by Zuri Day
“I agree, and provided the judge acts with reason and I maintain sole custody, I’m prepared to act as civilly as I’m treated. I’ve talked to a therapist about our situation and she believes that if handled correctly, integrating your meeting Kyle and becoming a part of his life can happen with minimal disruption, either physically or mentally.”
“I could have told you that, and thought I did. However, I’m glad that talking to a professional made you feel better.”
“Ms. Robinson,” her attorney called out. He motioned her to join him at the front table. Without another word, she left Ernest standing in the aisle.
“Ms. Robinson, I’ve just conferred with the Westcotts’ attorney and they’ve presented a reasonable alternative to sole custody they’d like you to consider.”
“The only consideration that is reasonable is for sole custody of my son to remain with me. Period. End of story.”
“Look, I don’t have to tell you about the Westcotts’ influence. To have the case heard here when the child lives elsewhere is already a huge exception. The attorney they’ve hired is the best on the eastern seaboard. What they’re willing to do is change the request to shared custody, fifty-fifty, between the two of you, provided you move here, to Rhode Island.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“As the child’s father I think it’s reasonable—”
“Have you forgotten—” Remembering the size of the room and the stakes, Aliyah paused, took a breath and lowered her voice. “Have you forgotten that I’m in residency, in California? My suggestion is that Mr. Westcott consider a relocation. Why don’t you share that and then tell me how he likes it.”
He left to do her bidding, but Aliyah was done talking. Right now she figured her time would be better spent thinking about what countries didn’t extradite and what could be her new last name. Because if the judge granted the Westcotts either joint or sole custody, Aliyah would take Kyle and go on the run. To get him, they’d have to find her first.
The door to the judge’s chamber opened. He looked quite “judgely,” Aliyah decided, like someone fair, with common sense. Then she saw him nod and smile at Mr. Westcott. Perhaps he was a fool.
Before she could decide, the door behind her opened. Whoever it was held no interest for her, until she took in the judge’s scowl. She turned around. Her heart almost stopped.
Taking seats behind her family were Terrell, Julian and Jennifer. Another man, a bit older, attractive, dressed in a suit, said something to Jennifer before continuing forward. He smiled. She nodded and watched as the Westcott attorney and her court-appointed chap scurried forward to join the stranger as he approached the judge.
“Good afternoon, Judge.”
“Afternoon, Counselor. Surprised to see you here. Your case is scheduled for next week.”
“I’m ready for it, too, Judge. Which I can’t say for the one I’m handling right now, that of Ms. Robinson and her son, Kyle. Having just been hired moments ago, I am going to need a bit of time, not much, to confer with my client. I request an immediate recess to do so.”
She could tell the judge didn’t like it. Or him. Aliyah couldn’t be sure.
“This case is fairly straightforward. I’ll grant you one hour.”
“Thank you, Judge. Based on what I’ve learned so far, one hour is all I’ll need.”
The stranger walked over to a stunned Aliyah. “Ms. Robinson, if you’ll come with me, please.”
She did as requested, glancing at the Drakes as she passed by.
“Nice suit,” Jennifer said.
Aliyah managed a smile, but didn’t answer. Instead she spoke under her breath to the man beside her. “Who are you?”
“My name is Dave Butler. I’ve been hired by the Drakes to ensure you win your case. Which is good news for you. Because I don’t lose.”
Chapter 29
“I know I was there to witness it, but what just happened?”
Aliyah’s father, Joe, who was staring out the window, turned and answered. “The Westcotts finally ran in to somebody with more money than them.” His eyes then slid from the daughter he loved to the impressive young man now sitting beside her, the one who’d rarely left her side since court was adjourned not an hour ago.
