“What did he say?” Jace asked, concern creeping into his voice.
I relayed the message, and Jace’s brow furrowed. “He sounds desperate. Keep your guard up. You need to avoid engaging with him until you have a plan. Let’s review what you need to do next. First, you should reach out to a family law attorney with experience in custody cases. Second, gather evidence of your parenting—photos, any positive documentation of time spent with Poppy. This will help in your favor.”
His practical approach grounded me. “Okay, yes. I’ll start making calls tomorrow.”
“The sooner, the better. You also need a safety plan in case things go sideways with Eric. Should he try to intimidate you in person, think about what you’d do. I know a few people in the area that can help with security, just in case. We can get you connected.”
As the night descended, I settled Poppy and laid down beside her, my heart still racing. I watched her tiny chest rise and fall, a soothing rhythm that reminded me of innocence and purity—everything I wanted to protect. My mind drifted to thoughts of Jace and the secrets he held about Eric.
“Are you alright?” he asked softly, noticing my distracted expression.
“Yes,” I whispered, turning to face him. “But I need to know more about you, Jace. How do you know Eric? Why were you so quick to offer help?”
His eyes shadowed slightly, and I saw the ghosts of his past flicker behind them. “Let’s just say Eric and I crossed paths in a way that wasn’t pleasant. He’s always had a darker side that most people don’t see. I never liked what he stood for, and when I saw you with him, I had to say something.”
“Did he hurt you?” My voice was barely above a whisper, but I needed to understand the depth of their connection.
Jace hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “In a way, yes. He’s a man who has consistently placed ambition over loyalty. I watched as he turned on comrades when they were no longer useful to him. That’s why I recognize the signs of manipulation, and why I’m worried for you and Poppy. His loyalties aren’t to family; they’re to himself.”
I felt an uncomfortable lump in my throat as I processed his words. There was so much I didn’t know, so much I had overlooked. “I thought I knew him,” I murmured.
“People are often masked by what they project, especially those drawn to power. He’s good at pretending to be someone he’s not.”
With fear wrapped tightly around my heart, I contemplated the enormity of my situation. The following days will be a battle, one I must navigate with care and strategy. I lay beside Poppy, whispering a promise into the silence of the motel room. I would not let fear dictate my actions. I would discover the truth about Eric, stand my ground, and ensure that Poppy would always be my priority.
In the days that followed, my life transformed into a whirlwind of phone calls, meetings with potential attorneys, and piecing together my narrative. Each moment spent planning felt like reclaiming a piece of myself that Eric had long tried to steal. Jace became an integral part of my support system—someone who understood the stakes and was ready to help me at a moment's notice.
The first attorney I met with was sharp and thorough. “Document everything,” she emphasized as we reviewed my case. “Every message. Every interaction with Eric. If he’s threatening you, that’s serious. We’ll need to build a case that demonstrates you are the better parent.” Her confidence was reassuring, and I felt a flicker of hope igniting within me as she laid out the steps we would take.
