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She yelped and dropped the folder on the ground before turning to me. “Cain! You scared the shit outta me.”
“Likewise, princess.” I eyed her. She was in the same clothes as yesterday. “Where the hell were you?”
She knelt and picked up the papers. “I was giving you space. Among other things.”
“And you were out all night?”
“Well, it took a while to get everyone—I mean, everything,done.” She stood. “Here you go.”
“What’s this?”
“Papers. Ones you should read. I don’t expect this to fix everything between us, but I wanted you to have them.” Shegave me a smile and then stepped away. “Once you see what they are, I’ll go back to giving you space.”
“And space means what exactly? Because I thought you were gone.”
“I wasn’t gone. Just busy. But if you want me to leave?—”
“No,” I cut her off. “I didn’t … next time I say I need space, just let me go outside. You don’t have to run.”
“Funny. That’s not the first time I’ve heard that in the last twenty-four hours.”
“When did you hear it the first time?”
“Don’t worry about me,” she said, shaking her head. “You should open the folder.”
“But—”
“Cain,” she said firmly. “Open it, and things will make sense.”
I wanted to work this out, but she seemed oddly focused on whatever this was. Slowly, I flipped open the folder and saw a handwritten note stacked on top of atonof other handwritten notes. I picked up the first one.
To whoever,
Cain is a grade-A asshole, but not about that kid of his. Or his girl. In fact, to those who don’t piss him off (not me) he’s a really good guy. You should definitely let him keep Eric.
Hugh Jeffries
I blinked. Was Hugh complimenting me? At the bottom of the page was another note in differenthandwriting.
Cain, this one is for your eyes only. Do NOT send this to your lawyer—Mollie
“What did you do?” I asked slowly.
“Keep going,” she urged.
To Judge Marlon,
As a father myself, it was shocking to hear that Cain had taken in a child three years ago, but it shouldn’t have been. I admit that I missed it, but he is truly a kind soul. He’s dedicated to Eric and always has been. He’s more dedicated to the success of his child than many biological parents are. I see Eric growing into a fine gentleman, especially with Cain as his father. Please accept this as my formal recommendation of his character.
Atticus Thompson
Judge Marlon,
I may not have been in town as long as some other letters you’ll get, but I’ve seen a lot of Cain around town. I know his type. He’s guarded and takes a long time to warm up to people. But I do know that once someone has his trust, he’ll do anything for them. And Eric is the one person that has that. I know terrible parents. Cain isn’t one of those. He’s the kind of parent I wish I had. Don’t take Eric from a good home based on biology alone. Keep Eric where he’s happy.
Theo Murf
Judge Marlon,