Chapter 32
Kace
I'm not sure what I'll walk into when I get back to the house, but Sully is driving as fast as he can in Wilmington's bumper-to-bumper traffic, trying to get me back on the island.
I'd been doing reps when Mads's text had come through about Pamela and nearly missed the low sound. But I thank God Lindsey's there and wonder how long Pam had been there before Lindsey's arrival.
"What are you going to do?" Sully asks, sliding me a glance across his truck from behind the wheel.
"I don't know. Mads doesn't want to leave, though. She wants me to petition for guardianship or something." I rake a calloused hand over my face and rub hard. "What are the odds my sister will put her kid first and let her stay without causing problems?"
Sully snorts and that pretty much sums up my own thoughts.
"Yeah," I drawl, my gaze on the buildings we pass.
Times like these, I regret not going ahead and installing security cameras around the house. It's something I definitely need to look into, especially with a child and a teenager in my care and a family member who can't be trusted.
I don't want to get our mom involved because she has enough stress and health issues and things to deal with in her own life, but I think I might have to. Every now and again, Pam will listen to our mother, and maybe I can get lucky and that will be the case with guardianship. I can only hope.
Finally we make it to the island and over the bridge, and Sully cuts down every side street and back alley he can to get us there just a few minutes faster.
I don't see Pam's old beater car when we roll up, but there's a Maxima with California plates I assume to be Lindsey's and Gabe's Wrangler parked cockeyed in the yard.
Sully and I hurry out of his truck and make our way to the door.
Through the glass, I see Lindsey sitting on the couch beside Mads, talking softly.
They look up when I burst through the door. "You okay?" I ask Madi.
My tough-as-nails, show-only-sarcasm niece's eyes fill with tears, and her face crumples.
"Ah, Mads, come here, honey."
She surges off the couch, and I wrap her in my arms, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as I cradle her close.
"You're okay. You hear me? We're going to figure this out."
She doesn't say anything, but I feel her head shake in a no. I squeeze her a bit tighter and just give her a moment to know I care. That I'm here. "Kiddo, I promise we'll figure something out. And I always keep my promises."
"I won't go," Mads says with a stubborn tilt of her chin. "I'll runaway before I go with her."
"No need to do that," Gabe says. "We've got your back, Madi. We'll do all we can to get this sorted out. I got the name of an attorney," Gabe tells me. "Bronwyn sent it a bit ago. It's one of the Babes' husbands. He's located here on the island."
"You should call him," Lindsey says, getting to her feet. "Dani? Would you come help me pack up my stuff? I could use the company."
"No," Dani says in a sad voice. "I don't want you to go."
Dani's attention shifts from Lindsey to me, and I take the brunt of her accusing stare.
"Dani," Lindsey says, "Hey, we've talked about this. I'll still be around, but Bronwyn needs my help with the wedding and bookstore."
"What about us?"
"I'll see you at the bookstore, and—I'll…I'll even take you to your dance classes since I've got my own car now—if that's okay with your dad. How's that?"
"But it's not the same," Dani argues. "Why can't you just stay here like before?"
I know Lindsey is trying to give Madi and me some time alone to talk to the attorney and discuss things, but Dani isn't budging.
"I can't because…I'm getting a job."
"You've got a job," Dani says. "Us. And Daddy! You're supposed to take care of us."
"I did. But you don't need me as much anymore.
Your daddy's back on his feet, yeah? And this is a real job like I had in California.
It pays and has insurance. I have an interview tomorrow, and if I get it, I'll be able to get my own place for the baby.
I'm excited. Won't you be excited for me, too? "
"Can we come visit?"
"You'd better."
"A lot?"
My heart aches at the need I hear in Dani's voice. And I remind myself that I'm doing what's best for her.
"You better visit me a lot," Lindsey counters. "You and Madi both. Now, will you come help me pack so I can get started on my new adventure?"
Dani's expression makes it clear she doesn't want to do anything that means Lindsey leaves, but she finally nods.
"I guess."
Dani runs off down the hall, and Lindsey flashes me a look of understanding and concern, her gaze sliding to Mads before she turns and follows my daughter.
"I'm gonna take off, but if you need me, just let me know," Sully says. "I'll keep an eye out for Pam."
"Thanks, Sully. And thanks for the ride today," I tell him.
Sully heads out, and the moment the door shuts behind him, Mads looks up at me with a wary stare.
"So what now?" she asks.
"Let's head to the kitchen and call the attorney."
Gabe steps closer and places his large hand on Madi's shoulder.
"But first— No running away," Gabe says in a stern voice. "That's not the answer, and you could get hurt."
"Maybe," Mads says softly. "But it's still better than going back."
And there it is. When a kid thinks running away is safer than home, it's way too late to fix the problem.