A/N: Thanks for reading, reviewing and following! As always, your continued support of this story is greatly appreciated. This is chapter is a little bit longer. I kind of got on a roll with it, and then, I couldn't find a good place to stop and break it up. This picks up where the last one left off. Oh, I'm not a lawyer. So, any legal proceedings or processes mentioned are the results of what I've picked up from television and movies. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Russ saw Sam talking with another girl and watched. Thanks to diligent research on his part, he knew exactly what Sam looked like. He also knew which car in the school parking lot was hers. Russ staked himself out by her car so there would be no possible way she could avoid him. He wanted to get moving on all of this. He'd waited long enough. The sooner it started, the sooner it would be over and he could get his money. The other girl, a brunette who looked to be Sam's age, had spotted him as he observed them. She said something to Sam, and the blonde glanced his way. Time to get this show on the road. He put on his most charming of smiles and flashed it to the teens as they drew near.
"Who are you and why are you leaning on my car?"
He extended his hand and began speaking with sincerity oozing from his mouth. "Hi, Samantha. My name is Russ Payne, and I'm your uncle. I thought we could talk and get to know each other."
Sam's blood ran cold and alarm bells started going off in her head. Her short stint on the streets had taught her a few things, and while she had had it nice for a while now living with the Walkers, she hadn't forgotten those lessons. Sam didn't like anything about this situation in the least bit. First, she didn't know this guy at all. From what they had learned, his side of the family had a history of messing with her side. Maybe he wasn't like his mother, but he might be. If he was, he was a definite threat to her family. That's exactly what the Walkers were to her. They were her family. They may not share DNA like she was to supposed to with the man in front of her, but that didn't matter to her. The Walkers were there for her when she needed them the most giving her a home, and she loved them and wanted to stay with them. This all led to her second reason. Marissa had advised her that if she was approached by anyone regarding her family, custody, whatever, and she was uncomfortable the least little bit, to leave, get to someplace where she felt safe and contact her right away. She told her not to worry about doing that either. Marissa would take care of whatever might happen afterwards. What mattered most to the redhead was that Sam was safe.
Molly saw her friend tense up and didn't like it one bit. "Her name's Sam not Samantha."
Russ knew she went by Sam. He called her Samantha on purpose. By calling her that, he was showing her that he was in charge and had control, not her. Russ eyed the brunette and had a feeling that she was going to be a problem. He needed to get Sam away from her. She'd be easier to manipulate on her own. Russ took a step forward and took hold of the blonde's elbow to guide her away from her friend. "Samantha, let's talk in private. This is a discussion for family only and doesn't concern anyone else."
That did trick. Sam snapped out of the momentary fog and jerked her arm back. "First, like Molly told you, I go by Sam, and nobody calls me Samantha. Second, I don't know you so I'm not going anywhere with you. Third, we may be family as you say, but that doesn't change anything. Molly's not going anywhere. So anything you wanna say to me, you can say in front of her."
Holding up his arms in mock surrender, Russ gave a contrite smile to the teen. He might have overplayed his hand a little, but he was still in control. He just needed to dial it back a little. "I'm sorry, Samantha. I mean, Sam. I just want to talk and get to know you. We are family, and eventually, you're going to be living with me."
"What?!"
Why the hell is she questioning everything? "Well, think about it. Now that your foster parents know you have a real family, I don't see them wanting to keep you. Why would they? I mean, sure, they'll miss the money they get from the state for taking care of you, but I'm sure that will be offset by relief and the fact that they don't have to be responsible for you anymore. They'll have their lives back. I'm sure they'll be happy." Russ, you're a genius. Plant those seeds of doubt in her mind about the Walkers. It'll make it easier to bring her over to my side. It's already working. She's starting to tear up.
Sam's eyes welled up with tears. She knew what he was saying was nothing but lies, but it still really hurt. "I'm leaving."
"I don't think so. My lawyer says that you have to talk me. Sorry, but you're not going anywhere."
"Yeah, I am."
"I'm afraid not. You'll be breaking the law if you do and will probably end up back in juvenile detention. You don't have a choice."
Sam tensed up even more than she had earlier. Fear and anger replaced hurt. "You're wrong because my lawyer said I don't have to talk to you if I don't want to, and I don't want to. So, move."
"I'm not going anywhere and neither are you."
At that moment, Stef was leaving the school building and saw Sam and Molly with a man she hadn't seen around the school before. The girls looked upset, Sam in particular. Something was off, and she knew she needed to do something. "Girls, is everything alright?"
