loving father.
I feel so alone and wish that Bart were here with me as I return with my lawyer when we come back from recess. The judge has made her decision.
I hear the door open and glance back to see that Bart has joined us.
He’s here!
Just knowing he’s there makes me feel stronger. How could I have questioned his sincerity?
The judge says that she was having a hard time making her decision until an officer delivered the latest charges that are pending against David, including money laundering, counterfeiting, and several charges of theft along with the documentation of supporting evidence. She grants me full custody of Katie.
Oh my God! I look around the room at my friends. Carrie, Lacy, Rose, and Olivia are all here. Scott is here too. I have so many people on my side, and they’re all here today, waiting to congratulate me. I’m so glad that Katie didn’t have to come and I was able to leave her home with my mother. Because I can’t resist, I walk over to Bart. “It was you wasn’t it?” I know he’s the one that has been working the case. I know he’s played a big part in me getting custody of Katie.
He shrugs his shoulders and leans in to kiss my forehead. “Congratulations, honey.”
The endearment rolls off his tongue easily, and I smile up at him. Because my friends can’t hold back any longer, they surround me now, and they all take turns hugging me and congratulating me. And the further away Bart goes.
When it’s all over, I look around the courtroom. The next proceeding is about to begin, and Bart is nowhere to be found.
A week later
Chrissy
David’s in prison, and Katie is safe. That’s all that should matter. Unfortunately, I’m still missing Bart. He left right after congratulating me on winning full custody.
I haven’t heard anything from him for over a week.
He’s gone. Face it.
I’ve gone through phases of being mad, then being sad and then mad again. He’s gone, and I don’t know when I’ll see him again. I have stopped myself at least five times this week from driving over to Knox to see him.