Into the Future: A Callahan Novel Read Free Page A

selfish.  He doesn’t care about his kids, only what misery he could cause you.  That’s not love.”  She glanced around the crowded park.  “Where is Tatum?”
    “With her soccer team, practicing.  Yes, the coach knows that Paul is not to talk to her.  The coach is going through a divorce, so she’s got my back.”  She couldn’t help it, she smiled at her sister.  “I’m so happy, that you’re happy.”
    “Me too.” 
    ***
    Monday morning, Lizzy sat in the parking lot of Cathay Williams Progressive Elementary School, trying to calm her nerves.  8:45 and no Tristan.  Okay, girl, you can do this.  You have a law degree.  Surely, you can face one principal and social worker on your own.  Of course she could.  She handled her own divorce from the idiot without having to reveal her true net worth, she could do this.
    With that thought, she got out of her SUV, grabbed her purse and closed the door.  She started for the main entrance when she noticed Tristan’s BMW parked a few spaces down from where she parked.  He waved to her as he exited his car and walked to her. 
    “Hey,” he said, kissing her on the cheek.  “How are you doing?”  He was dressed in a dark blue suit that complemented his tanned skin.  His blue eyes sparkled at her as he grabbed her hand. 
    She welcomed the comfort of his hand in hers.  “I thought you were coming as my boss, not my man.  But thanks.”
    He grinned.  How could he make her turn to mush so fast?  “I’m here as Tristan.  If anyone has a problem with it, then I’ll have them arrested.  One of my best friends is the DA.”  He kissed her hand.  “Quit worrying.  Let’s go see the principal.”
    Lizzy nodded.  Feeling Tristan’s hands in hers brought back the memories of their very short relationship and her feeling loved for the first time in her life.  It made her rethink what she thought love was.  When she married Paul ten years ago, she thought that was love, but soon she discovered it wasn’t. 
    “Lizzy?” Tristan tugged on her hand. “You okay?”
    “Yes, I’m great now.  Let’s get this over with.”  They headed inside the building.
     
    “Thank you for coming in, Mrs. Hall,” said Principal Miriam Hargrave, as she stuck out her hand.  She looked Tristan up and down.  “And this is?”
    “Mr. Tristan MacDonald.”  Lizzy shook the older woman’s hand. 
    “Of course it is.  Why is he here?”  She aimed her petite hand at Tristan.
    He shook her hand and looked at Lizzy before he spoke.  “I’m here on behalf of Mrs. Hall.”
    “I see.  We’ll be in the first conference room to your left.  I’ll be right in.  We’re still waiting on Mrs. Allen.”
    Lizzy nodded.  “Thank you.”  She and Tristan walked silently down the hallway and found the small conference room.  Once they were seated, she let out a big breath. “Typical.”
    “What?”
    “Small room.  I’m sure we’re on camera somewhere.” She glanced around the room, easily spotting the camera.
    “Okay, okay.  We’re not going down that road.  Don’t give them more ammunition.”  He patted her hand.
    “Thanks.”  She was grateful he was with her.  If he wasn’t she’d probably be cussing a blue streak right now.  “I’m really glad you’re here.”
    The door opened and Mrs. Hargrave entered the room followed by a younger, taller woman. “Pardon our tardiness, Mrs. Hall, Mr. MacDonald.  This is Natasha Allen, she is social worker for Child Protective Services for Suffolk County.”
    Lizzy nodded.  So this was how it was going to go down.  “Nice meeting you, Mrs. Allen.  This is Tristan MacDonald, city manager for Turners Point.”
    “Pleasure.”  She took a seat across from her and set a file folder on the desk. “Why don’t we get down to the reason that I’m here?”
    “Yes, that would be wonderful,” said Lizzy sarcastically. 
    Mrs. Allen looked at her, cleared her throat, and finally spoke.  “Your