Here Comes Trouble (Nothing Special #3)(55)

“Six to eight weeks,” she said emotionlessly.

“No.” Curtis sobbed, breaking down in his arms.

The room exploded in an uproar. Masters’ men didn’t know which way to turn. Ruxs had to be practically carried out by Ro, Syn and Furi. God and Day were still in front of them throwing out every suggestion they could think of.

Green fully turned and enfolded Curtis in his arms. He let all the noise and chaos fade into the background. His eyes flooded with tears as Curtis begged him repeatedly not to let them take him. Green rested his chin on top of Curtis soft blonde hair, stroking his back tenderly.

“Listen to me. Listen to me, Curtis,” Green said just loud enough for him to hear. “You are gonna have to go with them.”

“No.” Curtis bawled. “Let’s just go! Let’s just run!”

He pulled Curtis back to arm’s length so he could look him in his eyes, showing him his sincerity. “No. I’m not going to kidnap you. But believe me; I’m going to come get you out of there. And it’s not going to take weeks. You know us.” He tilted Curtis’ sad face up. “You know me. You know God and Day. We don’t fail. I’m not gonna fail you. I’m not going to lie to you. I will get you out of there. Fast. But for right now I want you to go with them. Quietly and respectfully. Be the man that I know you are. It fuckin’ kills me that I can’t be there for you tonight, but I want you to be strong. Be strong for your mom, be strong for me. Give us a little while to make some calls. Okay? I’ll be over to see you later this morning. I promise.”

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.