22
ROWAN
We spent hours trying to calm Everly down last night, but nothing truly worked. I can’t blame her. Her mother committed the ultimate act of betrayal. I hate the woman, and I’ve never met her.
The next morning, Child Protective Services shows up at our house to investigate her claims. They search the house and find nothing wrong with our level of care. Even that doesn’t calm Everly’s nerves.
When they leave, we go to see our club’s lawyer, Lenny Thompson.
We walk into Lenny’s office and are greeted by Wren Dixon.
I’ve known Wren for most of my life. Her father was a member of the club, and she was best friends with Sophie growing up.
She also has some weird sexual tension with Axel, but none of us push the issue.
No matter how much we give him shit for it.
Wren stands when she sees us enter and walks around to our side of the desk to greet us. “You must be Everly,” she says with a warm smile. “It’s so good to finally meet you, I just wish it was under different circumstances.”
Everly gives her a weak smile. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Wren.”
Sophie and I told her everything she needed to know about Wren and Lenny.
Lenny has been the club’s lawyer for as long as I’ve been alive.
He’s cutthroat and dirty when he needs to be, but you couldn’t find a better man.
He’s gotten the club out of multiple messes through the years, and I have no doubt that he’ll be able to get us out of the mess that Everly’s mother has created.
“He’s ready for you guys,” Wren says as she gestures toward Lenny’s office. “You can head in.”
“Thanks, Wren,” I murmur as I guide Everly inside.
Lenny is seated at his desk, his brow furrowed as he looks over something on his laptop.
When he hears us, he looks up and smiles.
“Rowan, Everly. Let me just say how sorry I am that you’re going through this,” he says as he stands and walks around his desk.
“Everly, I’m Lenny Thompson. I’ve been the lawyer for the Sovereign Sons for a very long time, and I’d be more than happy to take this on for you. ”
He offers Everly his hand and she takes it, shaking it in greeting. “Thank you, Lenny. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.”
He releases her hand and reaches for mine. “Rowan, it’s always good to see you.”
I clasp his hand. “You too, Lenny. What do you have for us?”
Lenny sighs as he releases my hand, walking back around to his side of the desk and taking a seat.
“I know that CPS showed you guys a visit because of an “anonymous” report. You guys know that the call was made from Everly’s mother, thanks to Seargent Rojas.
I did some digging before you guys got here, and you’re not going to like what I found. ”
He turns his laptop to face us and pushes it closer so we can see. On it is a file that reads, “petition for custody.” My heart sinks and my eyes snap to Lenny’s. His expression is grim.
“She filed for custody of my child?” Everly growls.
I gesture for her to take one of the seats and scoot the other closer to hers so I can comfort her.
“She did,” Lenny confirms. “I just want you guys to know that she truly has no basis for this. She must have thought that her complaint to CPS would be trusted without an investigation. Luckily for us, CPS found no signs of neglect and closed the claim. I don’t know who she thinks is going to give her custody of your child for no reason, but no judge would do that,” he assures us.
“There is one other thing I want you to realize, though. Gibson Legal filed the case.”
The name doesn’t ring a bell right off the bat, but at Everly’s intake of breath, it comes back to me. Gibson Legal, as in, Travis Gibson.
“Travis’ dad is her legal counsel?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“What the fuck?” I mutter.
“This shit is all twisted together,” Everly says. “Why would he agree to be her council when neither him or his wife has answered a text or call from me since Travis died?”
“I think you’re right,” Lenny says. “There’s something going on there and knowing the issues you guys already have with Russel Gibson, this just makes things worse.”
“Can you dig into this?” I ask.
“I can have my private investigators look into everything,” Lenny says. “I just needed your permission.”
“Well, you have it,” Everly says, thrusting her shoulders back. “I want you to ruin her.”
The mama bear has officially come out. She’s going to do everything she can to protect her baby. It’s fucking sexy.
“I’ll get them on it,” Lenny says. “For now, just keep going about your business. You guys are doing everything right, and the court will see that. If it even gets to that point. Just be prepared, because it seems like Laura will do anything to get Hazel.”
“She can fucking try,” Everly growls.