Chapter 21
Wizard
I fidget with my tie for the millionth time as we wait for the family court judge. My other hand is entwined with Charlie’s. Olivia Albrecht-Scott sat on Charlie’s other side. Sitting next to Olivia, the firm’s other founding partners, Sabina Rabinovich and Maxi Kelly.
Though their firm was fairly new, they were already in the top five law firms in the city. Olivia came from the number three law firm and her father is a senior partner in the best law firm in not only the city, but the tri-state area. Her other father is the state’s attorney general. Currently, neither JR nor his attorney are present. The only thing holding us up is the judge got caught in traffic.
The doors fly open and the bailiff scurries through.
“All rise for the honorable Jordan Davis.”
I’d put the judge around six feet, athletic build, mid-fifties with salt and pepper hair. His piercing blue eyes survey the room before he tells everyone to sit.
He calls our case first. Olivia presents the case. Opposing counsel shows up and asks for a continuance. It’s denied, and full custody with no visitation is temporarily granted. The court will reconvene in thirty days.
It takes another hour for us to get all the court documents for the school and Charlie.
The school year starts the following week. I plan on surprising the girls with a back-to-school shopping trip. I should run it by Charlie, but I’m going with ‘ask for forgiveness instead of permission’.
We take one of the club’s SUVs. A big black bullet-proof beauty with tinted windows. I drive us to the girls' school.
“Do you want me to come in or stay in the cage?”
“Are vehicles really that bad?”
I laugh. “In some ways, yes. It’s a cage where my sled is freedom. But cages have their uses.”
“Like hauling groceries and grumpy hormone fueled teens. And please come in with me.”
I nod and hurry out of my side of the cage to open her door. She threads her fingers through mine as we walk into the school. The halls are mostly quiet, with only the sophomore class doing orientation today. Each grade has their own orientation day. I have no idea why. Charlie said it’s tradition and she has no idea why.
She gave me a crash course on the school and rules last night and this morning asked if I will be an emergency contact for the girls. I said yes, of course. Charlie’s not the only one I’ve grown to care for.
I’ve spent far more time with Charlie, but last night, when those girls were in danger, a fierce sense of protectiveness settled into my heart. I knew then I’d lay down my life to protect theirs.
Charlie stops outside the office.
“I never officially thanked you for saving my daughters last night.”
Her voice catches and I squeeze her hand.
“I don’t know what would’ve happened if you and your brothers hadn't shown up. I can’t bear to think what could’ve happened.”
I draw her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.
“Don’t go down that road, Spitfire. My brothers and I will do everything in our power to protect you and the girls. You’re safe behind our walls. I have eyes everywhere. There’s not an inch of the place not under surveillance. I even have the water covered.
“Most of my brothers are military-trained. Some elite forces. Plus, Bug has sent me a few experimental military grade protection devices. Our backup generators have backup generators, and we have our own bodega. Not to mention the clubhouse has enough to feed an army for a month.”
“Are you planning on war?”
I shake my head. “No, just letting you know we’re prepared.”
I feel her relax. “That makes me feel better. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s go turn in those papers and get our girls.”
She laughs and leads us into the office. A silver-haired woman in a dress complete with pearls and heels greets us. She looks me over a few times. I can’t quite discern what her eyes hold. It isn’t fear or contempt.
“Mrs. Caruso, how nice to see you.”
“Grace. How was your summer?”
“My summer was amazing. Who’s your friend?”
“Grace, this is Damien Morelli. I’d like to add him to the list of approved adults and as emergency contact. Damien, this Mrs. Grace Appleton.”
I extend my hand to the older woman. “Mrs. Appleton, it's a pleasure to meet you.”
She extends her hand with a smile.
“Call me Grace, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Morelli.”
“Please call me Damien. May I say that dress brings out the color of your eyes.”
Grace blushes. “Oh, you’re a rascal.”
I smile and wink.
“If you have a few minutes, we brought some paperwork regarding the girls,” I say.
“We can meet in Mr. Stanley’s office. He’s out on the soccer field with the sophomores.”
“Valentina will love that,” Charlie says with a laugh.
Grace laughs and points to a CTV monitor. “She doesn’t look so happy trotting across the field in her heels.”
I stifle a laugh at the look on half the girls' faces as they traipse across the field in heels. A man dressed in athletic gear striding across the field is oblivious to the angst behind him.
We follow Grace into the principal’s office. It takes all of ten minutes for her to document the changes and file the paperwork. After that, we’re free to take the girls with us.