Impact (Suncoast Society #32)(18)

She shook her head. “I can’t go. That might risk probation getting involved.”

“You have to go.” The attorney took off his glasses and stared at her. “I’ll be going with you. Once you tell the story, chances are you won’t be charged with violating your probation. However, if you don’t have documentation about what happened, when we do go talk to your probation officer tomorrow, there’s a good chance they might want to revoke your probation for not reporting the crime. And for child endangerment. We have to show you were in fear before.”

“But…but she’s safe now.”

“Doesn’t matter. For letting your ex take her formula.”

“I didn’t let him. He just took it and threatened me when I tried to fight him. He beat me up when I said I was leaving.”

“Exactly. And documenting your injuries, and getting a police report about the abuse, means you’re not hiding anything.”

She didn’t look happy about that, but she finally nodded.

“No, I can’t guarantee you they won’t revoke you if you do go to the hospital. But I can guarantee you they absolutely will if you don’t go and get a report. The fact that you’ve reached out to stable family members with the means and resources to protect Katie is a point in your favor.”

It was nearly eight o’clock when they finally got out of there and headed for the nearest hospital, the attorney following them in his car. First thing tomorrow morning, he’d file the emergency motion for guardianship for Katie. Landry could go with Sofia and the attorney to handle that. Cris had meetings he couldn’t get out of.

And Tilly would take the baby to the doctor. Leigh had gotten the appointment set up for them after calling in a couple of favors to get the doctor’s personal cell number and talking directly to him. Tilly had a notarized statement signed by Sofia and giving Tilly authority to have Katie treated, and giving Tilly, Cris, and Landry temporary custody of her until the formal paperwork was filed. The attorney assured Tilly it would be sufficient for a doctor’s appointment until they had the actual court order in hand.

At least that’s one good thing about this place. Money really can buy pretty much anything—except common sense.

Tilly didn’t like the idea of exposing a newborn to the germs of an ER, but there wasn’t much other choice.

It probably wasn’t any worse than the shit-hole she’d rescued her from.

As they waited to be called, Tilly kept a blanket draped over the baby’s carrier and held it as close to her body as possible. She knew it wouldn’t stop really determined germs, but she wanted to do something.

The harried ER doc visibly relaxed when Dale took over explaining the situation. Tilly didn’t need to be a mind reader to know the doctor had been trying to figure out how to get the baby away from them without forcibly doing so.

“Okay,” the doctor finally said when the attorney let him get a word in edgewise. “But you realize we do have to notify law enforcement about this?”

“Absolutely,” Dale said. “I want you to. I need a police report to take to her probation officer tomorrow morning after we get done in court.”

Tilly’s instincts had been right. Sofia’s shoulder had been dislocated. They gave her a shot of pain meds when they reset it, but she refused a prescription for pain meds, earning Tilly’s respect for that, at least.

“I don’t want anything stronger,” Sofia insisted. “I’ve worked too hard to stay clean and sober.”

It was after eleven o’clock by the time they left the ER. Landry’s plane would be landing soon, but at least the traffic had eased somewhat.

The attorney, who was more than happy to run a retainer fee on Cris’ black AmEx card, offered to take the two of them home.

“You only live about a mile from me,” he said. “It’s not an inconvenience.”

Tilly felt relieved. “Thanks. I’ll take the baby and get Lan.”

Cris arched an eyebrow but apparently knew better than to argue with her.

He leaned in and kissed her. “Drive safely, Redbird,” he whispered to her. “I guess one way or another, you get out of your punishment spanking tonight regardless.” He smiled, tipping his head toward Sofia.

Yes, with a guest in residence, that would curtail their kinky activities.

Tilly got Katie, who other than waking up for a diaper and a bottle while in the attorney’s office had slept through everything, securely buckled in. On her way to the airport, Tilly called Leigh back on the hands-free setup.

“Okay, what the hell, honey? Tell me the whole story.” Now able to talk without Sofa listening in, Tilly got Leigh caught up.

Leigh let out a low whistle at the end. “Wow. Holy hell.”

“Yeah.”

“Landry’s flying in?”

“I’m on my way to LAX to get him. He’s landing shortly.”

“Where’s the baby?”

“In my backseat.”

“Does it make me horrible to say I wouldn’t trust that woman with the baby right now?”

“Why do you think the baby’s in my backseat? Besides the fact that Sofia’s hurting, her shoulder needs time to heal. And Cris needs to have a long talk with her, alone.”

“And it’s a baby.” Tilly could almost hear Leigh’s smile.