“That’ll be up to him.”

“Fair enough. I need to see the files, the paperwork.” She linked her fingers together. “I realize you can require me to get a court order, but I’d like to avoid that. I’d process this better if I had it all in black and white.”

“It’s not as simple as black and white when you’re dealing with people’s lives and feelings.”

“Maybe not. But I need facts, documentation, reports. Once I have them, if I’m persuaded that Seth’s best interest is to remain with your family, through legal guardianship or adoption, I’ll do whatever I can to help that happen.”

She had to push now, she told herself. She had to push to make him give her another chance. Just one more chance. “I’m a psychologist, and I’m the birth mother’s sister. I’d think my opinion would bear weight in court.”

He studied her objectively. Details, he thought. He was the man who handled the details, after all. Those she was adding would only help settle everything the way he wanted it settled. “I imagine it would, and I’ll discuss it with my family. But I don’t think you get it, Sybill. She isn’t going to fight for Seth. She’s never intended to fight for him. She’s just trying to use him to get more money. She’s not going to get that, either, not another dime.”

“So I’m superfluous.”

“Maybe. I haven’t decided.” He rose, jingling the change in his pockets as he paced. “How are you feeling?”

“Better. Fine. Thank you. I’m sorry to have fallen apart like that, but the migraine was a full-blown one.”

“You get them often?”

“A few times a year. I’m usually able to get to the medication at onset, so they’re not too bad. When I left this evening I was distracted.”

“Yeah, bailing your sister out of jail would be a distraction.” He glanced back at her with mild curiosity. “How much did it take to spring her?”

“Bail was set at five thousand.”

“Well, I’d say you can kiss that good-bye.”

“Most likely. The money isn’t important.”

“What is?” He stopped, turned toward her. She looked exhausted and disconcertingly fragile still. An unfair advantage was still an advantage, he decided, and pressed. “What is important to you, Sybill?”

“Finishing what I’ve started. You may not need my help, but I don’t intend to walk away until I’ve done what I can.”

“If Seth doesn’t want to see you or speak to you, he won’t. That’s bottom line. He’s had enough.”

She straightened her shoulders before they could slump. “Regardless of whether he agrees to see or speak with me, I intend to stay until the legalities are settled. You can’t force me to leave, Phillip. You can make it difficult for me, uncomfortable, but you can’t make me leave until I’m satisfied.”

“Yeah, I can make it difficult for you. I can make it damn near impossible for you. And I’m considering just that.” He leaned over, ignoring her instinctive jerk, and caught her chin firmly in his hand. “Would you have slept with me?”