Eighteen
Kai
Sitting in the all-too-familiar conference room, I nervously tap my pen on my portfolio, containing documents that will either exonerate or start a whole new round of legal battles for my client.
The things I uncovered are mind-boggling, but true to my word, I will not air all of Heather Maddison's dirty laundry.
Just the pieces to help clear Shaun's name.
"Thank you, Butterfly," Shaun whispers to me, bumping his shoulder with mine, breaking me from my thoughts. "I really don't know that I would have survived this without you."
I reach out and take his hand that was resting on the table in mine and offer him a reassuring squeeze. "You're stronger than you think. You would have made it through."
"I'm not so sure," he whispers back just as the conference door opens, drawing our attention to Mr. Malloy and Heather's arrival.
I take a few calming breaths and adjust the portfolio in front of me. I don't bother with pleasantries.
We weren't going to see either of them until we met in front of the judge.
Still, I called Rebecca to set up this meeting because there have been some new developments, and I want to give them a chance to end this here and now.
I am hopeful, but not counting on it. Mr. Malloy's arrogance will never allow him to walk away with his tail between his legs.
But if he wants to play hardball…bring it on.
Thankfully, Rebecca was able to schedule this meeting on Malloy's calendar at the last minute.
"What's this meeting about?" Malloy's gruff tone is already grating on my nerves as he takes the chair across from me. Heather sits on his left across from Shaun. I can't wait to knock him down a peg–or six.
Make. Him. Squirm.
I don't address him and go straight in for the kill
shot.
"Heather, this past year must have been challenging, especially after losing one child through miscarriage," I sigh to show a dramatic display of empathy while looking away, trying to hold back my fake tears.
"My sister-in-law had gone through the same tragedy, and it almost destroyed her," I say calmly.
I'm an only child, but she doesn't need to know that.
Mr. Malloy furrows his brows and barks out, "You will address your questions to me."
Technically, I didn't ask a question. Yet.
"And it's Ms. Maddison." Heather adds on. "And what are you talking about? I never had a miscarriage. I wish this baby had been one, though. Instead, he's deformed because of Mr. Quack Job over there." Heather spats out immaturely while pointing her chin at Shaun.
She took the bait.
Further research of her medical record showed that she wanted a baby so badly, but was unable to conceive.
She ended up with a hysterical pregnancy.
She displayed all the signs and symptoms, even gaining weight.
After several months, she went to her OB/GYN and was told she wasn't pregnant.
Not only that, there were no signs of a pregnancy.
Her lab results were also within the normal range at the time.
Shortly after, she had a psychotic break following that appointment.
I read one note in her file that claimed she could see her baby's ghost.
"Shut it, Heather." Mr. Malloy tells her, holding his hand up in front of her face to silence her rambling.
Ramble on, Heather.
"It's Dr. Whitmore, and you will show him respect," my voice commands.
Mr. Malloy scoffs. "Just tell me if he's signed the settlement, Kapling. Stop wasting our time," he demands, trying to bring this meeting back on track as if he holds all the cards.
"I believe it is you who has been wasting our time, Mr. Malloy. Here is my motion to have these charges dismissed by the judge this afternoon." I slide a copy of the order over to Mr.
Malloy.
"Under what grounds?" he spits out.
"Three words. Northview. Psychiatric. Hospital." I whisper slowly into the room, but my words seem amplified.
Heather pales and quickly looks at Mr. Malloy for direction.
I don't give him a chance to respond because I don't want to hear more lies from this evil man's mouth.
"With the new information received, we will be seeking not only the dismissal of this case, but also reparations for my client." I wasn't going to play hardball, but my protective defenses for Shaun have developed stronger. He may be my daddy, but sometimes daddies need to be taken care of, too.
"Mr. Malloy, your client, Ms. Maddison, went after an innocent doctor.
Tried to milk him for over a million dollars in a frivolous malpractice lawsuit and tried to destroy his career.
We will see you in the judges' chambers.
" I stand for dramatic effect while holding on to the edge of the table, steadying my shaky legs.
"And just so I make myself very clear, Mr. Malloy, there will not be a settlement signed by my client.
Ever. But we expect one from yours." I tell him while glaring down at Ms. Maddison.
Shaun stands, and I instinctively place my hand on his back and guide him to the door before stopping, turning to face the two still sitting. "You have twenty-four hours to settle the matter, or we will see you in front of the judge."
And with my parting words, we exit toward the elevator.
When the elevator doors close, only the chime of the floors going down can be heard.
Shaun grabs me by my collar and pulls me into a kiss.
It's gentle at first, but then that passion heats up.
Commanding. Before he can pull away, I feel his length hardening against mine. Fuck. I want to get out of here.
When he pulls back, looking deep in my eyes, he asks, "Are you okay?" I know he's asking because the last time I had a confrontation in that conference room, I slipped into littlespace without even trying. But this time? It feels liberating.
"I feel great. A bit drained." I look down at my shoes and kick his foot with mine. "But…can I have some Daddy time anyway?"
"Of course you can, baby. Let me take care of you the way you've been taking care of me. You were incredible up there."
I reach into the pocket of my bag and hand the car keys to Shaun.
"Take me home, daddy."
…
"I butt-fly," I tell Daddy as I spin, wearing the new butterfly wings he gave me.
"You are the cutest butterfly I've ever seen," he says, kissing my nose before wrapping his arms around my torso. I may have melted.
"I wuv dim." They sparkle in shades of purple, pink, and white. I spin one more time before sitting on the couch, picking up my other prezzie. There is a matching butterfly outfit for my doll, Shuan got me years ago, and he is delicately putting it on her while I watch.
"There you go, now you two can have a wonderful playdate," he tells me.
A play date. It's been years since I've played with other littles.
What would that feel like again? Shaun must notice my melancholy look because he pulls me over to his lap.
I am much too big to be sitting on his lap, but I sink into him anyway.
"What's wrong, Butterfly?" he prompts.
"No fends," I confess.
He squeezes me tightly and presses a kiss to my temple. "You will have lots of friends when we get home to Rockport. I promise."
"Okay." I rest my head on his shoulder and don't try to move. After the week we had, the tiredness kicks in, and I let out a big yawn. What follows is an unfamiliar sound from deep in my throat.
"Maybe you're a lion and not a butterfly," Daddy teases.
"I not line. I butt-fly." I tell him matter-of-factly.
"Yes. Yes, you are. You are my cute little butt-fly." Daddy teases, and I giggle. "Are you sleepy?" I nod.
"How about we take a nap and then we can have a snack before dinner?" He asks, and it sounds terrific.
“Da seep wit me?” I ask
"It’s been a long week. I’m gonna pass out with you."
Daddy ushers me off the couch and guides me to my bedroom. Picking my pacifier up off the nightstand, Daddy puts it to my lips, and I gladly open for him, wishing I were sucking on something else, but I'm much too tired.
"Okay, sweet boy. Snuggle close, and I will read you a story." He says softly, running his fingers through my hair, causing me to close my eyes instantly.
Daddy begins reading one of my favorite books, Ten Magic Butterflies. Before the first flower becomes a butterfly, I’m in dreamland, dreaming that the fairy from my book turned me into a real butterfly, too.