The Forgotten Child, Lorhainne Eckhart [bearly read books txt] 📗

that Brad would demand that she look after him. No, he would never do that again. Then it struck him, it was the security he offered. He’d become her safety net. He handled everything for her, allowed her to have anything she wanted. Even with her gone for the last two-plus years, he’d foolishly continued to pay for everything for her. But no more. She’d made a big mistake. She’d used this child, his precious child. And she’d forced the one woman who truly cared for him and Trevor, out of his house. Emily, who had fought for Trevor’s future and helped him see what Trevor truly needed.

“Home sweet home, Trevor.”

He’d barely lifted Trevor from the truck when Crystal stormed out, decked out as if she were going to town, wearing black jeans, a white blouse, and not a hair out of place.

And the way she dug in with each step, Brad knew that hell itself would be a lot more peaceful.

He held Trevor and watched this pitiful, greedy woman, and the anger she held close. How could he have loved, let alone worshipped, the ground she walked on? There had to be something wrong with him.

“Just where the fuck were you? I waited up for you all night!” She balled her fists and planted them on her hips.

Brad put Trevor down. He could feel him tense as he started swaying and rocking back and forth, from one foot to the other. The squeaks were becoming more pronounced lately, to an “eek, eek” and “click, click” with his tongue. “Okay, Trevor, let’s get you changed.” Brad bent down, picked Trevor up and put him on his shoulders. He stepped around Crystal like she was a cowpie in the fields.

She dogged his heels like one of those irritating little Chihuahuas that don’t know how to shut up. “You were with her, weren’t you? That slut.” The accusation was laced with so much venom that Brad needed to restrain himself from turning and hitting her. Trevor reminded him by tugging his hair.

She bumped into him at the door, practically stepping on his foot. He turned around so fast he almost knocked her over with the force of his words: “Get the fuck away from me—you’re scaring Trevor. I’ll talk to you after I get him settled.”

Smart lady, she didn’t follow.

Brad plopped Trevor in front of the TV and put a Walt Disney movie in. When he turned around, he saw her standing there, just inside the door, impatiently tapping the toe of her designer boot. Brad moved at a speed that had Crystal’s mouth hanging open. He grabbed her and dragged her with him into the kitchen, releasing her with such force she almost fell against the table.

He crossed his arms and surveyed the kitchen, the dirty dishes stacked in the sink and on the counter. Cliff and Mac had obviously come in to eat. He’d end that now. They had their own kitchen in the house in back. Until things were settled, they were going to have to make their own meals, in their own place.

He dragged his eyes over her, and then dismissed her as he turned away. She planted herself in his face and tossed her long blond mane over her shoulder.

“Just where the hell were you? I demand some answers. As your wife I have a right—” Her face paled and she closed her mouth.

Brad had raised his hands, now shaking; he squeezed his fists as he loomed over her. Maybe she realized just how close he was to strangling her. “You have a right to what?” His words were low, deathly quiet, with a bite so sharp she took another step back. She swallowed and her eyes widened. She should be scared.

Brad stalked to the table, dragged out a chair, and pointed. “Sit down and keep your voice down. I’ll not have you upsetting Trevor anymore.”

She tossed her long hair over her shoulder and acted as if she was the injured party. She glared right back. But the slight tremor on her lower lip betrayed her. She hesitated a second, and then sat.

She gazed up and then flushed. Maybe she realized she’d pushed him too far. Even Brad worried he couldn’t contain the wild animal that sought to break free.

She squirmed. He crossed his arms as his hair prickled the back of his neck with a warning not to turn his back on her. She was clever and spiteful and if he underestimated her, he was positive he would live to regret it.

“I want you to leave.” How’d he get his voice so calm?

An indignant righteous flush stole over her face. She looked away and sat up straighter in her chair, tilting her head in a way that usually had him softening inside. He nearly laughed; blinking in amazement at the lengths this woman would go, at the same time thankful for, his newfound awareness that her tricks no longer had any affect. Maybe she realized it, because he’d swear he could see the wheels turn in that sharp mind of hers.

“No, I will not leave, and you can’t make me.” She studied her fingers, and toyed with the large square diamond ring that he’d spent a small fortune on.

“My lawyer’s filed the necessary papers for divorce. As for Trevor, I’ve requested sole custody and guardianship.” He knew his mistake as soon as she jumped out her chair and clawed at his face.

He brushed her away.

“I will not leave and you’re not getting custody of Trevor. I’m his mother and no court will take him away from me.” She was like a rabid animal that wouldn’t back down.

“You don’t give a crap about Trevor; you spend no time with him. You never have. For God’s sake Crystal, just go. I’ll be generous with my settlement. You’ll want for nothing.”

She shook her head with such steely control. “No, Brad, you’re my husband and she can’t have you.”

So, it wasn’t just the money. The pieces of the puzzle were dropping into place. Hold your cards closer to your chest. She knows things she shouldn’t. But how? He paced the kitchen, turning his back; a cold sweat broke out. When he turned back and glimpsed her smirk, he knew. There was a traitor in this midst. He didn’t know who, or did he? “Trevor will be starting his therapy again as soon as I can arrange it, and you’ll not interfere!” He took a few steps toward her. “My lawyer’s drawn up the paperwork for custody and the order for divorce. If you continue to fight me—you’ll get nothing. I’ve been very generous in my settlement and offer for spousal support. This offer I’m making is one time only, so if I were you, I would do some serious thinking.” Brad needed to leave now. He had work to do, not just at the ranch. But to overturn every rock and find out who the traitor was. He bundled Trevor in his coat, and carried him out the door.

He put Trevor in the truck and drove to where the men were working a downed fence at the west end of the property. He dragged his cell phone from his pocket and dialed the number programmed in his phone.

“Hello.” The soft musical voice had always given him hope.

“Hi, Mom, is Dad there? I really need to talk to him.”