“Jenks, can’t you work some magic and get us on some judge’s
docket?” I whined, pacing in my suite. He was on the phone with the third judge
today, trying to get Elizabeth’s care placed with me and not with Esme. We’d
provided a doctored marriage certificate, claiming me to be Edward’s wife and
proof of abuse with the clerk, but no one was biting. Not yet, at least.
“Thank you,” Jenks sighed, ending his call. “Judge Donnelly
has a full docket but suggested Judge Trask. He’s not taking any new cases
since he’s this close to retirement.”
“And that helps us how?” I asked, arching a brow. “He’s not
taking new cases.”
“This isn’t a case. It’s a removal. All he has to do is sign
the order, removing Elizabeth from Esme’s legal guardianship and putting you in
her place,” Jenks explained. He searched his phone, grinning when he found the
number. “Now, you’re killing my mojo. Go call Rose. See how things are going
with Edward.”
I grumbled, walking back to my bedroom and pulling out my
cell phone. I dialed Rose, impatiently waiting for her to pick up. “We’re on
our way back, Bells,” she said.
“Are you with Edward?” I asked.
“He’s with Carlisle. They’re taking a longer route,” Rose
said, her voice unsure. “I think Edward is afraid that we are going to be
followed, if you know what I mean.”
“There’s more, Rose,” I said, my stomach churning. “What did
she do to him?”
“He looks even worse than before, Bells. He’s even thinner
and Carlisle mentioned something about stitches on his back. He wants you to
have a doctor on hand. He can’t go to the hospital. Edward’s too skittish,”
Rose explained. “I would suggest a man since Esme did a number on him.”
“Dr. Banner, my father’s physician, is the best. I’ll call
him,” I sniffled. “And I know he’ll be discreet.”
“We should be back in a half hour. Edward will probably want
to sleep. He was a little woozy when I came back into the hotel room. Carlisle
said it was due to the pain meds he gave him.”
“Thank you, Rose,” I sighed. “I couldn’t have done this
without you.”
