Page 87 of Backup Plan

I wish he was.

But I can’t change the past. I can only do my best to make a better future for both myself and my children.

Once I’m home and dinner’s done and the boys are in bed, I’m surprised when my phone rings with a number unknown to me.

I immediately drop the number into a search while my phone rings to find that it’s a lawyer calling me.

“Hello?” I answer.

“Hello, is this Penny Wade?”

I chuckle, immediately knowing who gave this particular lawyer my number.

“It is. May I ask who’s calling?”

“Alexander Voss of Martin, Voss, and Klein. Liam Bradley connected me with Ms. Pierce, and with your agreement, I will join as co-counsel. Ms. Pierce briefed me on your case, and I will be able to attend your June fifteenth hearing. I’d love to push this toward a quick resolution that’s in the best interest of you, Sammy, and Benji.”

My eyes fill with tears—not just at his words and his promise, but at the fact that Liam hired a shark. I’ve heard of Martin, Voss, and Klein. This isn’t some small firm. They’re one of the top firms in all of Chicagoland, and they’re representing me against Brent. They make Brent’s lawyers look like small potatoes.

He’s looking out for my best interests. I mean Alexander, but also Liam.

For the first time, it feels like I have a chance.

“I wasn’t going for full custody, Mr. Voss, but after a conversation I had with my ex a little while ago, I think it’s back on the table. I’m considering moving to San Diego with the boys, and Brent is not what I’d call amenable to the idea.”

“We can certainly discuss it with the judge at the hearing. Can you tell me about the conversation you had?”

I recount in detail what Brent said along with what the boys told me when I picked them up.

“I think we have an excellent case, Ms. Wade, and I’m ready to give Mr. Calloway exactly what he has coming.”

Hell. Yes. Now this is who I need working for me in my corner. Someone who doesn’t give a fuck that he illegally recorded me without my consent and goaded me into saying things out of anger.

This guy is ready to give him what he has coming?

So the fuck am I.

CHAPTER 27: Liam Bradley

Jury Selection

I’ve got this week in San Diego, and then I’m heading back to Chicago.

My dad’s trial starts today.

Izzy is finding out if I’m having a boy or a girl today.

I should be there, but instead, I’m in meetings all day while I wait for Madden to text me updates. Mandatory minicamp is tomorrow, and it’ll kick my ass for a few days before I head back to Chicago to be there for Penny’s pretrial hearing…if she wants me there. If not, I can at least be at home waiting for her when it’s over.

And yes…if I’m attending her hearing, I should probably also attend my father’s trial.

I finally get a call from Madden just as I’m getting home from my long day of meetings. Clay didn’t invite me to head out tonight since we have an early morning tomorrow, and somehow the weight of why Madden is calling feels heavier than it should.

“How’d it go?” I answer.

“It was a long day. Prosecution was looking for people who hadn’t heard of the case and therefore didn’t have preconceived opinions, and it was hard to find them since it’s been all over local news. A lot of people were dismissed, but I touched base with Paul, and he thinks the jury and alternates will be finalized tomorrow and the trial should start on Wednesday.”

“Thanks for the update. How are you holding up?” I ask.