Chapter 23: The Mattress

Brett called me too unstable to hold Theo in the courthouse lobby. He said it where his mother and former employees could hear.

My grip tightened around the envelope until its edge cut into my palm.

Theo stirred against my chest, and I shifted him higher.

Brett watched me adjust him, then gave the others a patient look.

'You can see how overwhelmed she is. This is exactly what I meant.'

The accusation landed before I could show him the bet money that proved Brett had wagered I wouldn't leave.

Theo moved against my coat, and I held him closer.

June reached for him.

'I have him,' she said.

I passed Theo into her arms and pressed my bleeding palm against my coat.

My hand was free to answer Brett.

Brett's mother faced him.

'I watched you plan to cancel Tessa's surgery and send her away.'

Brett turned toward the people listening.

'You have no proof. Stop embarrassing yourself.'

His mother held his gaze.

'I heard you say you would cancel it. I heard you tell her to leave.'

'You don't know what you heard.'

'I was standing there, Brett.'

He pressed his lips together, then looked past her at the former employees.

One man stood beside June, close enough to see Theo's face.

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