Saxon's Soul (Haven, Texas 5)

“I would never abuse my boys.”

“I know that. And you have lots of witnesses who would attest to what a good parent you are.”

She let out a deep breath.

“So she wanted you to abort them and now she finds out they’re alive and she wants guardianship of them. Why? Something is motivating her.”

“I don’t know what.”

“I’m going to have to do some digging. Don’t worry, with no proof she won’t get a court order and CPS won’t get involved.”

“I’m afraid she’ll bribe someone.”

He looked thoughtful. “I know a few judges of my own. We could try for a restraining order but I doubt that we’ll get it after just one visit. If you talk to her again, make sure you turn on the recorder on your phone.”

“Oh, God, she’s really going to try and take my boys.” Panic threatened to overwhelm her.

He leaned forward and to her surprise reached out to touch her shoulder. “Listen, she has no evidence of abuse. Even if she bribes a judge to get a court order, we’ll fight. We won’t let her get them, all right?”

“O-okay. Thank you. I . . . um . . . it might take me a while to pay you,” she blurted out.

He raised his eyebrows, looked around the room which was filled with expensive pieces of art and furniture.

Red filled her cheeks. “This is Joel’s house.”

“If you don’t think this is your house then you’re under some sort of delusion. Don’t worry about payment. I’ll settle up later. For now, your only job is to try not to worry.”

She snorted. “Fat chance of that. Anytime someone tells you not to worry it means you worry more.”

He stared at her assessingly until she grew nervous. She swallowed heavily.

“I understand. But you start to worry too much, and I will step in. And I don’t think either of us wants that.”

Well, she knew she certainly didn’t.

“All right, we’ve started the ball rolling.” Molly walked into the room, followed by Hannah and Laken.

“What?” she asked, looking up at them tiredly. She felt like she’d aged a hundred years in a day.

“Operation, ‘Ditch the Bitch,’” Hannah told her.

Aspen gaped at her and was aware the other two women were doing the same.

“What?” she asked.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you swear,” Aspen said.

“I can swear.” She blushed. “Besides she’s a bitch, right?”

“Can’t argue with that.” She rubbed her eyes. “The boys will be up soon.”

“Gwen went up to check on them,” Laken told her. She came and sat beside her. “Molly, she’s overwhelmed. How about you tell her the plan?”

“Plan? What plan?”

Molly smiled. “The plan to make that cow’s life such a living hell that she’ll snap and reveal her true colors.”

“Huh?”