real jerk sometimes, Michael. You think you know what’s best for everyone.” Bobby’s voice grew from a frustrated tone to an aggressive shout.
“He’s right,” Piper cut in, standing to join the two men before a fight started. They towered over her, but she was certain she could break them apart if need be. She put her hand delicately on his chest, encouraging him to back down. “All this does is reaffirm what we’re doing. The judge is worse than we thought he was. We keep going as planned and we make sure he can’t hurt anyone else.” She wanted to tuck herself under Bobby’s warm arm and bury her face in his chest, but she knew Michael needed to see her stand there, cheeks dry, lip not quivering, and continue with what needed to be done. “We watch the cameras this weekend and make sure the judge doesn’t realize anything’s going on. Then I call Christian on Monday morning when the judge’s wife is out and get him over there.” Piper cleared her throat and stood a little taller. “I’ll take the first shift watching the cameras. You guys go kiss and make up.”
Chapter Twenty-one
Monday had finally arrived. The weekend was uneventful, and the pictures had remained right where she had planted them. Piper sat in her car in Betty’s driveway. She slouched down to avoid the penetrating stares from Bobby and Michael who were camped out on the porch. They had badgered her for hours about what the call to Christian should or shouldn’t involve. When she’d finally had enough, she took the burn phone and retreated to her car, locking the doors.
She hadn’t mapped out the entire conversation with Christian, but she knew what had to be said. More importantly, she knew how she needed to say it. Yes, she was nervous and rather than masking it, she planned to utilize it. Anyone calling Christian and expecting blind trust had better sound authentic. Coming across as calculated and unemotional would give him the idea this was all a setup.
She dialed the number she had scrawled into her notebook and drew in a deep, shaky breath. The phone rang twice, and then a man’s voice came on the line.
“Hello,” he answered, with an air of annoyance, probably at the fact that the number was coming across as anonymous on his caller ID.
“Is this Christian Donavan?” Piper asked, starting off almost imperceptibly quiet and then letting her voice grow.
“Yes it is, but listen, I already know who I’m voting for, I’ve found Jesus, and my kid is probably already selling whatever your kid is. I’m a busy guy, and I’m not interested.” The man paused waiting for the textbook overcoming objections rebuttal every new sales person was taught.
“I’m not a solicitor, Mr. Donavan. I’m very sorry to bother you, but I can assure you that this is important. It’s about your son, Chris. I have some information that I think you need to know.” Piper let her voice crack; she let the quietness of her tone reflect how terrified she was.
“What the hell is this, some kind of prank? If it is I’ll tell you right now it isn’t funny, and you’ll regret this phone call. Tell me who this is.” Christian’s tone immediately grew fierce as he spoke through pursed lips.
“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you who I am. I know who you are and what you do for a living, and I don’t want to get mixed up in any of that. I’m an ordinary person who stumbled upon something about your son being in danger. I thought about minding my own business, but I don’t want any more children to be hurt.” She jumped at the shock of Christian’s voice cutting in.
“You don’t know shit about what I do for a living, and you certainly don’t have any business talking about my son. This better not be bullshit. You’ve got thirty seconds to spit it out or I’m hanging up the phone, and if you think a blocked phone number can protect you, you’re wrong.” Christian’s voice was now raised to a shout, and Piper could feel the phone shaking in her hand. This reaction had validated Christian’s love for his son and his response to protect him.
“Please don’t be upset with me. I’m trying to do the right thing here. You do business with a judge. If you go to his house, in his office above his bookshelf there is a loose board hiding some terrible