Chapter 28 #3
“Hudson Taylor is the sole beneficiary of his father’s life insurance policy through the military, which will be put into a trust until the child reaches the age of eighteen.
The cost of Mr. Taylor’s preferred funeral arrangement has already been deducted from his personal funds, so no further expenses should be incurred.
Lord and Schaeffer was Mr. Taylor’s choice of mortuary.
Here’s their contact information so you can reach out to the funeral director for further guidance.
” Mr. Leery passes me the embossed business card, my fingers gripping it robotically, as if I’m on autopilot.
“In regard to Hudson Taylor, a social worker will be stopping by Monday morning to ensure your home is up to standard and you have the basic necessities required for a child his age. I feel it’s imperative to remind you that just because you’ve been named his legal guardian, that doesn’t mean the state will approve the placement.
Here’s a brief list of what you’re expected to provide, but it helps to have more than the bare minimum.
” He slides another piece of paper across the table, my gaze scanning the lengthy list with a heavy sense of dread.
I have none of these things, and no way to get them.
“I’ll be in touch once I’ve procured the death certificate so we can begin the process of transferring Mr. Taylor’s assets.
In the meantime, here’s a copy of the house key so you can begin packing.
Do you have any questions I’ve failed to answer, Miss Adams?
” The attorney spares me a brief glance, quickly returning his focus to the documents spread out before him.
“No.” My choked whisper is barely audible.
“Very well.” Mr. Leery stands, effectively ending our meeting.
“Feel free to contact me should any issues arise.” We shake hands, my limbs like jelly as I go through the motions expected of me.
The entire time, my heart beats erratically, my skin growing tight from the panic overriding my ability to think sensibly.
Time blurs as we make our way to the exit, the sunlight streaming through the glass door appearing tunneled from my waning vision.
I drag in a deep breath of the fresh morning air, or at least attempt to, but my lungs refuse to expand.
“Andi,” Colsen calls out, his voice demanding my attention.
“Look at me, sweet girl. Focus on the sound of me speaking, feel my hands on yours.” His fingers twine with mine, tightening to the point of pain.
“That’s right. It’s just us. Breathe for me.
” My shallow inhales start to even out, my eyes pinned to Colsen’s green ones as he talks me down from the dangerously sharp edge I have no desire to be teetering on.
“Good girl. That’s it.” Sounds explode around me, the drone of traffic mixing with the guys muttering curses as they pace the blessedly empty parking lot.
“I might not hate Seth, but I’m so fucking mad at him I can’t see straight,” I sob, despair battering my resolve until I’m slumped against Colsen, his soft murmurings of support barely breaching the chaos taking place inside my head.
“Why would he do this to me? To Hudson?! I’ve barely accepted the idea of being a mother.
Is this where he went after disappearing the other day?
To get his affairs in order? It feels like he’s thrown me out to sea without a liferaft.
” My hysteria bubbles over, a fresh wave of panic taking root, erasing the work Colsen did to stave off the worst of it.
“Bullshit,” Dayton insists, his light blue eyes glinting with determination.
“That’s what we are. When you’re tired and can’t stay afloat, you lean on us.
We’re the safety net, Butterfly, but you have to trust us to keep your head above water.
” I blink through the tears clouding my vision, a war ensuing between my head and heart as I struggle to comprehend why the four of them would want to saddle themselves with someone so irrevocably damaged.
I’ve got more baggage than an airport’s lost and found, but their insistence has never wavered.
“I have no idea where to start,” I admit, defeat weighing heavy on my shoulders.
“First, we call in backup,” Colsen states, tapping out a text on his phone.
“Royce and Rita are going to meet us at home. We’ll regroup, prioritize what needs to be done, and how to go about doing it.
One thing at a time, Andi. I promise, it’s all going to work out exactly how it’s supposed to.
” I wish I had his faith, but I’ve witnessed how savage the death of hope is.
It destroys your ability to see the brighter side of things, casting you in a constant shadow of doubt.
I take a fortifying breath, drawing on Colsen’s ever-present optimism.
Twenty minutes later, we make it back to the apartment, Royce and Rita joining us shortly after.
Their arms are filled with bags of food, a spread of sandwiches from the nearby deli covering the counter.
They each pull me in for a bone-crushing hug, their presence alone soothing the fear and uncertainty that has me in a stranglehold.
Our lunch is spent in contemplative silence, but with every second that passes, my anxiety ratchets up another notch as my thoughts turn to the laundry list of shit I’m expected to accomplish in less than forty-eight hours.