“I’ll try to keep a close eye on things. His violent history warrants extra precautions for you and the children.” Her voice remained businesslike, but I knew Regina cared a great deal about me and the children. She wasn’t pleased that I hadn’t used the abuse during our divorce proceedings. But I’d been desperate for it to be over. I’d had no more fight in me. How I regretted that now.
“If I send the kids on to California with my mother instead of bringing them home, will there be any legal ramifications?” My voice wavered a bit.
She paused. “Legally, it could be construed several different ways. But under the circumstances, it’s highly unlikely it will be an issue. And it might be worth the risk.” She spoke the last words more softly. “I don’t suppose you have all of the custody papers with you? I know there’s a clause we put in place, in case this sort of situation arose, to terminate his parental rights altogether. Our office is in the midst of a move, so everything is boxed and our computers are all being updated with some new software or other. It’s making this place utter chaos.”
“I’ll swing by the house and grab them before I come to your office if that makes things easier, Regina.”
“Yes, much easier. I’ll let you know if anything changes or I learn anything new. Try not to worry. At least we know, whether he’s in India or England, he’s not here. I have a friend in the Department of Homeland Security. If Daniel’s passport comes through, they’ll let me know. Okay?” She said goodbye and hung up.
I splashed some cold water on my face. I was so relieved. He couldn’t hurt us from another country. And I’d know if he came back, be prepared and alert to handle whatever he might try to throw at me next time around. I wasn’t going to let him rattle me anymore. I knew what I wanted and I was ready to fight for it if I had to. That was something.
I smiled at my reflection. Things were going to be okay. I went back into the main cabin. As I opened the door, the Fasten Seat Belts sign lit up.
The kids were excited, peering out their windows over New York. My editor, Frank Graham, had arranged for a private car to pick us up at the airport. Our only job was to try to exit the airport without too much notice.
Josh had purchased matching black fedora hats for himself and Will as part of their disguises. I hated to point out that it made them stand out even more because they looked absolutely adorable. They both turned toward me, hats on, when I came to my seat. I giggled in spite of myself.
“Happy to be back in the US?” Josh asked the cabin at large.
“Not sure yet.” Mom shrugged. “It’s been such fun.”
“I know. I’m not all that excited about going home. It feels less like home now,” Natalie added.
Josh smiled at them. “We’ll see how things go.”
I sat beside him, taking his hand in mine. “Home isn’t a place, guys, it’s a feeling.” Josh smiled at me, squeezing my hand as the plane began its descent.
We navigated the airport with little to-do. One photographer snapped a few pictures, but I could tell he wasn’t convinced it was really Josh so his attempts were half-hearted. It helped that Meg had released a few shots of Josh in London this morning to throw the press off his trail.
Will and Natalie were thrilled over the huge black limo waiting for us. Josh showed them how each of the buttons worked, laughing as they oohed and ahed over each discovery. I left the kids with Mom and Josh at the Met while I went to meet with Frank Graham. Even with Daniel safely out of the country, I had mixed feelings about letting the kids out of my sight.
“We’ll be fine, Claire,” Josh promised as he gave me a sweet kiss. Will followed suit, while Natalie barely waved before stumbling out onto the sidewalks of New York.
“Go to your meeting. Get excited about your tour, your book, and the millions of dollars it’s going to make you.” My mother patted my cheek and climbed out to join them on the sidewalk.
I smiled at the picture they made entering through the back door of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was amazing how arrangements could be quickly made if you were someone special—and Josh Wiley was someone special. My son thought so too. Will sat on Josh’s shoulders, bouncing around at the thought of seeing mummies.
The meeting with Frank Graham went well. He was very enthusiastic when he talked about the book’s release. It was easy to feed off his excitement. He’d researched the regions he wanted me to tour and set up a general timeline. His goal was to have me release and tour in time for Christmas sales. We wrapped up our meeting quickly, and I joined them at the museum.
We were leaving the museum when a photographer caught us. It was very quick, but he shoved his camera too close, narrowly missing Will’s face with his lens. Josh was furious. He carefully put Will in the car, waited until we were all safely inside and out of earshot before he lit into the cameraman.
I patted his hand when he got into the car.
“Does this mean we were photographed together?” Natalie asked, looking upset.
“I’m sorry for that, Nat.” Josh looked anguished.
“It’s not that. I guess I’m bummed our first family photo was sort of…lame.” She turned her gaze out the car window, staring at the streets of New York.
Mom laughed. “Good point, kiddo. I’ll see if I can’t get a better one of you four later. Okay?”
Natalie smiled. “Thanks, Grams. I’m kinda curious to see how the other one turned out too.”
We had no more run-ins with the press. I couldn’t tell if Natalie was relieved or disappointed.
Once we’d checked into our suite, Mom and Natalie dressed and were off to see “Wicked” and have a fancy dinner. Josh had a phone call from some “blokes” and I’d sent him out for a night of fun.
Will and I began our Guitar Hero stand-off. Will lasted thirty minutes before curling up on the chair, exhausted. He’d beaten me soundly, delighting himself. He was awesome and I told him so over and over again. Once his clear victory was cemented, he picked out a book and we propped up on the pillows for bedtime stories.