They were all in Jennifer’s suite at the Omni Hotel, where she’d suggested they meet to talk and regroup following the abrupt turn of events at the courthouse. Aliyah, whose relief from the stress of it all had caused a near swoon, sat at the end of a long couch, knees pulled to her chest, a pillow at her back and Terrell by her side. Joe, Aliyah’s mother, Delores, and oldest brother, Kieran, sat at the dining room table. Terrell’s brother, Julian, sat in one of two club-styled chairs, busily texting away on his phone. Jennifer, poised and totally unruffled, sat in the other. The attorney, Dave Butler, had just left.
Aliyah sat up. Placed her feet on the floor.
“Feeling better, Lee?”
Aliyah smiled at her mother. “A little.”
“Do you need something to eat? Joe, go downstairs and see if they have a sandwich, or soup or something.”
“Don’t bother,” Jennifer said, rising quickly. “I’ll have room service bring something up.”
“I’m not hungry,” Aliyah said.
“I’ll still place an order. At some point, we’ll need to eat.” Jennifer continued on into the bedroom.
Aliyah placed her chin in her hand, eyeing Terrell intently.
“What?”
“You never mentioned knowing an attorney here.”
“That’s because I didn’t.”
“How’d you find Attorney Butler?”
Terrence sat back, placed his right ankle over his left knee. “After talking to you yesterday, I was too distracted to work. Hearing you that upset really bothered me.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“Don’t apologize. It’s how you felt. I called Niko, told him what was happening over here.”
“Who’s Niko?” Delores asked.
“Terrell’s brother,” Aliyah answered. “And an attorney, also.” She turned back to Terrell. “What did he say?”
“Nothing that could have helped you legally, of course, since his background is corporate law. But he remembered a former colleague who went to Brown. Got in touch with him, explained the situation. Then that friend knew somebody who knew somebody and the next thing I knew Niko was calling me with Dave Butler’s phone number.
“Apparently Dave also grew up in Rhode Island, is very familiar with the Westcotts and also with the goings-on that happen during certain judicial processes. Most importantly, I hear that a few years ago he handled a case that involved a family of siblings in foster care being abused. Authorities had information about it but nothing was being done. At least not fast enough for Dave’s liking. So he went to the media. You see how charismatic he is and how eloquent of a speaker. The cameras love him and I guess the media did, too. He beat a pretty loud drum and every time he did, it got coverage. Things happened quickly after that and those children were saved from a very dire future. Looks like he’s been somewhat of a media darling ever since.
“There’s probably more to the story than any of us will ever know, but the about-face that the judge did in granting a continuance leads me to believe that something shady was happening in that courtroom and if he hadn’t gotten his way, Dave Butler was about to go to the press and turn on a big old spotlight.”
“What you’ve just told us is story enough. For the Westcotts, appearances, status and perception are everything. The very last thing in life they’d want is negative publicity.” A slow smile spread across Aliyah’s face. “That’s it! Why didn’t I think of this before?”
“What?” It was the first word Kieran, who adored his sister and hated to see her sad, had spoken since they a
rrived.
“The next time I talk to Ernest, I’ll let him know that if he continues to seek full custody of Kyle, I’ll go straight to TMZ.”
Kieran shook his head. “That fool probably won’t know what that is.”
“You’re right, and as angry as I am, and as much as he deserves it, I would never stoop so low as to do something like that.”
“All’s fair in love and child custody cases. Except my choice would be the Providence Journal.” This suggestion from Julian, with eyes still glued to his phone.
“The local newspaper?” Terrell asked.
“Yes. Not too long ago, they did a story on Dave.”
“My attorney?”
Julian nodded.
“That’s what you’ve been doing, reconnaissance on Dave Butler?”
“Gathering information is what the internet’s for.”
Jennifer walked out of the bedroom. “Soup, salad and sandwiches are on the way. I hope someone’s hungry.”
“I’m glad you went ahead and ordered, Jennifer.” Aliyah released a sigh as she stretched. “I’m feeling a little hungry after all.”
Aliyah’s optimistic mood lasted for another hour. Until she received a text from Ernest, requesting a meeting. She agreed to meet him, knew that as little as she looked forward to this conversation it was one that had to happen. At Terrell’s insistence, she suggested they meet in lobby. “In case you need backup,” he explained.
