756 V2 ch228 (1/2)

She let out a cackle, grinning with an attitude. ”I always knew I would see you again.”

I clenched my fists.

”You look exactly like your father.” She paused. ”It's sickening.” She glanced at Wayne. ”Who's this? Your lawyer? No. He's not wearing a suit.”

”My name is Wayne Atkins.” Wayne told her. He glanced at me and realized I wasn't speaking up, so he pushed on. ”We had some questions for you. On why Jack Patterson has been sending you money?”

She moved her head, still staring at Wayne. ”You're not a cop. I can spot those a mile away.”

”Not a cop. Not a lawyer.” Wayne answered.

She looked to me. ”Well? Do you have something to say? Or is the puppet going to be doing all the talking?” Her handcuffs made noise as she moved her frizzy hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear.

It's funny that such a small woman could be the star of my nightmares. She's almost a foot shorter than me. I tried to focus on the matter at hand. ”Why was Uncle Jack paying you?”

”Oh! You speak with such anger.” Her grin didn't fade. ”You must already know, right?” She didn't wait for my answer. ”Let me guess: you're hoping it's not true? That maybe your good old uncle was paying to support Jake and I?”

”Was he?” Wayne asked.

”God, no.” She laughed. ”He bought Jeremy. Can't just give away my boy for nothing, can I?”

I slapped the table with force. ”Then why did you keep Jake?”

She stopped laughing and raised an eyebrow. ”Jack didn't want a baby. He already had a few of those on his own.” She stared at me. ”Have you met Jake?”

I didn't answer her.

”That boy...he took after you and your father. The looks. The love of baseball. The weak mentality.” She snorted. ”What an idiot.”

I stood up, knocking my chair over.

”Please sit down, sir.” The guard instructed.

”Yea, yea, sit.” The woman looked up at me, nonchalant. ”You have quite a temper. Reminds me of myself from my drinking days.” She sighed. ”God, do I miss those days.”

Wayne fixed my chair and put his hand on my shoulder to make me sit back down. ”Stay calm.” He looked at the woman. ”Ms. Hollander, why would you agree to sell your eldest son? Do you have any proof to what you say? That he was 'bought'?”

She looked at Wayne, squinting. ”Who are you to Jeremy?”

”A friend.” Wayne answered, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

I wanted to throw up.