He widened his stance. “That’s not any of your business. I’ve talked to a lawyer, Kathy.”
Her lips twisted into a snarl. “I’m the mother. No judge rules against a mother.”
“He does when she abandons her child and lets her boyfriends abuse him.”
She barked a laugh. “You’re crazy. Does Isaac look like he’s been abused?”
“Yes. Were you so stoned you didn’t know what was happening? Or did you not care?” James lifted Isaacs’s shirt and ran a finger over the burn scars. “What is this?”
Kathy gasped, then shrugged. “Mosquito bites. He probably scratched them.”
“He can’t reach the center of his back. Your idiot boyfriend burnt him!” James dropped Isaac’s shirt and barely refrained from shaking her.
She jumped back. “No he didn’t.”
Isaac stepped forward and latched onto Kathy’s knees. “Yes he did, Momma. I cried.”
“Stop lying! No one hurt you!” She screamed in Isaac’s face.
His little lip quivered.
“Don’t yell at him.” James picked up his son and Isaac buried his face in James’s neck. “It’s okay. I believe you.” The small shoulders trembled under his hand. He kissed the top of Isaac’s head. “Go play in your room while I talk to Momma.”
Isaac sniffed and wiggled. James set him on his feet. Pitiful, tear-filled eyes looked up at Kathy. “You wanna see how Daddy fix-ed my room?”
She rolled her eyes. “Not now.”
Isaac glanced over his shoulder once, twice, and then closed his bedroom door.
James swallowed his rage. “Your box of things is on the porch. Get it and go.”
“If I go, he goes.”
His hand itched to slap the smirk off her face. He shoved his hands in his front pockets and stepped toward her. “There’s no way he’s going with you. Not ever again. Do you care what kind of filth I found him in? It was worse than this place. How can you forget about the real world around you? How could you abandon him to a bunch of skanks? And now you expect me to hand him over? No! You don’t want him anyway.”
She flipped her long bangs out of her eyes. “I’m his mother. He’s valuable to me.”
“Really? Like Pop’s rifle was valuable to me? Have you smoked up the money you got from the furniture? What about the car? How much did you get for it?” Kathy stepped back and he fought for control. She wanted drugs and she needed money to buy them. “How much will it take for you to leave us alone?”
She licked her lips and shrugged. “Five hundred.”
“Done.” James reached in his back pocket and handed her his last Franklins, grabbed her arm, and shoved her out the door.
She didn’t stop for the small cardboard box. Through the open door, he watched her strut down the sidewalk and get in a rusted-out car.
Isaac barreled up the hall. He rounded the wall and ducked under James’s arm. “Momma, wait!”
Kathy waved from the passenger window of the old sedan. The driver squealed tires and peeled away from the curb.
The door clicked shut. Isaac wiped his face with the back of his hand. He sniffed once. “She forgot to say bye, again.”
Chapter Four
How could a mother be so cruel? Kneeling in front of his son, James battled the sting in his eyes. “Hey. We don’t need her. Tomorrow we’ll go play in the park, or see that new cartoon movie like you wanted. How about the IMAX theater?”
Isaac sniffed and wiped his hand on the front of his shirt. “Is our girlfriend going?”
“If you want her to.” James would convince Joni to skip class if it made Isaac happy.
“Yeah.” Little arms reached up. “I hope she likes me. Momma don’t.”
James hugged his son close. “Don’t worry, Isaac, Joni’s gonna love you. Now go to bed. We need to get an early start in the morning.”
Isaac wiggled down. “Can I sleep with you?”
How could he say no to such a sweet face? “Just for tonight.”
“Yes.” Isaac ran happily down the hall.
Knowing Ray had a key, he locked the doors and shut off the lights. In the dark, he nursed a beer, and thought of the legal documents on his dresser. He now had everything needed to file for custody. But what if Kathy was right? What if the judge sided with her? He couldn’t afford to lose. Isaac had suffered enough. James tossed back his beer and trashed the empty bottle.
In the bedroom, the smell of mothballs lingered where Mrs. Addison had changed the sheets. Isaac looked small and helpless nestled in the queen-size bed. James put his phone on charge and crawled in beside him. Not used to sleeping with a knee in his back, he scooted the little body over several inches and punched the flat pillow.