Molly felt a wave of relief wash over her at the teacher's appearance. "Mrs. Douglas, this man is stopping Sam from leaving. He won't get out of her way."
Russ smiled smoothly. "She's mistaken. I'm Sam's uncle and have every right to talk to her. I've been instructed by my lawyer that I'm well within my rights. If she refuses, I could call the police, and she could get in serious legal trouble as a result."
Stef stared blankly at the man. Did he honestly think she was a moron? She had to maintain her calm though and make sure Sam was safe. "Go ahead. Call the police. Better yet, I'll do it for you." Stef took out her cellphone.
"There's no need to do that. I'm not looking to get Samantha in trouble."
"If that's the case, then move and let her leave, now."
Russ held up his hands again and moved. "Fine."
"Sam, are you okay to drive?"
"Yes, Mrs. Douglas. I'll be fine."
"I'll go with her." Molly volunteered.
"Good. Do you know where to go, Sam?" Stef remembered what Marissa had said after dinner the other night. If something happened to upset Sam, the girl was to go someplace safe. While the school was closer, the Miranda Center was better equipped to handle this situation and was only a few blocks away.
Sam nodded. "Yeah, I do, and I promise I'm okay to get there."
"Alright, go on. I know what to do on my end." And Stef did. That had been imparted to her the other night as well.
As Sam got into her car, Russ leaned in and whispered so no one else could hear. "Don't think this is over. I'll be seeing you soon, Samantha."
"Let go of her door."
The steely edge to Stef's voice had Russ move away from the car.
"I was just saying goodbye."
Stef didn't buy that for a minute, especially when she saw how pale Sam had gotten. In good conscious, Stef couldn't let the girl drive in her current condition. It would also be safer for Sam and Molly if Stef was driving. There was absolutely no doubt in her mind that Russ would follow the girls when they drove away. It was better for them if they were with Stef. She knew she was better equipped to handle whatever this man might throw at them.
"On second thought, Sam, Molly, grab your things. You're coming with me."
"But I'm supposed to …"
"I know, and I'll drive you. It's better if I do. Do you trust me?"
Sam nodded, relieved by the support and by the fact that she wouldn't have to drive. The last words Russ had said to her had definitely left her a little shaky. "I trust you. Come on, Molly."
Both girls grabbed their backpacks and scrambled ahead of the teacher.
Stef was right behind them and could feel the man's eyes bore into her back. She honestly didn't give a damn and threw a comment over her shoulder to him. "Feel free to the police. In fact, I might just do that myself."
Russ glared after the teacher. She had really screwed up his plans. Now, he had no other option than to hurry to his car and follow them. He couldn't afford to let Sam out of his sight. Russ was in damage control now. The three of them had made him lose his cool some, and he couldn't have that.
For her part, Stef knew they weren't out of the woods by a long shot, and she really needed to make an important phone call, one that was part of Marissa's plan. It would have to wait though. She didn't want to be on her cellphone while driving the girls and being followed by Russ. Once she and the girls were settled in the car with their seatbelts fastened, Stef handed her cellphone to Sam. "Call Bianca. Tell her what's going on and that we're on our way.
Sam nodded and did as instructed.
/
Bianca was on a conference call with the Center's New York branch when her cellphone began to ring. She quickly glanced down at the caller id and saw Stef's name. It was unusual for her to be calling this time of day so the brunette was somewhat concerned. "I'm sorry. Could you give me a minute? I have another call I need to take."
"No problem."
After putting her office line on hold, Bianca answered her cellphone. "Hi, Stef. What's up?"
"It's not Mrs. Douglas."
"Sam?! What's wrong?" Bianca could tell by the sound of the girl's voice that she was upset.
"We're … we're on our way to the Center. That guy that says he's my uncle stopped … stopped by school and tried … tried to make me go with him. He … he threatened me, said he was … was going to call the police and that I was going to be sent back to ju… ju … juvie."
"He what?! Okay, calm down. You're with Stef?"
"Yeah and Molly."
"Okay. I need you to do exactly what Stef tells you to, alright?"
"Alright, I will."
"Good. Do you know where Russ is right now?" Bianca was already on the move and standing next to Jan's desk.
"He's right … right behind us. He's following us."
"I know you're scared, but Stef won't let anything happen to you or Molly. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Hold on one second. I need to talk to Jan about security."
The assistant's hand was on the phone and dialing security as soon as the words left Bianca's mouth.
