‘So I said to her; you’ve got a stable environment, why don’t you apply for custody of the kids?’

Chandler clenched his fists tight, speechless.

‘It’s not like it’s your exclusive right to have them, is it?’ added Mitch. ‘Now, to be fair, she’s not sure she’s earned the right to have them, but then again have you? From what I’ve seen, your folks do most of the parenting.’

‘What the hell do you know about it?’

‘This town has ears.’

‘Who talked to you?’

Mitch sniffed. ‘Remember I have family here, Chandler. They told me those kids are never away from your parents’ place.’

‘They know fuck all,’ said Chandler, seething.

Mitch laughed.

It made Chandler further enraged.

‘You’re probably right, Chandler, but we are,’ said Mitch, emphasizing the ‘we’, ‘looking into gaining custody of the kids.’

‘You’ve only been together, you said, a year?’

‘It’s serious, Chandler. A serious relationship. We’re living together. I want to be a father, and I think it’s better if the kids are ready made. Cuts out the messy early stage.’

‘Fuck you—’ spluttered Chandler. ‘You, a father?’

‘You might not believe me, Chandler, but fortunately it’s not up to you. It’s up to the presiding judge. And I know a lot of them.’

Every fibre of Chandler’s entire being screamed out to punch Mitch. Mitch even kept his face and jutting chin right in front of him as if tempting him to do it. To do it and earn himself a reprimand and probably get thrown off the force. Do it and provide fuel for Teri’s case. Give the judge another reason to rule in her favour. If Chandler stayed where he was then the chances were that he would plant one, or both, of his fists into that face.

There was only one solution. Chandler turned and left the station.

31

The day was blazing hot but Chandler barely noticed. Blanking the questions posed by the reporters hanging outside the back gate he continued down Harper’s, darting between the scorching sun and the cool of the awnings. As he paced along one thought dominated his brain.

She was the one who left.