Mara
The first call from his lawyer comes at 9:03 a.m.
I answer before it rings twice.
“Ms Collins, we’d like to discuss your… living situation.”
Living situation.
That’s what they’re calling it.
Not love.
Not support.
Not safety.
I grip the edge of the table.
“My daughter lives with me,” I say.
“And Mr Collins has concerns about the male presence in the home.”
Male presence.
Like Cole is a stain.
Like he’s a disease.
“Is that all?” I ask.
“For now.”
For now.
I hang up before I say something that would get read back to a judge.
Cole is across the room watching me.
He already knows.
“What did the lawyer say?”
“They’re coming for you.”
His jaw tightens.
“Expected.”
“They’re going to question your record, your club the way you live.”
“I know.”
“They’ll ask Lily if y