"Jan, call security and tell them that Stefanie Douglas is on her way here with Sam and her friend Molly. Tell them to let her pull all the way up to the front doors and park there. They're being followed by Russell Payne so have them stop him. I don't want him on this property."
"You got it."
"Okay, Sam, tell Stef to pull right up to the front. Security knows that you're coming. When you get here, I want the three of you to head straight back to my office. Understand?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, I'm going to call Marissa now, and then, I'll call Gail. I'll see in just a few minutes."
"Okay."
Bianca disconnected the call as she made her way back to her office. She paused for just a second to take a deep breath and collect herself. She then picked up her office phone and took her line off hold. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have drop. We've got an emergency case coming in."
"We understand, and we'll reschedule. Good luck."
With that call taken care of, she dialed her wife's cellphone.
/
Marissa was in a conference room with her team for their weekly meeting. The agenda included discussing the status of their current cases, potential cases and overall plans for the team going forward. They were also discussing office moves. There had been a delay with Marissa's new office which meant Ellie's and Lisa's moves were also delayed. When in any meetings, Marissa always put her cellphone on silent but did keep it on vibrate in case there was an emergency with Bianca or the kids. The redhead was standing by a white board making a few notes on it while Ellie sat nearby taking minutes of the meeting. She was the first to hear the cellphone's vibration and glanced at the caller id.
"Marissa, it's Bianca."
"Sorry, guys. I better take this." The others nodded in understanding. They knew it was most likely something extremely important for Bianca to be calling Marissa's cellphone. If it wasn't, she would've sent Marissa a text.
"Hey. Is everything alright?"
"No, it's not. Russ approached Sam at school."
"What?! Where is she?"
"She's with Stef. I'm not sure how they ended up together, but I'm glad they are. Sam sounded pretty upset. Molly's with them, and they're on their way here now. Sam said Russ is following them. Rissa, he threatened her and said he could send her back to juvenile detention."
"Son of a …"
"Yeah, those are pretty much my thoughts. I had Jan call security so they know what's going on. What's next?"
"Next, you call the police, and tell them what's going on. The fact that he approached her at school will help us. We'll get everything moving on our side. I'm on my way. Be safe."
"I will. See you soon. Drive safe."
"Always." Once the call was disconnected, Marissa turned to face her team. "Alright, it's all hands on deck. Russell Payne approached Sam after school today."
"How is she?" Sofia asked.
"Bianca said she was pretty upset from what she could tell. He threatened to have her thrown back into juvenile detention."
Claudia was disgusted by the man's threats. "That would do it."
"Yes, it would. She's on her way to the Center right now."
"She's not driving herself, is she?"
Marissa shook her head and turned to Brian. "No, she isn't. Stef is driving her and a friend there. Payne is following them."
Brian's jaw immediately clenched at the thought his wife could be in danger. He had no doubt that she would do everything in her power to keep everyone involved safe. "She'll be alright." He was doing his best to convince himself that what he said was right.
"Are you okay?" Marissa could see the concern in her friend's eyes.
"As okay as I'm going to be until I know she's safe. She's strong and stubborn and doesn't like it when someone messes with one of her kids. That's what she calls the students there. If I were to guess, I'd say she's royally pissed off at Payne and would love nothing better than to give him a piece of her mind. She'll wait to do that though until she knows everyone is safe. Payne definitely picked the wrong person to mess with."
"Yes, he did." Marissa knew how fierce Stef was when it came to her students. "Alright, does everyone remember what they have to do?"
Brandon nodded. "Brian and I are calling clerks and locating judges that will be friendly to our requests."
"Lisa and I will be at the courthouse and will divide the judges up that Brandon and Brian have identified for us. Whoever signs the orders first is who we go with."
"After we get it signed, Sofia and I will head over to the Miranda Center."
Marissa nodded. "Good. Ellie, you're running point here and keeping everyone informed. Use my office. We don't have to worry about the receptionist desk, do we?"
Ellie shook her head. "No, I'm scheduled to work with the team this afternoon so it's covered."
"That's good. Robin and Riley, you're working with Brian and Brandon. Mark, you're helping Ellie."
The three paralegals nodded.
"Claudia, you're with me."
"Are you driving?"
"Yes, the security guards know my car. Alright, gang. Let's get to work."
Sofia and Lisa headed to Sofia's office so she could grab her car keys and copies of the orders they needed to be signed. They only needed one set of them signed but had made copies so whoever found a judge to sign them didn't have to wait for the other one to show up with them. "I don't think Stef is the only wrong person that Payne pissed off."