Turns out, neither back up nor threats was needed. When Ernest met her, it was to let her know that in rethinking the situation regarding the development of his relationship with Kyle, he now felt it best to proceed at a more conservative pace. That once they’d known each other a while, and Kyle was a little older, the custody arrangement could be revisited.
Aliyah listened and agreed. No need to expound on her definition of “a little older,” even though Kyle would be eighteen and grown before she relinquished custody. But the meeting had gone so much better than she had expected, she figured this tidbit counterproductive. Ernest and the rest of his family would find out soon enough.
* * *
A week before Christmas, Ernest flew to Sacramento to spend time with the son he’d not seen. The interaction was initially awkward—Ernest obviously not used to being around children, Kyle overwhelmed and shy in the company of “Dad.” Kyle got a mountain of early Christmas gifts and Ernest took pictures, no doubt to use in his new claim to fame. Aliyah didn’t too much begrudge this. Who wouldn’t want to be known as her son’s father? Kyle was amazing! Still, when they stood to part ways at the restaurant, she could have sworn that the look on Ernest’s face was one of relief.
On the way home, Aliyah quizzed Kyle. “Did you enjoy the visit, Kyle, spending time with your father?”
“It was okay, I guess. He talks kind of funny. But I liked his watch. It was like a computer! But he doesn’t know how to play video games. Mr. Drake can play way better than him. Ernest is my father, but I think Mr. Drake is way cooler.”
Aliyah looked at her son and smiled. “You know what, buddy? I think so, too.”
Chapter 30
Filled with work and Ernest’s visit to meet Kyle, the days passed in a blur. It was Christmas Eve, and neither Terrell nor Aliyah had to work until after the New Year. Both were grateful for the break. The excitement in the air came not only from the opportunity to relax and enjoy each other, but also because Aliyah would be enjoying her family as well. The drama in Rhode Island had brought the families closer. Julian and Kieran were becoming fast friends. Her family initially balked at the generous invitation, but after much cajoling and a little bribery, the Robinsons had accepted the Drakes’ invitation to spend the holiday in Paradise Cove.
Terrell arranged a limo to be sent to the airport but in the end, Aliyah was too excited to wait the forty-five minutes to an hour it would take for them to get from San Francisco. She and Terrell ended up riding along.
They met them at baggage claim, then walked to the car. When she reached the limo, her father stopped in his tracks. “Is this for us?”
“Yes, Dad. It was either this or a van to get all of us in one vehicle.”
“You picked us up in style,” he murmured, shaking his head as he climbed inside the designer stretch. “The last time I rode in one of these it was for a funeral. I was about to ask you who died.”
It took a minute and some maneuvering but soon all of the luggage and all of the Robinsons were in the limo and headed to Paradise Cove. It was the first time on the west coast for all except Aliyah’s father, who’d visited LA in his twenties, and Kieran, who’d helped his sister move. Delores was unusually animated as she remarked on the wide-open space and coastal beauty. Having spent most of her life surrounded by brownstones and skyscrapers, her mother said she felt like traipsing through the fields they passed like Julie Andrews did in The Sound of Music. The miles flew by quickly as Terrell answered questions and provided a running commentary of the area he’d lived in his entire life.
They reached Paradise Cove. “This town is so pretty,” Delores exclaimed. “And so clean!”
Joe whistled. “We’re not in Prospect Heights, that’s for sure.”
As they neared Golden Gates, Aliyah turned so that she could surreptitiously watch her parents’ reaction. When the limo stopped and the gates began to open, their expressions did not disappoint.
“You live here?” Her sister Danaya asked, eyes filled with wonder as she looked around.
Aliyah laughed. “I wish. The Drakes are in real estate. There is a vacant property that has yet to sell. So instead of putting you up in a hotel, he offered to let you guys stay there.”
Minutes later, the limo pulled into the driveway of a Tuscany-styled home. Its tan exterior, rich mahogany-colored roofing and deep red shutters and front door stood out among the other homes with subtler features.
