“A month,” Maverick countered.
“A what?” she double blinked in shock.
“I will come and stay on your ranch for a month. Or in Falcon Cove, if that makes you more comfortable. I want a month of access to my son. And after a month, I’m willing to negotiate.”
“No,” Jefferson spoke up. “Are you fucking insane? My client has been more than generous.”
“I thought she just said you were fired,” Maverick said.
“There is nothing even close to that kind of arrangement on the table for the judge to consider. We’ll take our chances in court. Come on, Delilah.”
“I accept,” she said and removed her hand from Jefferson’s. She never took her eyes off Maverick. His challenging glare swiveled from Jefferson to her.
“Delilah? I have to advise against this,” Jefferson tried again.
“It’s my decision. I made it. I have a guest cottage on my ranch you can stay in. On the first of the month, I expect to see you. Good day gentlemen.” Delilah picked up her purse. Jefferson pulled out her chair, and she walked out on shaky legs. She felt the need to vomit.
“A MONTH?” KENNETH RICHARDS choked out a laugh. “A month! Holy shit. The lady must have some nuclear bomb secrets she’s trying to keep hidden.”
“I didn’t think she would accept it,” Maverick said with a deep sigh of relief. “I was calling her bluff.”
“She must really be scared. Don’t trust her. Whatever she is planning, it isn’t to co-parent with you,” Richards said.
Maverick nodded. “I know she can’t be trusted. But I believe she’s a good mother. I’ll have it figured out in a month. I can prove to the courts I’m good for this in a month. I just need to play it right.”
“My fees are paid for,” Richards slammed his briefcase shut. The other attorneys sat silent. None of them ever spoke unless Richards addressed them. “Everything is in order. If you need anything, let me know. C’mon gentlemen, our work here is done.” His attorney stood and left with the team of lawyers. Maverick sat there, drumming his fingers on the surface of the conference table. He thought it all over. Rewound every word she said in their verbal fight back. Since Camille and Melissa’s death, he hadn’t felt so many emotions at once. Today he felt like he lost them both all over again. He felt the loneliness and the empty, hopeless feeling. Still, he had some hope.
There was a clap at the door. Maverick glanced up to see Armand Al Jabaar. That tall Middle Eastern actor with startling white teeth smiled at him, applauding. He then walked in.
“I hear you got better than King Solomon’s deal. The lady and her son are yours. For a month?” Armand said.
“Mine?” Maverick frowned.
“You’re headed to Falcon Cove. Right? To stay with her?” Armand asked.
“That’s none of your fucking business,” Maverick mumbled.
“You and I have a deal. I’ve honored my part of the bargain. The only matter to settle between us is if you will you keep yours?”
Maverick looked away. “I don’t have any influence over her. There’s nothing I can do to help your cause.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. This worked out in our favor. All you have to do is keep her focused on you and your custody fight and not her friend Goodiva. Very simple. That’s all it takes,” said Armand.
“You need to back off. I only agreed to fight for my son. Not to be some spy for you. I won’t do anything to harm her or my child. That’s why I said no to your little information. I’m handling it from here. I don’t need your help or the attorneys. I’ll take care of Delilah Montgomery myself.”
“Not so fast,” Armand warned. “You want your son. My cousin wants Goodiva. Keep your end of the deal, and we’ll be just fine.” Armand said.
“I said, go to hell.” Maverick stood.
Armand didn’t flinch. “I’ll need the information. Listen closely. Mrs. Delilah is quite persistent in her efforts to find her friend. Watch her and that cop friend of hers. A detective named Queen. Douglas. We’ll be in touch when you’re ready.”
“Ready for what? You act like you knew she would agree to this? Who the fuck are you? Why are these women so important?”
“Not women. Just one. I told you. Her name is Goodiva, her friends call her Shelly. You’ll learn more about her from Delilah soon. Maybe she can explain her importance. As for this little compromise, we weren’t sure what card the attorney would play. If she hadn’t pulled you in closer, we had another plan. Trust me. A father and son should never be separated. My and I cousin are friends, not enemies.”
“Ready for what?” Maverick asked.
“When you’re ready to help me, you’ll call me and let me know.” Armand winked. He paused before he left out of the door. “You read the Bible?”
Maverick frowned.
“I’m more into the Koran. But there’s a story in the Bible. Delilah and Sampson. Heard of it?”
Maverick didn’t respond.
“Watching you today and this negotiation. I suggest you not let her beauty cool you. These three women aren’t who you think they are.”
“I can take care of myself.”
Armand nodded. “Let’s hope so.”
When he left, Maverick slammed his fist on the table.
TWO WEEKS LATER, FALCON Cove -
“Thanks,” Queen said. She accepted the beer from Delilah and twisted off the cap with her bare hand. “He’s getting so big. Look at him go. Noah! Noah! You getting big. You know that?”
Noah stopped running in circles with his toy. When he heard his name, Noah looked up at his aunt Queen curiously and then returned his attention to his Legos. Delilah walked over to her chair and sat down on it. She put her foot up on the ottoman and relaxed with a glass of Argentina Malbec. She only kept beer in the fridge for Queen. The girl wouldn’t drink anything but her favorite brand. The two sat together in silence and watched Noah run, jump, and play with giant-sized legos.
“So, your baby daddy’s coming here?” Queen finally asked.
“He’s coming,” Delilah took a sip of her wine as she tried to appear unbothered. “I got a text from him last night.”
“Really? You two friendly texting?” Queen kidded. The question had stung. Delilah felt Queen’s detective eyes on her and squirmed. She and Goodiva would always joke over how hard it was to hide anything from Queen.
“Something like that,” Delilah mumbled.
“Are you really going to do this?” Queen asked.
“Don’t start,” Delilah said. “You sound like Jefferson.”
“It’s a valid question. This isn’t like you,” Queen said.
“Yes, I know. Trust me. I have my doubts.” Delilah took a sip of her wine. “Like you said, he’s my baby daddy; what choice do I have?”
“So you’re sure? One hundred percent?”
Delilah sighed. “Please stop. Okay?”
“I’m sorry,” Queen's hands went up in surrender. “I just can’t get my head around it. Jefferson came to see me, and he said—”