Lisa nodded. "You've definitely got that right. I haven't seen that look in Marissa's eyes since Bianca's ex-wife came to town and was making noises about taking the girls."
"I can't even imagine how mad she must have been."
/
Stef pulled up to the front doors of the Miranda Center and found a security guard waiting for them. While the girls grabbed their backpacks, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Russ pull up to the guard's station located at the entrance to the parking lot. The teacher turned to the guard waiting at the front door for them. "That's the man who was following us."
The guard nodded. "I'll take care of it. You all go inside." He looked at Sam. "Don't worry about a thing, Sam. You're safe. I got this."
"Thanks, Charlie." Sam smiled weakly and hustled inside, leaving the burly guard to handle her uncle.
/
Bianca was standing by Jan's desk. As soon as Sam saw her, the teen rushed into the brunette's arms instantly and finally feeling safe.
"How about we all go into my office? It will be quieter there."
Stef nodded. "I think that's a great idea."
Once inside the office, Sam settled herself next to Bianca on the sofa with the brunette putting an arm around her. Tears finally escaped from the teen's eyes. Sam had been holding herself together pretty well, but now that she was safe, she couldn't hold them back any longer. Bianca comforted her and reassured that she was safe and that Russ was not going to get to her as best as she could.
"I called Marissa, and she's on her way. I talked to Gail too. Alex is picking up Carol and her. They'll be here really soon."
"He's right outside, Bianca. He could get in here."
"Sam, he's not going to get in here. There is no way that Charlie and the rest of the guards are going to let him set one foot in here."
"He could get to me at school or home."
"What do you think Marissa is working on right now? She's got a plan in place, and her team is putting everything in motion to stop something like that from happening."
"She is?"
"Yeah, she is. I know you're scared, but you are definitely not alone. I think Stef and Molly are good examples of that."
/
"May I help you?"
Russ rolled down his window and smiled at the guard. From his position on the other side of the gate, he could see Sam rush into the Center. He had to get inside. To do that, he needed to convince the guard to raise the gate and let him through. He knew about the Miranda Center and was hoping he could put the bleeding hearts of the staff to good use for him. "Oh, I sure hope you can. You see, it's my niece. She's not in a very healthy relationship, and I was hoping I could get some information here that might help her."
The guard's radio sounded.
"Bruce."
"Excuse me a minute, sir." The guard took a step away to answer his radio in private. "What's up, Charlie?"
"The guy at the gate?"
"Yeah, what about him?"
"Don't let him in. He's the guy that Jan told us about."
"The one bothering Sam?"
"Yeah, that's him."
"Got it. He won't get by me."
"Jerry's on his way out to help you and the police have been called. I'll be here at the door just in case. Watch your back."
"You too." Bruce walked back to his station, a hand now resting on his Taser. He would use that first, and then if necessary, he would draw his gun. He, like everyone else at the Center, cared a great deal for Sam. No one was going to get to her if he had anything to do about it, and he did. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you in. I'm going to have to ask you to leave the premises."
"I don't understand. What seems to be the problem? I just want to get some help for my niece."
"I'm sorry, sir, but I've been instructed not to let you onto the premises. You need to leave, now. If you refuse, I'm authorized to use force if necessary. I also have to tell you that the police have been called and are on their way."
Russ didn't know what to say. All of his plans were blowing up right before his eyes. Yeah, he could probably get by this guard, but he could tell there were others he'd have to get by. Plus, the police were coming, and that would completely derail his plan. No, it was better to walk away now and regroup. He needed some help which meant he needed to make a phone call. "Fine. I'll leave, but I don't understand what's going on. I don't want to cause any trouble. Just so you know, this is wrong. I thought the Center was all about helping people and not turning them away."
Bruce was unmoved and simply gave the man a stony stare. Russ finally relented and backed out of the lot. He parked his car across the street just down the block from the Center and pulled out his cellphone. "Pete, it's Russ. We've got a problem."
/
Marissa pulled into the Center's parking lot and rolled down her window. "Hi, Bruce. Hi, Jerry. Is everything alright?"
"Hi, Marissa. Everything's good. Sam's inside. That guy tried to get in, but we stopped him. Kind of a shame I didn't get to use my Taser on him. I was really tempted to because of him scaring Sam." Bruce scowled.
"I'm sorry you didn't get to, but it's probably better if you didn't right now. This is Claudia Stein. She's working on Sam's case with me."
"Nice to meet you, ma'am."
"It's nice to meet you."
"In case you didn't know, he's still out there. We spotted him across the street, just down the block a little bit."