“This is it?” wide-eyed Danaya asked Aliyah.
“Yes, this is home sweet home.”
“Wow.” Danaya pulled out her cell phone and began to take pictures. “I’m in Hollywood!”
“How big is this place?” Joe asked. The question was asked casually, but knowing her dad she figured he was counting Drake money.
“Huge,” Aliyah answered. “You’ll see.”
They entered the fully furnished home. “I thought you said nobody lived here,” Delores said, looking around at the elegant furnishings.
“No one does. All of this—” she began with a wide sweep of her hand “—is called staging. The homes are furnished to give potential buyers a homey feel, and make it easy to imagine themselves in it.”
“I can’t imagine living in a home as nice is this,” Delores admitted.
“Me, either,” Aliyah replied.
“I can,” Danaya sang, dancing to music that only she heard. “Lee, which room do I get?”
“There are five bedrooms so you have choices. Let’s go pick one out.”
“I want the master suite!”
“Keep wanting!” Delores called out. “I might not see myself living here, but I’m sure going to enjoy spending the night.”
* * *
After getting everyone settled into the show home, the limo took them all over to the Drake estate. The Robinsons had thought Terrell’s home impressive but upon seeing where his parents lived, their jaws dropped. Aliyah watched her parents grow pensive as they walked to the entryway. However, any discomfort they may have felt disappeared with the sincerity of Jennifer’s warm embrace, and Ike Sr.’s inviting Joe for a spot of brandy.
After introducing her parents to Ike, Sr., she continued with her siblings. “This is the next oldest, my brother, Kieran, my brother Joseph, Jr., who we all call JoJo, my brother Myles, and my youngest sister, Danaya. Guys, this is Mr. Drake.”
“Pl
ease,” Jennifer said while reaching to embrace Kieran in a light hug. “Just Jennifer and Ike is fine. My family is out back, waiting to meet all of you. Right this way, please.”
Gathered around the pool in the backyard were Niko, Monique, Ike Jr., Warren, Charlie, Teresa, Atka, Julian and London. The only one of Ike and Jennifer’s children not present was Reginald who, after spending Christmas with his wife’s family, would fly out for New Year’s Eve. On a nearby table was a casual spread of barbecued meats, root veggies and salad that would be washed down with ice-cold lemonade or chilled wine. When the Drake men found out Kieran was a basketball star in Iowa, trash talking abounded. They’d barely wiped the last bit of sauce from their fingers before heading to the courts for some basketball bonding. Those who stayed behind enjoyed a glass of vintage wine from the Drake cousin’s vineyard, and a mildly chilly evening conversing around the outdoor fireplace. By the time the men returned from the basketball court Aliyah’s parents were tipsy, she and Terrell were tired and everyone was ready for bed and looking forward to the next day.
Christmas morning arrived warm and sunny. Used to cooking a large meal for both hers and the extended family, Delores hardly knew how to simply relax and wait for a catered meal. But when Jennifer suggested they all get manicures, pedicures and facials from an in-home spa company that worked on holidays, Delores happily agreed. She later told Aliyah that Jennifer’s lifestyle was one she could get used to. Aliyah’s heart warmed. Nothing would make her happier than for her family to move out west. With her dad a die-hard New Yorker, that would indeed be a miracle move.
They took separate cars—Aliyah’s parents with Ike, Sr. and Jennifer; Kieran with Niko and Monique, JoJo, Myles, Danaya and Kyle with Terrell and Aliyah—and the rest in cars of their own. For the Robinsons the surprises continued when the sophistication of the homes in Golden Gates gave way to the casual yet chic comfort of Warren’s ranch. The families enjoyed a veritable feast of turkey, ham and freshwater salmon from the Drake Lake project, with all of the usual holiday trimmings rounding out the menu. Several friends and extended family members joined them, including Lauren and her crew, Luther and his family and others from the realty company, the ranch and the center, who’d found themselves away from their own families on this special day.