Page 90 of Range
His freedom was never up for debate. However, I made a personal promise to do everything in my power to free Josiah. Not for a little while, but for good. His patience would be necessary and so would mine.
“And, I’ll be there.”
Though I’d advised him against it, the phone line went dead. I closed my eyes, missing him already. I’d disobeyed his orders. His disappointment was valid. However, his punishment was cruel.
NINE
I rubbed the invisible wrinkles from my tawny jacket and straightened my spine. The three-piece suit was custom-made and a gift from Edward Sledge, a client who’d managed to beat two murder cases in one sitting. Not because of lack of guilt but because self-defense was the plea.
Altered videos.
Threatening texts.
Missing evidence.
Forged police reports.
They all played a major part in freeing Edward. He was a law-abiding citizen on any given day. That day, however, he wasdefending his honor, and rightfully so. His mother and father designed four custom suits as a way to thank me for the trouble.
The locks turned on the door as I placed both hands in front of me. I uncurled my shoulders and lifted my chin. My freshly pressed hair was bone straight, resting against my threads and swaying with each movement of my head.
My makeup was freshly applied. A natural beat was always the best solution. I didn’t have to give it much thought. My brushes glided across my face with so much ease.
A fair-skinned woman appeared at the door. As it widened, a young girl came into full view. So did the other woman, standing beside her.
My heart plummeted from my chest, landing on the tips of my shoes. I attempted to replace the pain of seeing the pretty little face with a smile. It didn’t suffice.
Aubrey.
Images of her most precious gems flashed before my eyes. Still, I remained composed.
“Good evening,” I greeted, “I’m Attorney Childers. Range Childers.”
I extended a hand. Instead, I was catapulted into a set of comforting, cocoa drenched arms. The front door closed behind me. I wasn’t sure when I’d entered the spacious home, but inside, I could feel his presence.
His love.
His history.
His life’s story was in front of my eyes.
“I’m Danielle. This is my daughter Janeese. And, my grandaughter–”
“Aubrey,” I finished. “Josiah has told me so much about you.”
I leaned over, extending my hand toward Aubrey. It didn’t exist in her world. Her tiny arms wrapped around my legs as her head pressed into my thighs.
“Hello.”
Her tiny body and large presence was as pleasurable as it was saddening. Her father had the power to destroy her voice and ruin her confidence with his greed and selfishness. I hadn’t met him a day in my life, but I wholeheartedly believe he was where he needed to be.
“Hi, sweetie.”
Her little arms made my belly flutter. Rome’s words revisited me. She’d always dreamt of being a mother, but life was taking her in another direction. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see the day she denounced motherhood, but it had come.
And, strangely, I was proud of her. In fact, I was proud of any woman who wasn’t afraid to admit that the traditional way was not their way. It had made too many women unhappy, overwhelmed, overworked, overstimulated, and underappreciated.
“Where is Uncle Siah?”
