Chapter 15 - The Office Door
I had taken leave from work for appointments and rest. Linda knew that. It didn't stop her from walking into our office building and demanding to speak to my supervisor.
My boss, Helen, called me herself.
"She said she was concerned about your judgment," Helen explained. "Then she asked for your schedule. We gave her nothing. Security escorted her out."
I sat very still on Nora's couch. "I'm sorry she dragged you into this."
"Emily, you don't owe me an apology. Are you safe?"
That question undid me more than I'd expected. I said yes, then added, "I'm working on staying that way."
Camille added the office visit to our file. The judge reviewed our emergency request and issued a temporary order limiting Linda's contact while a fuller hearing was scheduled. A process server handled notice. I didn't call Linda. I didn't send an explanation. I let the paperwork speak in my own words this time.
Daniel asked to meet at a coffee shop. I chose a table beside the front window and brought Nora. Daniel looked thinner. His hair was uncombed, and he didn't complain when I kept my distance.
"I told Mom to stop," he said.
"When?"
"Yesterday."
"After she went to my office?"
He looked down. "Yes."
"Then you waited too long again."
He nodded. That small admission hurt because it was the first one he hadn't argued against.
"I want to help," he said.
"Then stop protecting the person who's making us afraid."
He stared at the untouched coffee in front of him.
"If they ask me what I saw, I'll tell them," he said.
"The truth? Even if it costs you your mother's approval?"
He looked up. "Yes."
I wanted to believe him. I wanted our baby to have a father who meant it.
May you like
Two days later, his name appeared on the witness list for the hearing.
And Linda called him from an unknown number with one last warning.
