Chapter 30- The Strings
Spencer was sitting on the floor with Ace and handed him a ball. Ace threw it and flung himself backwards onto the carpet, screaming.
"Aww buddy, I don't understand, you're home now," Spencer said. He tried to pick him up but Ace swatted and kicked him.
Laura frowned and exchanged a look with Kevin. "Ace does love us, Spencer. But no matter who he's with right now, he just wants his mother."
"We all know that Ace is better off without her," Spencer said. "And she'll be going to prison soon, anyway."
"I don't think that's a fair assumption, Spencer," Kevin said. "While Esme struggles in many areas, she and Ace do need each other. But I do agree that she needs to take responsibility for her actions."
Laura nodded and knelt on the floor. She stroked Ace's hair. "And no matter what we'll make sure you're okay, sweetheart."
GHGHGH
Danny stared up at Ned, then darted for the door.
"Wait, Danny, what are you doing here?" Ned asked.
Danny turned to him and sighed. "We came to rescue Charlotte."
Slowly, Jake and Georgie rose from behind the cargo.
"And do your parents know you're here?" Ned asked.
They all shook their heads.
"They would've stopped us," Jake said. "We've located Victor's mansion near Lausanne."
"And have you shared this information with the police?" Ned asked.
"No," Danny spoke up. "I don't trust cops."
Ned gaped at him. "Why not? Your stepfather is a cop."
"Oh, well yeah, I trust Dante," Danny said. "But we needed to do this on our own."
"Why? Are you trying to be like your fathers?" Ned asked. "That's not fair to Charlotte. We need to contact your parents to tell them you're here and we need to give whatever information you have to the Switzerland police."
"That'll take too long," Georgie said. "There's too many files at home on my computer."
They whipped around when Olivia walked in, talking on her phone. "Oh yes, Dante. We found them…. We'll take them to the hotel with us while you contact Sam. Okay thanks, we'll keep you posted." She hung up. "What are you children thinking?"
"We're not children," Danny said.
"Well, your parents are worried out of their minds," Olivia said. "Dante said that your mothers and Spinelli are on their way here."
"What?" Georgie asked. "Why?"
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Why? Because they're your parents and they love you."
"All right let's go to the hotel and we'll call the police to tell them what you know," Ned said.
GHGHGH
"Michael, how do you feel about Willow and the kids living at Nina's?" Carly asked.
"I hate it," Michael said. "Sure, it was nice that Nina joined us to bring Willow home. But we all know it was for selfish reasons."
"Yep," Carly said. "She sees Willow and the kids as possessions. She is toxic and will only hurt them."
"There's not much I can do about it though," Michael said.
"Actually, there is," said Carly. "I've already put it in the works. You and I can take full custody of the kids. Willow is a good mother, but if she's going to choose to allow her children to live with Nina, we need to step in and protect them."
Michael paused in thought. "I don't want to take them from Willow."
"I know you don't. I don't either. But she's leaving us no choice. We have to take them from her."
GHGHGH
"Grandma Nina!" Wiley ran into her arms. "I missed you."
Nina smiled. "I missed you too, buddy. I missed all of you."
Willow kissed Amelia's cheek and walked in. "It's so good to be home."
Nina wrapped her arm around Willow. "I was so scared that I lost you again."
"You won't lose me again," Willow said. "Thank you for rescuing me… Mom."
Nina's eyes filled with tears. "You called me Mom."
Willow nodded. "I hope that's okay."
"It's more than okay." She lifted Wiley and hugged all of them.
GHGHGH
"Thank you for meeting with me." Felicia hugged Maggie. "And thank you for being there for my daughter when I couldn't be."
"We'll have to keep in touch," Maggie said. "And if Esme's case goes to trial, I will come to support her."
Felicia smiled. "That would be wonderful. Take care."
Maggie watched her leave and scooped up her purse. She headed out to the parking lot and searched for her keys. She jerked when she heard a noise.
"You shouldn't have told her all that."
Maggie stared up at him. "Antoine, when did you get here?"
Dex pulled out his gun and shot her in the chest.
GHGHGH
Felicia set her purse down and kicked her shoes off when she arrived home. Her face lit up when she saw James and Bailey Lou watching a movie with Mac in the living room.
"Hi Grandma!" James called out to her.
"Gamma, Gamma, Gamma!" Bailey held her arms out to Felicia.
Felicia scooped her up and kissed her forehead. "This is a nice surprise."
"We're sleeping over," James said. "Georgie was bad and ran away."
"What?" Felicia looked at Mac concerned. "Is she okay?"
Mac shifted over to make room for Felicia to join them on the couch. "Georgie went with Jake and Danny to Switzerland to find Charlotte. So, Spinelli and Maxie went with Sam and Elizabeth to bring them home. I said we'd take the kids for a few days."
"Oh my gosh, I hope they're okay." Felicia held James and Bailey Lou close.
GHGHGH
Willow glanced down as Wiley fell asleep between her and Nina while watching the Incredibles.
"I love watching him sleep," Willow said. "He looks so peaceful."
"Willow, I'm really glad that you're home safe," Nina said. "I was afraid I'd lost you just as we're finally getting close."
"Like I said, you won't lose me."
Knock. Knock.
"I wonder who that could be." Nina got up and opened the door to find Josslyn standing there with an envelope. "Uh, hi Josslyn. What brings you—"
"Here." Josslyn handed her the envelope. "It's for Willow. We'll see you in court." She turned and left.
"What?" Nina stared down at it, then passed it to Willow.
Willow ripped it open.
"What is it?" Nina asked.
"It—it's… Michael and Carly… they're suing me for full custody of Wiley and Amelia."
"What?" Nina asked. "How could they? You're a good mom."
Willow shook her head. "I—I don't know. But why Carly too? Why not just Michael?"
Nina sat back down. "Sweetie, it's never just Michael. Carly pulls the strings." She hugged her.