"Thanks for the heads up, Marissa. Since he's not on the Center's property, we can't ask him to move."
"Unfortunately, I know. We're going to go in and check on Sam. Oh, Lisa and Sofia should be along shortly."
Bruce nodded. "We'll make sure they go right in."
"Thanks, guys."
/
"I know. I don't know what I would've done without them earlier. Molly was great. Mrs. Douglas was too. Oh no, Molly. You're mom doesn't know where you are. I don't want you getting in trouble."
"Sam, don't worry. I'll call her and explain everything. She'll understand. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, and you'd do exactly the same for me."
"I would, in a heartbeat."
Bianca smiled at the girls. She was very glad that Sam had found such a good friend. Molly had tagged along from time to time when Sam came to the Center to work. As a result, everyone there got to know her and liked the girl. "You really should call your mom, Molly. Why don't you use the phone on my desk? Someone here can take you home if need, or if she wants to pick you up, we'll let them know at the gate."
"Thanks, Bianca."
"You're welcome. Stef, you should probably call Brian."
"Oh, I left your phone in the car, Mrs. Douglas."
"That's alright, Sam. I'll just use Bianca's phone when Molly's done."
"I can do you one better. Use mine and call him as soon as you can." Marissa gave her friend a quick nod as she handed her cellphone to Stef before turning to Sam and giving the teen a reassuring smile.
"Marissa!" Sam jumped up and hugged the redhead tightly. Relief flooded through her. Having both Bianca and Marissa here with her right now helped give her strength and faith that things might just work out, and god, she hoped she was right.
The redhead hugged Sam for a few minutes before taking a step back and eyeing the teen carefully. She could see Sam had been crying and that made her blood boil. It was a good thing for Payne that he wasn't here right now. "Are you up for talking about what happened?" Marissa sensed the teen's hesitance. "I'm sure you'd rather not talk it, but I really need to know what happened."
Sam nodded slowly. "Okay."
"Thank you. Let's sit down." They joined Bianca on the sofa, and Marissa smiled at her wife. She was extremely relieved to see that Bianca was safe and hadn't tried to confront Payne.
For her part, Bianca was equally relieved to see Marissa. It meant that she had gotten by Payne without any confrontation for the time being. She also knew that her wife had a calming influence on Sam, and the teen definitely needed that right now.
The couple knew they would talk later once they were alone. For now though, this was all about Sam.
"Sam, I want you to meet someone. This is Claudia Stein. We work together, and she's an excellent lawyer. Claudia is going to be helping me on your case. Actually, there are a lot of really good people working on your case, including Brian."
Stef looked up from Marissa's phone hearing her husband's name and smiled softly at her friend before returning her attention back to the cellphone. She had opted to text Brian to let him know she was okay. Given the situation, Stef thought this was best for the moment. She knew Brian would be working to help Marissa locate a judge to help them. The teacher also knew that Marissa would be needing to talk to her about what happened at the school.
"It's nice to meet you, Sam." Claudia gave the teen a reassuring smile.
"It's nice to meet you too."
"Okay, Sam, what happened at school?"
Sam took a deep breath and felt both Marissa and Bianca squeeze the hand they were holding. "Molly and me were talking after school was out when we saw this guy standing by my car. He told me who he was and that he wanted to talk. He didn't like that Molly was there and wouldn't leave. So, he wanted me to go somewhere to talk with him in private. That's when he grabbed my arm and tried to pull me away."
"I just want to be clear about this. Russell Payne grabbed you and tried to take you with him against your will?" Marissa asked evenly. On the outside, she appeared calm. She had to for Sam. On the inside though, it was a whole other matter.
Claudia sat nearby taking notes. Her jaw clenched tightly hearing what Sam went through.
"Yeah, he did."
Molly nodded. "He really did, Marissa. I witnessed the whole thing. And when Sam told him she wouldn't go anywhere with him, he got mean, really mean."
"How so?"
"He said I was gonna be living with him soon. He said … He said that the Walkers would be relieved to get rid of me. That they could have their lives back and not worry about having to be responsible for me or take care of me. He said they might miss the money they get from the state for taking care of me, but they'd be okay with it since I wouldn't be around."
Marissa, Bianca, Claudia and Stef all remained quiet while Sam spoke. They all knew if they opened their mouths right now, they would lose it completely over the man's vile, hurtful words.
"I told him I wanted to leave, and he said I couldn't, that I'd be breaking the law and would get sent back to juvie."
Stef spoke up. "This is where I came in. Molly told me that he was preventing Sam from leaving. Payne pretty much called them liars."
