Roman's Vow (Riley's Pride #4) - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,8
already deposed her,” Patrick said. “And her testimony will help, but if we could find anyone, any witness at all that would be willing to testify that she was not involved it’ll look better. Thing is, for anyone to do that, they’d most likely have to incriminate themselves. I can’t see anyone willing to do that without being highly motivated,” Patrick said.
“We’re working on it,” Riley finally said.
“Care to tell us more about that?” Mr. Schexnaydre asked.
“No! Don’t! Don’t want to know, don’t care how. Just don’t get arrested,” Patrick said. Then he turned his attention to Talie. “Ms. Davis, we’re going to go through everything you’ve already gone through with Ms. Autry again. We may go through it repeatedly, until we’re sure we know every single moment of your life on that day.”
“I’m ready,” Talie said, still holding tightly to Roman’s hand.
“But first, there’s another issue at hand,” he said.
“Alright,” she said, looking at him expectantly.
“Do you have the paperwork?” Patrick asked, looking at his brother.
“I do, and it’s signed by the Ohio Department of Corrections as well,” Raymond said.
“Excellent,” Patrick answered, turning his attention to Ms. Autry. “I understand you’ve not spoken with Ms. Davis concerning this change of events yet.”
“No, I wasn’t able to. They only allow one attorney visit, per week. I didn’t want to jeopardize this meeting, so I just came straight here today rather than going to visit to explain what we had in mind.” Then she looked at Talie and laid her hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to give you a heads up, but I didn't want to risk them not allowing you to come to this meeting by having one before it.”
“We’re all one big happy team, working toward your freedom, Talie. May I call you Talie?” Patrick asked.
“Yes, please do,” Talie answered.
“Now, the first issue that needs to be addressed is Mrs. Davis — your former mother-in-law — she’s challenged the custody you granted to Mr. Lyakhov.”
“On what grounds?” Talie asked.
“That he is not family and not suited to care for the girl,” Patrick answered.
“Nobody’s taking Darcie,” Roman said, his voice suddenly deeper than it had been.
“That’s ridiculous,” Ms. Autry grumbled.
“Can she do that?” Talie asked, looking from Ms. Autry to Patrick and back.
“We knew she might try this, we spoke about it, remember? I’ll file an action against her and buy some more time. We’ll fight it as long as we can and hopefully get a sympathetic judge when it finally goes to trial,” Ms. Autry said, her mind working already to try to deflect the claims of the woman.
“Or, I have a better idea,” Patrick said. “That is, if all the parties are agreeable, it’ll put the issue to rest once and for all.”
“What’s the idea?” Roman asked.
“My brother, Raymond, is not only an attorney. He’s a licensed justice of the peace and notary public,” Patrick started.
Ms. Autry grinned realizing where this was headed. “You asked about paperwork. You’ve already gotten it approved.”
“I have,” Patrick said, raising a single eyebrow at her and smiling. “And I’ve got the license right here.”
“What license, I don’t follow,” Talie said.
“If Mr. Lyakhov is your husband, he is legally tied to you and to your daughter. No one could contest his custody of the child as given by you,” Patrick explained.
Talie’s eyes grew large and her mouth fell open as she put two and two together.
“Anyone feel up to getting married today?” Patrick asked, sitting back smugly in his chair.
Chapter 3
“Yes!” Roman said passionately. “Now. Right now, let’s get married!” he insisted.
“But…” Talie hesitated. “You’ve already done so much.”
Roman lifted the hands of the woman he’d belonged to since he’d laid eyes on her. “I’ve been yours since I met you. I’d have already married you, or been arrested for stalking as I tried to convince you to marry me if you weren’t locked away from me. This is my end goal anyway. Now, it keeps Darcie safe, makes me legally her stepfather, not just her guardian, and makes you legally my wife. You’ll be able to contact me now, and I’ll be able to see you on visiting days until we can get you out.”
“I don’t want her to see me in here,” Talie said softly.
“Okay. But at least we could talk to you,” Roman said.
“Are you sure?” Talie asked as she looked at Roman.
“I’ve known I wanted you to be my wife since I first laid