Chapter 169

Almara’s Pov

The meeting with Maurice and Grace didn’t go so great. It was so odd, Grace never behaves the way she did in front of Maurice which I exhaustively tried explaining, but I don’t think Maurice believed me.

Grace was fussier than she ever has been. She didn’t like when I held her, she didn’t want to be put down. At one point she even slapped Arthur which stunned us all. I can only hope that because of our genuine surprise to Graces outbursts that Maurice could see this behavior is not the norm.

It was like as soon as we entered into Maurice’s office and the door shut a switch went off for Grace and she just wanted to be out. Which, by the end of the whole debacle I did too. So, now Grace and me are sitting at the park and of course, now she’s back to her usual happy self.

Arthur had some meeting to attend with his father and he said he would come to the park as soon as it’s over. He was reluctant to leave us, he’s been busier ever since we’ve returned from our hiatus and with the sinking of the ship that we we’re supposed to be on, naturally the media has questions.

I assured him that it was fine, now at least, seeing that we’re out of Maurices office. We didn’t schedule a next session, I think Arthur and I need time to just be with our family without anyone help. I wish that could include our parents too, but my mother still is texting me about when we’re coming back.

Even now as Grace and I lounge on the quilt picnic blanket under a shady apple tree, my phone dings and is disrupting the natural melodies of the birds and nature. The only reason I leave the sound on is in case Arthur calls.

I blow raspberries on Graces belly which causes her to kick her legs with delight and let out a string of giggles. The sound of her joy almost prevents me from hearing the clipped voice of a woman behind me.

“Excuse me,” She says. Still resting on my side, I turn my head up to see a woman who appears much taller than she is by my angle standing above me.

I use my elbows to lift myself up and wait for the woman to tell me what she wants. I think at first she might ask if we mind if she and her children join us under the shade, but that’s when I see she isn’t dressed for a day in the park.

I’ve spent the last few months around to many different types of officials to recognize one when I see one. She’s in a knee length black pencil skirt, a crisp white blouse, and sensible shoes. She doesn’t exactly give off motherly vibes.

As always whenever I see this type of person, my heart gets stuck in my throat. Still, when she doesn’t give any more information I manage to stutter out a “y-yes?”

“Almara Convington, is this your daughter Grace Convington?” She asks. Instinctively I pull Grace into my arms and stand up so this woman doesn’t seem as intimidating. Though, even though I’m a foot taller than she is, it does very little to ease my nerves.

“Yes. Why? Who are you?” The questions just rolling off my tongue.

“My name is Abigal Rose. I’m with Pup Protection Services, the PPA, I’m going to need to take your daughter.” She says leaving her tone completely blank. My blood runs cold and I pull Grace further into me.

“No.” I say.

“Ms. Convington-”

“It’s Luna.” I say. I’ve never once asserted my power, but when it comes to my daughter I most certainly will.

“Yes, Luna. We have received a report that brings into question the safety of your daughter.” She says. I almost laugh. Does she not see where we are? Did she not witness me just playing with my daughter and Grace laughing. Is she really going to rip her away?

“What report?” I ask, Despite the dizzying sensation running through my body, I can feel Lily ready to pounce at any moment. Abigal holds up a sheet of paper stamped with a raised seal of some government logo.

I can hardly focus enough to read the words, but it’s an official report or claim that someone made concerning the well-being of my child. But who would do this? Of course, the first person who comes to mind is Maurice.

Why would Maurice do this? Surely at the least she has to know how much Arthur and I love Grace, isn’t that enough? Then another person comes to mind. Maybe it was Robert. He made a big deal about wanting to be more involved in Graces life and when I was hesitant he wasn’t exactly thrilled.

Still, would he do something like this? I like to think he’s changed, but I know better than anyone what an awful person he is, especially when he doesn’t get his way. Maybe since Roman has been giving him more attention, he let the supposed power go right to his head and he thinks he can take whatever he wants now.

Could it be Cathy? Surely, she saw the awful media post about me out to dinner with Archer the night I cancelled on her. Would she stoop so low as to take my daughter away? I know I haven’t been the best of friend to her lately, but that would be downright cruel.

“Don’t make this challenging, Almara. It won’t work out in your favor.” Abigal says like she’s offering me some advice. I freeze at her words though. I try to very quickly think of what the best choice is here.

I could unleash Lily and demolish Abigal which is utterly tempting, but I know mauling somebody to death in front of my daughter would not only be traumatizing for Grace, but another PPA worker would be sent out, and police.

I hardly have time to make a decision, but it seems like one is already made for me. Abigal wraps her body fingers around my daughters side and begins to pull her away. My initial reaction is to pull Grace back, but I have to stop myself because I don’t want to hurt her.

Emotionally though Grace is already injured. She lets out a wail of a cry that rips my heart in half.

“It’s okay.” I tell Grace as best I can in my soothing voice. Still, she continues to wail. “Mommy will get you soon. It’s okay. You’re going to have fun.” I tell her and hope that just by the tone of my voice that she can understand me.

Grace’s screams subside, but she still doesn’t want to go. “We’ll be in touch.” Abigal says and hands me her business card. I numbly take it between my trembling fingers. Once she and Grace are out of sight, I sink to my knees and sob.

I cry as hard as I did as that time in the jungle, I can’t help it- though maybe I should. When I lift my head to wipe my eyes and nose, I can see a crowd has gathered around me. They all look curious and concerned, but too afraid to step forward.

Too afraid, or too nosy. I swear I see someone snap a picture and the sadness I felt has turned to rage. I realize in this moment, that having a famous name might mean glam and fortune- but it also means no loyalty or sincerity among others.

I have no idea how much they all witnessed, but it doesn’t matter. Nothing else matters except getting my daughter back. I gather the picnic items and stomp off to my car, punching Arthurs number into my phone.

This is the last time something bad happens to me and whoever is behind this has no idea what’s coming to them.