Curtis slowly nodded his head. Green pulled him back into him again, squeezing him tightly, his own tears falling down. He felt so damn useless. The time that Curtis needed him the most, he wasn’t going to be able to be there. He’d been there when he needed help with his driving test. He’d been there when bullies bothered him at school. He’d been there for him with his first crush and his first heartbreak. He’d been there all through his mom’s ups and downs. But when his mother died, he had to let him go?
FUCK!
“Ms. Masters. Curtis is ready.” Green released Curtis, keeping one reassuring hand on his shoulder. He parted God and Day, ignoring their hurt and angry expressions. Whether they wanted to admit it or not, they had no power to fight the DHS… right now.
Ms. Masters’ goons stepped up, like they were going to pull Curtis along.
God stepped in their path. He stood tall, his full 6’4” height topping the men’s measly six-feet. “He’s old enough to fuckin’ walk. Don’t put one goddamn hand on him. If he tells me anyone touched him, I’ll make sure you see me again.”
It was more than obvious the guys didn’t like God’s threats or his intimidation, but they stepped back nonetheless. Ms. Masters moved to the side and let Curtis walk out the door in front of her. He gave Green one final look before the door closed behind them.
Green wanted to lose his shit. His chest tightened from the immense pain as he struggled to breathe. But breaking down wasn’t going to help his best buddy. He dropped down in the chair, letting his head fall into his hands. He just needed to take a couple deep breaths, then he’d be able to move. He felt a soft hand rub small circles on his back. He lifted his head and saw Vicki’s sad, watery eyes focused on him. “Oh, Chris. I’m so sorry. I know how special Curtis is to you.”
Green took her hand from his back and gently kissed her palm before placing it in her lap. His throat was too sore to thank her. He stood and faced his lieutenants.
“Day,” he croaked. “Tell me we can fix this.”
“You’re fuckin’ right we can fix it,” Day growled back, clamping a heavy palm on his shoulder, steadying him.
Just that quick Green felt a small ember of relief start to warm him. God was a badass in every right. But Day was a doer and he was smart as fuck. Everyone loved him. Loved his charm, loved his sense of humor. Loved his commitment and dedication to Atlanta. Day had judges, clerks, city officials, all of them willing to do him favors at the drop of a hat. And immediately Day went into doer mode.
“Vicki. Get everyone to the office. Tell IT to pull up every contact we have at DHS, the city Department of Child Advocacy, and I need a Guardian Ad Litem appointed to Curtis ASAP. Tell Syn to get someone over to Curtis’ house to get his important papers. His mom’s will, her life insurance policy, whatever they can get. And find me a goddamn judge that can sign a temporary guardianship order, yesterday!” Day snapped out, his mind no-doubt working a thousand miles a minute.
Vicki acknowledged his order by bolting out the door with her cell phone in her hand.
Day was looking through his cell phone, quietly telling them what his plan was when Ruxs walked back into the room, looking devastated and embarrassed. Green was upset about Ruxs bailing on him, but he understood. Green wanted to go ape-shit himself, but one of them had to be there for Curtis.
Ruxs stood in front of him. His red-rimmed eyes, puffy and irritated. “I’m so fuckin’ sorry. I don’t even —”
“Shut up. I know.” Green let Ruxs pull him in to a tight hug. He sank into Ruxs’ warmth, finally releasing a much need breath. This was his rock. He’d been strong for Curtis, which took every ounce of strength he had, now he needed someone to lean on. Ruxs kissed his neck, whispering quiet words of encouragement to him.
God’s strong Southern drawl broke up their contact. “Alright, let’s move it! Standing here hugging ain’t gonna get shit done. Let’s get back to the office. It’s gonna be a long morning.”
I Need Results Now!
Shelia Carpenter, one of the DHS department supervisors, sat in their office with a shitload of paperwork for Green to fill out to take temporary custody of Curtis. She was a friend of Day’s. He’d helped her sort out some drug charges against a couple kids housed at the foster center a few years back. She promised to help them as much as she legally could, but Green would still need to be cleared criminally – which of course wouldn’t be a problem – and also meet all of their guidelines. That was the part that had him terrified.