“It’s a motion for a hearing for custody of Scotty. In that ridiculous small town Gordon lived in. Tried to get it moved to Chicago but couldn’t do that without putting the whole process back. You know how I like the home court advantage.”
Becky Lee’s vision swam before her and she stumbled against Cal. He held her steady.
“It’s never going to happen. I have legal custody.” Cal glanced over at the boys again.
“We’ll see about that. We have a hearing set for next week.”
“That’s not what Gordon wanted and it’s not what TJ wants.”
“What Gordon wanted doesn’t really matter now, does it?”
Becky Lee couldn’t believe the coldness in the man’s statement.
“Oh, it means a great deal, Father.” Cal’s voice was laced with cold fury.
“Well, I’ll see you in court.”
“Don’t do this.” Cal didn’t plead, he just stated it.
“I’m already doing it.” The man turned on his dusty leather shoes and stalked across the park.
“Cal, I’m so, so sorry. This is all my fault.”
~ * ~
It was Becky Lee’s fault, and he was angry at her for not listening to him. Angry at himself for not protecting Scotty better. Angry at his father for trying for custody. Angry at Gordon for dying and leaving him to protect his son.
That last thought punched him in the gut.
What kind of brother was he? He let go of Becky Lee, sank onto the bench, and held his head in his hands.
“I’m sorry,” Becky Lee repeated.
He knew she was waiting for him to say it was okay, but it wasn’t. It was messed up. He raised his head and looked over at Scotty swinging from the monkey bars off the side of the fort. So carefree. Just doing what little boys do. He’d never get that chance if his father got his way.
“I need a lawyer. Best one we can find. Family lawyer.”
“Let me talk to Bella’s husband, Owen. He’s used a lot of lawyers, maybe he knows a good one.”
“I appreciate that. We need one right away.”
“I’ll call him.” Becky Lee dug her cell phone out of her purse and dialed Bella. Cal listened to her side of the conversation while carefully watching the boys. He didn’t put anything past his father, like swiping Scotty away. His father always said that possession was nine-tenths of the law. His father had often found sneaky ways to snag majority interest in a company before coming in for the final crushing blow.
Becky Lee sat back down a few minutes later. “John Black. Owen said one of his business partners went through a messy custody battle and this John Black is one of the best in Louisiana. His office is in New Orleans. Owen is calling him now, so he’ll be expecting your call.”
Cal nodded. “I’ll see how quickly I can get in to see him.”
“We can get in to see him. I’m going with you.”
Despite his frustration with her for going to see TJ, he knew she only had TJ and Scotty’s best interests at heart. He nodded. “Fine. We’ll both go.”
Just then his cell phone rang and he dug it out of his pocket. Steve’s number scrolled across the caller id. “I better get this.”
He listened to Steve. “Just a minute, let me see what I can do.” He turned to Becky Lee. “Could you take Scotty back to my place and feed him? And drop Josh off with Holly? She’ll be waiting for him at Steve’s house. Steve has an emergency at a job site and needs my help.”
“Of course, I can. You go on. Scotty and I will get my car and I’ll drive him to the cottage. If you’re late getting back, I’ll put him to bed.”
“Thanks.” Cal talked to Steve for another minute, promising to meet him at the job site.
He and Becky Lee crossed the park to where Scotty was playing. “Scotty, Becky Lee is going to take you and Josh home. I need to run out to a job site with Steve.”
Scotty looked up at Becky Lee. “We’re not going to walk are we? Our cottage is far away.”
“No, we’ll walk to my house and I’ll get my car.”
“Okay. I’m starving though.”
“How about I make you a grilled cheese?”
“That would mean you thought I had bread and cheese at the cottage.” Cal let out a long breath of air. Where had all the oxygen gone?
“Okay, we’ll run by the market first.” Becky Lee shook her head.
“And that is why we eat most of our meals out, right kiddo?” Cal ruffled Scotty’s hair.
“Right. You’re a lousy cook,” Scotty said seriously.
“Ouch.” Cal clutched at his heart.
“Okay, I’ll stock you up on groceries again. Scotty can help me pick out what he likes.” Becky Lee turned to Cal. “I’ve got this. I’ll see you later at the cottage.”