"What did he say exactly?" Claudia asked.
"He said they were 'mistaken'. He was Sam's uncle and had been instructed by his lawyer that he was within his rights. If Sam didn't talk to him, he could call the police and get her in serious legal trouble."
At the lawyer's raised eyebrow, Stef smirked. "Yeah, I know. He had no way of knowing that I'm married to a lawyer and know it was a crock."
"He didn't show you any type of paper, did he, Sam?" Marissa asked.
"No, he didn't."
"Then, Stef's right. It's a crock. Unless there is some sort of order in place, and I don't know of any, you don't have to talk to anyone you don't want to."
"An order?"
"Yes, it would be issued by the court and have to be presented to either you or your attorneys."
Claudia looked at Marissa. "I'll have Mark check on that right now."
"Good idea."
/
The lawyer stood and walked to the other side of the room before pulling out her cellphone and calling the firm. "Hi, Ellie. It's Claudia. I need to talk to Mark."
/
Marissa turned back to Stef. "What happened next?"
"I told him to go ahead and call the police. I actually volunteered to do it myself. Then, wonder of wonders, he backed off."
Bianca smiled. "No big surprise there. Most bullies do back off when you call them out."
"Don't I know it, and that's exactly what he is, a bully. A grown man scaring a teenaged girl? Pick on someone your own size, you jack." Stef paused mid-rant as she remembered something. "Sam, what did he say to you when you were getting into your car?"
Sam swallowed hard. "He said it wasn't over and that he'd be seeing me again real soon."
"That son of a … I knew he said something awful. That's why I told you to get in my car."
"Thanks for doing that, Mrs. Douglas. I don't know if I could've driven after that, especially if he followed me like he did you. Thank you again."
"There's no need for you to thank me, Sam. There was absolutely no way I was going to let him hurt you or Molly. I'm just glad I was there."
"He followed you all the way here?"
"Yes, he did."
"According to the guards here, he tried to pull in just a few minutes after they got here." Bianca added. "He told them he was trying to get help for his niece because she was in an unhealthy relationship."
"Hmmm, interesting."
Claudia returned to the group. "There is no record of an order being issued for visitation rights."
"Anything interesting that we should know about?"
"Just what you thought."
The redhead sighed. "I was really hoping I would be wrong. Any word from Lisa and Sofia?"
"They're on their way here."
Sam had been lost in her own thoughts and missed the exchange between the lawyers. Something was on her mind. "Marissa, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Sam, you can ask me anything."
"What he said about the money and the Walkers …"
Marissa knew where Sam was going with her question and decided to stop her. "Foster parents do receive a stipend from the state which is supposed to be used for the foster child's care. Yes, Gail and Alex are receiving that money, but they haven't used it since they're doing pretty well and cover any expenses you might have on their own. Would you like to know what they've been doing with that money?"
Sam nodded. She was curious.
"They've been depositing it into your trust fund."
"Really?"
"Yep. They consider it your money and are investing it for you to have for college and after. Sam, I want you to listen to me, okay?"
"Okay."
"Gail, Alex and Carol didn't want you for any money they might get. That was never on their radar. If it was up to them, they would've returned the money once they found out about it, but legally, they can't. That's why they're putting it in your trust fund. The Walkers brought you into their lives and home because they love you. It's as simple as that. You make their family complete. You're the daughter and granddaughter they always wanted. If they lost you, they would be crushed and would be left with a huge hole in their hearts and home that they could never fill."
Sam took a shaky breath. Marissa gave her the reassurance she needed. It wasn't that Sam doubted the Walkers. It was just that she needed to hear those words. "I knew he was lying. Why would he say that though?"
"My guess? He wanted to scare you, trick you, try and manipulate you."
"But why?"
"I'm starting to get an idea about that, but I don't want to say anything until I know for sure. Just know that the Walkers love you and want you, and they aren't going to give you up without a fight."
"That's why they have you, huh?" Sam smiled, starting to feel better.
"Exactly!"
Bianca chuckled. "And you know how much Marissa loves a good fight."
/
Pete slammed his car door and stalked over to his client. "What the hell were you thinking?
Russ glared back. "I was thinking I hadn't seen my lawyer doing jackshit on my case so I decided to get the ball rolling."
"I was looking to find the right equipment and making sure we have all of our bases covered. Now, we have to move everything up. It's a good thing I was at the courthouse today. Tell me everything that happened."
