Why did Seamus seem pained?
“What’s up?”
“The thing with Ms. Deavers from the state has caused a bit of grief.”
“How so?” Jace asked, genuinely confused.
“She has a file on the boys, and when you told her who you are, she recalled that you’re on parole. She’s questioning our judgment leaving the boys with you.”
Jace was so shocked that for a full minute, he couldn’t think of a thing to say.
“Look, we both know this is total bullshit, but we need her to sign off on the final paperwork for the legal guardianship. We can’t take any chances with her making this into a federal case. Carolina’s son, Joe, will be there tomorrow, and he’s going to take over with the boys until we get home.”
Cindy came out of the bedroom, changed into pajama pants and a T-shirt. She stopped short in front of him. “What’s wrong?” she whispered.
“I, um, whatever you want,” Jace said to Seamus. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry, Jace. Please tell me you know this is nothing personal. After everything is signed and legal, we won’t have any hesitation asking you to stay with the boys if we have to be away.”
“Yeah, I get it. I’ve, ah, got to check on the boys.”
He ended the call and stuffed the phone into his back pocket, emotion threatening to overtake him.
“Jace? What is it?”
“A lady was here earlier,” he said haltingly. “From the state. She’s making an issue of them leaving the boys with me. Carolina’s son is coming tomorrow to take over.”
“Oh no. Jace… That’s ridiculous!”
“Seamus said it’s BS, but they can’t take any chances on the guardianship getting messed up so close to the finish line.”
Cindy put her hands on his chest.
Jace took a step back. “I can’t. Sorry. I just… I’m going to go check on them.”