Shaded Amethysts - Ann Omasta Page 0,19

at my own jokes.”

He chuckled, but then the silence began to stretch into awkward territory. I feared that he might try to leave, so I said, “I’m glad you’re here.”

His expression brightened before he asked, “Really?”

“Yes, I wanted to talk with you about the kitten. Noah––err, Dr. James––said that he’s doing well and should be ready to come home soon.”

I could have sworn Gage’s eyes darkened slightly when I mentioned his half-brother’s name, but it might have just been wishful thinking on my part.

“I’m glad to hear he’s recovering nicely,” Gage said noncommittally, still hovering near the doorway as if he was ready to make a run for it at a moment’s notice.

Since the bed was the only place to sit, other than my desk chair, I plopped down on the long side of the mattress and patted the spot beside me before offering, “Have a seat.”

Gage seemed especially awkward as he stalked across the room and sat down beside me. The too-small bed made him look like a giant as he pressed his palms together and stared at my shag carpet.

Seizing the moment, I launched into my pitch. “As you can see, I’m living with my parents at the moment. My dad is severely allergic to cats––or at least, he claims to be––so I was hoping that you could take the little guy.”

“Oh, I’m staying at the inn on the outskirts of town right now. I don’t think they allow pets, but I guess I could rent an apartment.”

The thought of him staying in town long enough to make renting an apartment a viable option made my heartbeat jump into overdrive.

“That would work,” I said, trying not to let my significant excitement over that prospect show. Wanting to do my part, I offered, “Maybe I could keep him here until you get settled.”

Gage didn’t consider it long before answering, “No, I don’t want him to set off your dad’s allergies. I can probably sneak him into the inn, until we get settled into a more permanent place.”

He was quiet for a moment before adding with a mischievous grin, “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve broken a rule.”

My mouth smiled back at him of its own accord, even though I was secretly wondering if he was joking about committing a murder. Surely, he wouldn’t do that. Right?

I wanted to be angry with my mother for planting the seed in my mind that Gage might be a murderer. I truly couldn’t imagine the kitten-loving, boy-swinging, plant-giving man, who was concerned about causing my father’s allergies to flare up, murdering someone. It simply didn’t compute in my mind that he could ever do something like that.

The rational side of my brain reminded me that serial killer Ted Bundy was also handsome, charismatic, and likable. As much as I liked to think I could trust my gut about such things, there was no denying that I had lived in the same town with Kevin Durley while growing up and never had any inkling of the horrors he was capable of committing.

Gage seemed to sense my discomfort because he suddenly stood and said, “I should go.”

I didn’t want him to leave, yet I knew it would be for the best… if nothing else to set my mother’s mind at ease. Without a further word, the man rushed out of my room, but he occupied my mind for the rest of the night.

13

Avery

Grant’s high-priced, overrated legal team balked at the couple’s decision not to sign the negotiated custody agreement. We all suffered through an awkward in-person meeting where Grant had to sternly remind them that he was the client, so they needed to comply with his wishes.

The lead counsel glared at me so hard from across the table that I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, but we held our ground and insisted that we take the matter to court. This was too important of a life-altering decision to cut any corners. I just hoped that I wasn’t putting the visitation they’d been offered at risk.

The day they announced which judge had been assigned to the case, I cringed. Of all the rotten luck, Judge McCreery would be sitting on the bench during the proceedings. The stern woman was known for being especially tough on men––having been left at the altar… twice. I just hoped her sense of fairness would shine through and allow her to see that Grant and Molly were and should remain Scout’s parents and guardians.

We spent every waking moment for weeks