/
Jan knocked on the door to Bianca's office. When she heard someone say 'come in', she ducked her head inside. "Hey, the Walkers are here. Is it okay to send them in?"
Bianca looked at Sam. "Are you okay to see them?"
"Yeah, I really want to."
"Send them in, Jan."
A moment later, Gail, Alex and Carol hurried into the room.
Sam rushed over to them and was engulfed in hugs instantly.
Chairs were rearranged while others were added to make room for the newest arrivals. Once things calmed down, Marissa introduced Claudia and told the Walkers everything that had happened.
"There's something else I want you to brace yourselves for. Payne has filed for custody of Sam."
Carol hugged Sam tighter. "You told us this might happen."
"When did this happen?" Gail asked as she squeezed Sam's hand.
"Today. One of our paralegals found a suit had been filed."
Alex looked at Sam who was sandwiched between his wife and mother. "How are you holding up, Sam? It's okay if you're scared."
"I am a little scared. I don't wanna lose you guys."
"And you're not going to, Sam." Carol stated firmly. She'd waited so long for a grandchild. Now that she finally had one, she would be damned if some stranger took her away.
"Does this mean I'm gonna have to see him?"
"That's what we're working on."
/
"Dammit, Russ. You just made this a whole lot harder."
"Maybe, I need another lawyer."
"No. This is my chance to stick it to all of them, and I'm sure as hell going to do it. We've still got something up our sleeves so it won't matter what you did. Plus, we have the element of surprise for today's little bombshell. Alright, let's get the fun started. Come on."
The men crossed the street and walked up to the guard station.
Bruce eyed the men carefully. "May I help you, gentlemen?"
"Yes, I'm Pete Taylor, and this is my client, Russell Payne. We have business inside so I'd appreciate it if you let us pass through."
"One minute please." Bruce dialed Aya's number.
"Hi, Bruce. What's up?"
"Hi, Aya. There's a Pete Taylor and Russell Payne out here that say they have business inside."
"We've been expecting them. You can send Taylor back, but Payne is not allowed on the property. If they give you a hard, tell them this is private property, and we have the right to deny access to whomever we wish particularly if they are deemed a threat."
Bruce smiled. "Got it. Thank you." The guard disconnected the call. "You can go in Mr. Taylor, but Mr. Payne isn't allowed on the premises."
"Why the hell not?" Pete was incensed.
"It's private property, sir, and we have the right to deny access to anyone we see as a threat."
"You see my client as a threat? You know what? Forget it. Russ you stay out here. I'll take care of this. I won't be long."
Russ rolled his eyes. "Fine. Just get this over with."
/
Aya joined the others. "Pete is on his way in."
Marissa nodded and stood. "Alright. Sam, Molly, I want you to hang back here."
"I'll wait with them." Carol stated.
"I wanna watch." Sam looked at Marissa.
"We'll watch from the doorway. There's no reason for you to get close to that man."
Sam accepted this compromise. "Okay."
The others walked out of the office and into the area by Jan's desk. Marissa and Claudia stood in front of the group.
/
Pete walked into the Center like he owned the place, confident that he would have the element of surprise on his side.
"Marissa, it's been a while. How have you been?" Pete really didn't give a damn but felt he needed to say something before jumping into it.
Aya and Jan stood on either side of Bianca to keep her from ripping Pete's head off. It made her blood boil seeing the man whose incompetence almost got Marissa killed.
Marissa smiled. "Pete. I've never been better. How about you?"
Pete's fake smile dropped. It was because of her that his political aspirations were derailed and permanently on hold while she had everything. He was going to savor this moment and really enjoy taking her down. "I'm doing okay." He took out some papers and held them out for her. "This is for you."
Marissa glanced down at the papers. She knew full well what it was, but she just wasn't in the mood to make this easy for him so she chose not to reach for them. Was she baiting him a little? Yeah, but like Bianca had said earlier, she loved a good fight and was gearing up for it.
"I said these are for you."
"I know."
"Take them." Pete was getting more and more irritated the longer the redhead refused his order. "I said take them." He shoved the documents into Marissa's chest. They fell to the floor when she still didn't move to accept them.
Bianca attempted to surge forward but was held in place by Aya and Jan, just barely though. It wouldn't look good if the founder of the Miranda Center punched someone but damn if she didn't want to. No one did that to her wife.
"My client is filing for full custody of his niece. You can make it easier on everyone concerned if you just have her leave with me."
A slow smile crept across Marissa's face. Anyone that knew her knew things were going to get unpleasant for Pete. It was that smile that had Bianca relaxing some. "Yeah, that's not going to happen so you should just go ahead and leave."
