A Father's Demand
Chapter 04 - A Father's Demand
"I want my children."
Michael stood on Jonathan's porch with the confidence of a man accustomed to getting his way.
Jonathan didn't open the screen door.
"The temporary order remains in effect."
"My wife died yesterday."
"My daughter died yesterday."
For a moment neither man spoke.
Michael's face softened.
"Jonathan, whatever you think of me, those kids need their father."
Jonathan almost believed him.
That was Michael's greatest talent.
He could become gentle whenever cruelty stopped working.
"I've made mistakes," Michael continued.
"So have you."
Jonathan nodded.
He had.
His greatest mistake was ignoring the signs.
Emily had always been independent.
When Jonathan questioned Michael's behavior, she defended her husband.
When he pushed harder, Emily stopped visiting as often.
So Jonathan backed away.
He had told himself he was respecting her marriage.
Now he wondered if he had simply been afraid of losing her.
Michael placed a hand against the screen.
"Lily and Noah love me."
From inside the hallway, a small voice answered.
"No, we don't."
Michael froze.
Lily stood behind Jonathan.
Noah held her hand.
Michael's expression collapsed.
"Lily."
She stared at him.
"You told Mom Grandpa would put her in a hospital if she talked."
Jonathan slowly turned toward her.
Michael's face hardened.
"She misunderstood."
"No."
Lily's voice trembled.
"I heard you."
Michael stepped back.
The porch suddenly felt colder.
Jonathan opened the door just enough to step outside, then closed it behind him.
"You need to leave."
Michael leaned toward him.
"You think you're better than me?"
"No."
Jonathan's eyes filled with tears.
"I think I failed my daughter."
Michael smiled cruelly.
"Then we agree on something."
Jonathan's hand tightened at his side.
But he didn't react.
Because behind the door were two children watching.
And Jonathan had decided their lives would no longer be controlled by angry men.
Michael walked toward his car.
Before getting inside, he turned.
"The court hearing is Monday."
"I know."
"I'm going to win."
Jonathan looked at him.
"Then you should probably know something."
Michael waited.
May you like
"The police have Emily's phone."
For the first time, Michael looked truly frightened.