A vision of Joni’s blonde hair and jeweled eyes drifted into his dreams. She demanded a goodnight kiss and lifted her face. But it was Isaac’s lips that crushed her cheek. They both waved at James over a hotel railing.
Something slapped him across the mouth. The dream disappeared as Isaac cried out in his sleep. Little arms flailed wildly. James reached out and patted his back. “Shhh. Daddy’s here.” The whisper calmed him. “Daddy’s right here.”
Early the next morning, after paying the power bill, James’s attorney advised him to file an abuse report and let the Department of Human Services take pictures of the burn scars.
In a refurbished building downtown, Isaac told his caseworker a four-year-old’s version of Brian, Cindy, and Granny and then waved as a volunteer led him to a play area.
James leaned back in the seat and pleaded with the caseworker. “Now, will you press charges?”
“We have nothing to charge her with.” Tasha Covington smiled with sympathy. “The system’s not perfect.” He tried to interrupt, but she shook her head. “It’s designed with protecting a mother’s rights.”
“She abandoned him.” James’s feet hit the floor.
“No. According to the law, abandonment occurs when she leaves him without adult supervision or with an unwilling adult. From what you’ve told me, this granny person was willing to watch over Isaac. And he was well-fed.”
“He was filthy.” James stood and paced in front of the office window. Isaac played with some building blocks on the other side of the glass.
Tasha’s red, manicured nails toyed with a manila folder. “At this moment, Isaac is in your care. We know his needs will be met and there is no reason for us to intervene.”
Sitting back in his chair, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “The guy burned him with a cigarette. Multiple times.”
“You can’t prove those scars on his back are the result of abuse. Unless a child is in immediate danger we cannot act.”
He scrubbed his hand through his hair and stood. “What about Kathy? What happens when she comes back?”
“She’s his mother. Her parental rights have never been revoked. And I caution you strongly here, James. If you keep Isaac from her, you are guilty of kidnapping. And if you pay her again…well…that’s child trafficking. Both are federal offenses.”
He clenched his fist. “I’m his father.”
“That’s never been proven. And your name isn’t on the birth certificate.” She covered his hand. “James, I agree with your attorney. Petition for paternity. I’ll file a report, but I’m sorry. My hands are tied.”
He shook off her hand and narrowed his eyes. “I signed the papers this morning. I’m asking for full custody. Will you support me?”
“I’m sorry, but without good cause, I can’t side against the natural mother.”
James slammed his fist on the desk. “Good cause? What will it take to make you see the truth? Isaac’s dead body in a drainage ditch?”
~~~
Joni yawned as Dr. Birchman pronounced the Federal Reserve an illegal, private entity. The professor expounded on the conspiracy theory behind the two failed assassination attempts on Andrew Jackson after he revoked the bank’s charter.
Her phone vibrated in her purse. James?
Joni perked up and dug out her cell. Her shoulders fell as she read the message from Trent. Where are you? Pick up my laundry asap.
The third such message this morning, all meaningless errands. Candace assured her this big brother thing would only last four weeks. Any longer and Joni would scream. Sure after class.
The students gasped and Joni jerked her gaze to the front. The eccentric professor had ripped the twenty dollar bill in half. “It was a worthless piece of paper, and I’m sure Mr. Jackson is protesting in his grave at the unpatriotic endorsement.”
Her phone tickled her palm. The sigh of frustration turned to joy as she read James’s text. Isaac wants to buy lunch. What’s your class schedule?
Her heart fluttered, tickling the inside walls of her chest. To have lunch with James, she’d cut class. Fortunately, she wouldn’t have to. But, what about Trent’s laundry? She wasn’t supposed to leave campus without prior permission from Trent or Candace. Her breath gushed out of her lungs while her fingers ran an imaginary scale on the books stacked in front of her.
She’d joined the sorority to escape her mother’s rules. She didn’t need anyone else telling her what to do. Tonight seemed forever to wait to see James. Besides, she really wanted to meet his son. A decisive thumb swiped across her screen. Wake me in 20 mins. Lectures over at 11.
