Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 69129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“I did alert HPD to the situation, and I will, gladly, hand over a copy of the digital evidence to your team – or teams – to scour both visually as well as digitally along with the parent’s name who was an accidental accessory to the attempted abduction the instant your attorney – or attorneys – provide the correct legal documentation for me. ” She leans slightly back in her seat. “I understand if you would like to pursue legal actions regarding the academy; however, I do hope you choose otherwise as I feel we fulfilled our duty to protect your child and communicate thoroughly.”
Presenting her with a slightly softer expression is immediately done. “We will not be pursuing any legal actions regarding you or the academy, Mrs. Collins. You have been…” it’s difficult to find the appropriate phrasing, “incredible and rather reassuring during what can only be described as an…unfortunate time.”
“I will be here – however long you or the authorities need me to be – in order to get this matter settled to the best of my ability.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Wilcox?”
“Can you inform me if there’s a cost I can pay if I choose to temporarily unenroll him while getting this matter settled?”
“You can’t unenroll Wy,” my best friend swiftly argues. “He needs to be in school.”
“He needs to be safe.”
“He is safe here, Wes.” His body angles itself more so in my direction. “If anything, she just fucking-”
“Language,” reprimands Mrs. Collins.
“-proved that she as well as this school are more than capable of keeping Wyland safe.”
“Thank you, Mr. Reese.”
“Idontknow a lot about kids, but from what I do know, and what I’ve read, and what I’ve learned helping raise the little dude is kids need stability. And routines. And consistency.”
“Very true,” the owner promptly agrees.
“It’s one of the reasons why after the first incident we were all so adamant about returning him to the structure he’s more accustomed too. Sure, a bonus day off here or there is fine. Or a long weekend. Or a mini vacation. But ripping Little Fins out of his world simply to make yourself feel better…to make yourself feel more in control…is fuc-”
“Language.”
“Er…um…messed up.”
“You don’t understand. You’re not a parent.”
Shock furrows his forehead.
“And he’s not your son,” leaves my mouth without consideration. “It isn’t your decision.”
Hurt instantly flashes in his stare prompting him to nod. “You’re right.” Rising to his feet is followed by him buttoning his jacket. “I’m not a parent.” J.T.’s stare locks with the female on the other side of the desk. “If you’ll excuse me, Mrs. Collins. I need to return to the office as I clearly have nothing to offer since I’m not a parent or legal guardian.”
My mouth twitches in regret yet nothing comes out.
Despite the fact it should.
Needs to.
“Thank you for joining us, Mr. Reese,” she politely states. “Wyland is very fortunate to have you in his life.”
“It’s nice to hear that someone believes that.”
Without another word or looking in my direction, my best friend exits, leaving me on my own.
“Mr. Wilcox,” is spoken in an equally professional and criticizing nature, “while your feelings are valid, your invalidation of others is cause for concern.” One pants covered leg is swung over the other. “To answer your question, no. Once you unenroll Wyland, if you would like to re-enroll him, you have to rejoin the waitlist. If you would like to continue to have us hold his spot, you will have to continue to pay tuition as you do now regardless of his lack of presence. However,” the hand folding now occurs in her lap, “from an objective third party who truly only has your son’s best interest at heart, unenrolling or completely disrupting what it is he knows and loves and relies on – whether that be school or time with family – can do detrimental damage. I am encouraging you to consider the effects of your choices on more than just your son’s safety and to discuss this with your wife before making any decisions.”
There is nothing here to discuss.
I will do whatever it takes to protect him.
Them.
Even if the world labels me a monster for doing so.
Chapter 15
Brynley
I want to do it.
I want to stand in front of a bunch of college kids and give them hope for their future.
I want to give a “lets fly into battle and die together” speech that would not only make my inner Captain Kirk proud but that I was never given by any of my professors or guest lecturers.
I want them to have something different than I did.
And I want to be a part of it.
Now, I just have to discuss this with the overly paranoid man I married.
I don’t need his permission to do shit, especially when it comes to my career, but I do want his support.