Pete laughed. "Why would I do that? My client has rights, and I'm here to fight for them. You're going to lose. So, you'll make things easier if you let them spend some time together."
"My client has rights too, and she doesn't want to spend time with your client."
"Well, she has too." He pointed to the documents still lying on the floor. "Those say she does."
"No, no, she doesn't."
"Yes, she does! Didn't you hear me or are you so stupid that you don't know any better?" Pete smirked.
Aya and Jan glanced at Bianca when they heard a low growl coming from her. They weren't sure how much longer they could hold her back.
"No, she doesn't." Marissa nodded for Lisa to come closer. She had seen her and Sofia along with Brot enter the Center. Marissa motioned to Lisa to hand the documents she had in her hand to Pete. Lisa then deftly picked up the papers he had tried to give the redhead.
"What the hell is this?" Pete asked as he unconsciously took the papers and glanced at them. He kicked himself after realizing what he'd done. This ambush he had planned was not going the way he planned.
"That is a restraining order. Your client is not allowed within 500 feet of my client. If he violates the order, he will be arrested. The other document calls for an expedited hearing on your custody request. Now, it's time for you to go."
"What the hell? I'm not leaving. I don't have to."
"Yes, you do. Because as of this moment, you're trespassing."
"No, I'm not!"
Bianca cleared her throat. "Yes, you are. This is private property, and as CEO of the Miranda Center, I want you off of it."
"Yeah? Who's going to make me leave? You?"
Brot stepped forwarded. "No, I will. They've asked you nicely. If you don't leave on your own, I'll help you. If I have to do that, I'll be asking Ms. Tasker if she would like to press assault charges against you for that little stunt with the papers."
Pete glanced around at the others. He was beyond furious. How the hell did she turn this around? He was the one that was supposed to have the upper hand not her. He was the one who was supposed to have ambushed her, but somehow, she had managed to do it to him. He didn't want to leave, but knew the officer meant business if he didn't. "I'll leave, but this isn't over!"
"I figured you'd say that. I'll see you in court."
The others sighed in relief as they watched him leave.
Marissa turned and winked at Sam who grinned watching the show her lawyer had just put on for her.
Gail turned to Sam, her mother-in-law and Molly. "Let's go home. Molly, we talked to your mom and will drop you off. Marissa, thank you."
"You're welcome. I'll call you later to check on things."
"Damn, I enjoyed that." Sofia smiled as everyone began filing out.
"So did I." Lisa grinned.
"Marissa, I'll be just outside and ready to leave whenever you are." Claudia added. She knew why Marissa had refused to take the papers. Claudia had seen the arrogant look on Pete's face when he walked into the Center. He thought he was in control and had all the cards. That was far from the truth. Marissa was just letting him know. Plus, she was also seeing just how short of a fuse the other lawyer had. It was information that could come in handy down the road when they went to trial. Claudia loved the move. She'd have to remember that.
"Okay. I'll be there in a minute." Marissa followed Bianca into her office. The couple needed a minute or two to themselves.
/
"Are you okay?" Marissa asked as she wrapped her arms around her wife.
"I'm fine. What about you? He didn't hurt you, did he? Because if he did?"
"Nope, not a scratch on me. Feel free to check that out for yourself later. If he did, I know no one would've been able to hold you back. No one can hold a Kane woman back once their wrath is unleashed."
Bianca shook her head. "You enjoyed that confrontation with him, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I did a little. I know I was baiting him some, but I couldn't help it. He deserved it. Plus, it gave me some information that I might be able to use later."
"He deserved a whole hell of a lot more if you ask me."
Marissa grinned. "I heard you growl at him. It's kind of sexy when you do that."
Bianca laughed. "You're not right."
"I know, but you love me anyway."
"Yes, I do." Bianca leaned in and rewarded her wife with a loving kiss.
Marissa sighed. She didn't want to, but she knew she had to leave. There would be time at home tonight for them. "I need to get back to the office. I know Pete's going to appeal so I need to be ready for that. Are you sure you're alright?"
Bianca gave the redhead a quick kiss. "Yes, I'm sure. I'll see you at home. Love you."
"Love you too." Marissa stopped at the door when she heard her wife call her name again.
"Rissa, you were pretty sexy yourself earlier. You know what your lawyer mode does to me, and I will be conducting a thorough search of your body for any scratches." Bianca flashed a wicked grin.
Marissa groaned. "I'm going to remember that later tonight."
"I'm counting on it, Counselor."