While memories of Saturday night replayed through her mind, Joni listened to the professor as he droned on. “Two thousand pennies? Twenty dollar bill? Which one will be worth more in ten years?”
Joni was curious about Isaac, but James was the one she longed to see. She closed her eyes and imagined his arms sliding around her. The professor slammed his fist on the lectern. Joni flinched. A wrinkled face replaced James’s laughing eyes.
“Take the coins and run!” Dr. Birchman’s voice resumed its monotone flavor. “At the current market price of copper you’d triple your money.” He held up the two halves of the twenty. “At the rate of inflation and deflation you’ll be lucky to recoup seventy percent of your investment.”
The message from James rescued Joni’s confused thoughts. Your chariot awaits. Which building?
She quickly replied, From University and Airport. Turn left on Old Shell. Fourth drive on right. Mitchell Center. No texting while driving. Dangerous.
Texting at the red light. Nice to know you care. See you soon beautiful.
Professor Birchman’s lecture ended at exactly three minutes past eleven. Joni flew out the door the second it was over. She hurried through the building but paused at the exit to smooth her hair and touch up her lip gloss.
Leaning against the side of his truck, dressed in jeans and a polo, James straightened as she neared. She stepped into his open arms and inhaled his cologne. Accepting his kiss was as natural as breathing. Two lifetimes had passed since yesterday morning. He hugged her tight and his heartbeat thumped under her cheek. His chest expanded and his voice echoed through her ear. “Joni, Isaac’s had a few rough days.”
She lifted her head. “Is he okay? Where is he?”
James’s soft lips brushed across hers again. “He’s fine.” A blond head pressed against the passenger window and a little hand waved hello. “But, he needs…well…he thinks that you’re his girlfriend.” Mischief twinkled in James’s smile. “Will you be nice to him?”
He was kidding. Right? She stepped out of his arms. “I’m gonna pretend you didn’t just insult me.”
He reached for her. “Joni, I didn’t—”
She opened the truck door. Blond hair stuck out in all directions, but his smile captured her heart. “Hi, Isaac. I’m your girlfriend. Joni.” She kissed his cheek and the smile widened.
“Hi.” Isaac lifted his arms.
Joni hugged him as best as the old car seat would allow.
Judging by their white appearance, the shoes dangling off the seat were new and his little Levi’s were crisp. His shirt, starchy. “Someone’s been shopping without me.” Joni finger-combed his hair.
Isaac frowned at James, who’d opened the driver’s door. “Daddy made us. Said we had to look nice.”
“I said you had to be nice and don’t forget it.” James held the driver’s door open.
Joni shut the passenger door and walked around the truck. James took her book bag and purse. She slid under the steering wheel and scooted across the seat toward the blond angel with a heavenly smile.
“Do you need anything out of here? Or can I put these behind the seat?”
She held out her hand. “Let me get my phone.” Joni dropped it into the empty cup holder.
After her things were in the cab’s extension, James crowded in beside her. “Sorry about the room. Guess I need a bigger truck.”
She leaned her head onto his shoulder. “I like sitting next to you, but Isaac could use a booster instead of that big hulking thing you’ve got him strapped in.”
Isaac kicked his legs. “Yeah. I’m big enough without it. Momma says so.”
James started the truck and backed out of the parking place. “Don’t start, Isaac. Joni meant you need a new one.”
“Kathy doesn’t make him ride in a car seat?” Joni couldn’t comprehend why a woman would willingly endanger her child. Especially a child as sweet as Isaac.
James ignored her question. “What do you want for lunch?”
She let him change the subject. “It doesn’t matter. What do you guys want?”
A little hand touched her arm and blue eyes twinkled. “Daddy wants steak. Me and Uncle Ray like pizza.”
“Isaac, we had pizza last night and again for breakfast this morning.” James merged into the traffic on Old Shell Road.
“But Daddy…”
“No.”
Isaac’s face fell.
She wanted to beg James to reconsider. She held Isaac’s little hand. “How about we drive through, get some chicken, take it to the park, and feed the ducks the leftovers?”
Isaac’s smile returned. “Alive ducks?”
Joni laughed. “Yes.”
