Chapter 89
“Be right back at you.” Rhett had no intention of letting go.
Everyone was manipulating Kristin: what made James think he was any different or noble?
James frowned, wanting to say more, when a cop entered the room. “Mr. Bryce, please cooperate with our investigation into the assault by Vincent FitzGerald.”
James glanced at Rhett, his expression darkening.
Was Rhett playing him, too?
“Mr. Bryce, this assault by Vincent is serious. Kristin won’t settle, considering the rough time she has been through. We need you to stick to the facts,” Rhett said coldly.
James took a deep breath. Classic Rhett.
Vincent was part of the FitzGerald family, Rhett’s younger brother. If Rhett called the cops and testified, it would be too obvious, and Holcomb would be mad at Rhett.
But if James testified against Vincent, that would be a different ball game.
And if James defended Vincent, Kristin would be more disappointed in him.
A
Rhett was killing two birds with one stone, pulling the strings masterfully.
*Summer, stay here with Mommy. Daddy will come by later,” James said, ruffling Summer’s hair and crouching before him. “Call me if you need anything. Got it?”
Summer nodded, teary–eyed, and looked back cautiously at Rhett.
HE
wished Rhett was his dad, but his mom said James was his daddy.
Feeling a bit down, Summer fell silent.
James asked Bill to stay and look after Summer, then left with the police.
Rhett saw through James‘ act. He was making his position clear, and no matter what, it didn’t change the fact that he was Summer’s dad.
The bond between Kristin and James, through Summer, was something Rhett couldn’t sever.
“Summer, are you going to school tomorrow?” Rhett whispered.
Summer cautiously edged closer to Rhett, clutching the hem of his clothes with his little, adorable hand.
Garner and York were outside the room, leaving only Rhett, Summer, and Kristin inside.
“Do you like school?” Rhett asked again, reaching out to Summer.
Summer started crying, burying himself in Rhett’s arms, trying not to make a sound.
Rhett took a deep breath and stroked Summer’s head.
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“I don’t want to go to school anymore…” Summer mumbled, liking the feeling of security when. Rhett held him.
“Why?” Rhett asked, his tone softer than he realized.
“He said mean things about Mommy, and we fought,” Summer said, standing there looking so pitiful that it broke his heart.
York walked in, about to say something, but stopped short at the sight of Summer looking much
like Rhett.
“You can’t just skip school. You’re about to start elementary school, and you can’t fall behind on preschool,” Rhett said in an educational tone but still oh–so–gentle.
“Sorry…” Summer said quietly, cleaning his tears.
He couldn’t call him ‘Dad‘ anymore, but he wanted to. “School doesn’t want me anymore because I fought.”
Rhett frowned and glanced at York. “Take care of it, okay?”
York hurried out to make a call.
“Will Mommy be fine?” Summer asked quietly, not wanting to wake her.
“Yeah, she will be.” Rhett nodded.
“Sir, thank you,” Summer said, not calling him ‘Dad‘ this time.
But did Rhett feel a twinge of disappointment.
“Focus on your studies, and you can thank me when you grow up,” Rhett gave Summer a goal.
Summer’s eyes lit up and he nodded vigorously.
“Mr. FitzGerald, the nursery said Summer hit Ms. FitzGerald’s son, Milo, but the rich lady. Melissa, has spoken to them. They’re taking it seriously and said they’d personally bring Summer back to school tomorrow morning.” York said, shocked.
What was the deal with Kristin and Melissa?
Melissa was known as a firecracker in the circles. She married a wealthy businessman three years ago, and not long after, he died. She was back in the country with his billions, a tough cookie.
At the door, Garner paused. “Melissa? She is my boss, and I’m her bodyguard.”
York’s mouth fell open in surprise. “You’re bodyguarding for Melissa? You’ve got guts.”
That was some real bravery. The word was that Melissa’s late husband was related to the mob, and with her carrying his inheritance back home, his family wouldn’t let her off. Being Melissa’s bodyguard meant risking your life for your paycheck.
Garner kept mum, as it was his boss‘ private business, which he preferred not to probe.
Chapter 89
But Melissa had intervened about the nursery issue.
“Has Eve given you a hard time?” Rhett looked at Garner.
Garner nodded. “Yeah. No nursery would take Summer, so I had to ask my boss for help.”
Rhett’s frown deepened, thinking, “Why didn’t Kristin call me? Was she afraid of bothering me?”
Glancing back at Kristin, Rhett wondered how he could make her let down her guard.
“Take Summer home. He needs to sleep. Tomorrow morning. I’ll have York take him to school,” Rhett said as he stroked Summer’s head.
Summer looked back at his mom and nodded obediently. He’d probably resist if it were anyone else, but he listened to Rhett.
Garner was surprised, too. Summer was a good kid but stubborn. Kristin was injured, and Summer surely wouldn’t want to leave, but he agreed to Rhett’s request.
“I’m here. Nothing will happen to your mom,” Rhett reassured again.
Summer looked up at Rhett, his mouth agape, but the word “Dad” wouldn’t come out. He turned and ran to Garner.
“I’ve got your back. You can breathe easy,” Rhett kindly reminded Garner. “The FitzGerald family will probably come knocking for Kristin’s hide. You’d better hide for a while. Don’t get dragged into this mess.”
“Mr. FitzGerald, what can my sister and I do for you?” Garner wasn’t the type to be in someone’s debt. He didn’t want Kristin owing Rhett too much, either.
“I’m not helping you guys for no reason, but I’m not the type to kick someone when they’re down,” Rhett reassured Garner.
Garner took a deep breath and carried Summer away.
Rhett wasn’t the same breed as Vincent. At the very least, he wouldn’t force Kristin to do something against her will.
As for any other ‘use‘ she might have, it was just a bit of quid pro quo in Kristin’s words.
The following morning, Kristin slowly opened her eyes, staring blankly at the IV drop above her.
“You awake?” Rhett propped up his head from the couch and frowned as he spoke.
Kristin looked at Rhett nervously. Had he kept watch all night? “Mr. FitzGerald…”
“Shh!” Rhett put a finger to his lips. “Vincent’s been hauled in by the cops for questioning, and the FitzGerald family will be here any minute. Don’t say a peep no matter what they say when they arrive.”
Rhett was on a mission to shield Kristin.
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Chapter 29
Kristin’s hands clenched tightly, exuding an almost tangible aura of fear.
With Vincent in prison, there was no way the FitzGeralds would let her off the hook.
“Don’t worry. I’m here for you” Rhett stood by the hospital bed, trying to give Kristin peace of mind.
Kristin’s eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded.
But how long could Rhett keep her safe?