The little boy leaned forward and peeked around Joni.
“Daddy? Can we feed the ducks?”
James changed lanes. “Chicken and ducks it is.”
In the drive-thru, Trent texted, Did you get my laundry? Joni sighed. He didn’t need to know she’d left campus. She replied. Not yet at lunch.
James shot her a funny look. In the close confines of the truck, he no doubt read the text or saw who it was from.
She replaced her phone in the cup holder and rolled her eyes. “He’s texted five times today. This big brother thing is so not working for me.”
James’s jaw clenched. “You don’t have to explain.”
Why, then, did jealousy simmer behind his smile? Joni turned to Isaac. “Have you ever been on a picnic?”
Isaac shook his head. “Nope.”
Joni didn’t dare admit this was another first for her as well. At the park, while James carried the takeout bags to the nearest picnic table, she and Isaac followed along hand in hand.
Blue eyes peered up at her. “Do you like me?”
James’s stride faltered and Joni knew he listened. She swung Isaac up on her hip and kissed his forehead. “Yes. You are the sweetest boy I know. I loved you the minute I saw you and I’ll probably love you forever. Do you like me?”
He laid his head against hers. “Yeah. You smell good.”
She laughed and eased him to his feet. “Let’s go before your daddy eats all our food. I can’t wait to try fried chicken.”
Isaac ran the last five feet and climbed on the table. “Where’s mine?” He dug in the box and grabbed a chicken leg.
James leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”
“Don’t insult me again.” She winked and spread a napkin on the wood surface. By the time she had a breast piece and biscuit arranged and her straw neatly in her drink, James reached for seconds.
“Does it taste better like that?” James’s cough couldn’t disguise his laugh.
&
nbsp; “Maybe.” She ignored him and broke off a piece of biscuit. “Where are the utensils?”
His mouth curled as he shook his head. “Sorry, we’re on a picnic. No forks.”
“Oh.” The biscuit churned in her stomach. How was she supposed to eat chicken without a fork? “No problem.”
James winked and her fake smile became real. He reached across the wooden table and covered her hand. “Do you want something else? We can go back and get a hamburger.”
His touch and the sincerity in his voice reassured her. “No.” Picnics were about roughing it. Except for the catered gala in Montgomery, where she’d performed two years ago, eating in the park was a foreign experience. Out of the corner of her eye, James stared. She lifted her head and smiled. “It doesn’t matter.” It was weird—this closeness she felt with him.
James lifted her hand and squeezed her fingers. All teasing was gone. “Joni, I’m sorry. Whatever you want, I’ll get it for you.”
Maybe that’s what made him special. “It’s okay.” She sipped her coke with her free hand and then pinched off a bite of crust. It was good. Joni nibbled at the spicy layer one pinch at a time. Steam waved up from the chicken. Joni touched the white meat, but snatched her fingers back. Hot. Hearing a chuckle, she straightened her spine. “You’re laughing at me?”
James’s lips twitched, but he didn’t laugh. Instead, he released her hand, picked up her chicken, and separated the meat from the bone. “Guess this means tonight’s dinner plans for the American Steamer are out.” His wink melted her aggravation. “At least until you learn how to peel your own shrimp.”
Was he serious?
“I’m joking. Our dinner reservations include silverware and fine china, but I can’t send you back to class hungry, so eat.” His shoulder nudged against hers and softened his command.
The chicken was tender and juicy. Joni ate every bite. “Thank you.” Although he had purchased extra, she saved the rest of her biscuit for the ducks.
When they were done eating, James swung Isaac on his shoulders, prompting a squeal and a giggle. Little hands carried a bag full of biscuits.
Using a napkin, she wiped the grease from her hands, bagged their mess, and wiped her hands again while James slam-dunked the trash in a nearby can. He led the way down the path.
Near the water, Joni stepped over a huge root covered with “evidence” from the ducks. Careful of where she placed her feet, she strolled alongside James. He stopped and reached for her hand when she lagged behind. Flocks of birds sunned themselves on a small island in the center of the pond. Isaac threw a biscuit at the two ducks on the grassy bank near them. Squawking, they flapped their brown wings and fought over the prize.
Whatever He Wants Page 5