Chapter 193: Getting a Lawyer
"Steve's been gone for about half a year now, right? When did he come back?" Veronica asked.
"This morning—right when Child Protective Services showed up to take the kids," Fiona replied.
"Shit. Talk about bad timing. Did you two talk? Do you even know where he's been all this time?" Veronica pressed.
"No idea. I slapped him the moment I saw him. We barely exchanged a few words before CPS showed up." Fiona lit a cigarette.
"Steve's back. Got any thoughts about that? By the way, who were you seeing recently?" Veronica lit one too.
"That was Kiley. We're over now. But me and Steve? That's not going anywhere," Fiona said.
"Why not? You never know unless you try. He might even be able to help with the kids."
"Forget it." Fiona shook her head.
"Come on, what's the worst that could happen? A slap in the face?"
Under Veronica's coaxing, Fiona hesitated for a moment before pulling out her phone and finding Steve's old number. Her emotions were mixed and uncertain as she hit call.
Over the past six months, Fiona had tried calling that number. In the first few days, he'd picked up. They'd talked for hours. But gradually, he stopped answering. Eventually, the number was shut off. Fiona hadn't dialed it again since.
"The number you have dialed is no longer in service." came the automated message.
"Looks like he changed his number. Don't worry—he'll come looking for you eventually," Veronica said.
"I can't rely on him. We've got to figure this out ourselves," Fiona said.
"Your situation is too complicated. If you want to get the kids back legally, we're going to need a lawyer," Veronica suggested.
"Lawyers are expensive. If we hire one, we'll have to dip into the money Frank left behind." Fiona frowned, remembering how painful it had been to pay even for a consultation.
"I know a lawyer Frank used to work with—she might cut us a deal," Veronica offered.
Veronica brought Fiona to meet the female lawyer who had helped Frank with various shady claims and borderline-legal cases in the past.
"Oh, you're Frank's daughter? I've heard of you. What's going on? And where's the old man?" the lawyer greeted them.
"My dad... he's been gone for a while. Here's what happened." Fiona gave her a quick rundown of the situation.
"I see. If you want to get the kids back, first you'll need your parents—Frank and Monica—to show up at CPS and file an appeal to restore guardianship," the lawyer explained in her small, cluttered office.
"What if they're not around? My dad… he's actually passed away," Fiona said.
"Frank's dead? Well, if that's true, then you'll need to provide a death certificate and have your mother file the appeal."
"There's no certificate. He's officially missing." Fiona explained.
"Hmm. Can't get in touch and gone missing? Honestly, knowing Frank, he's probably not dead—just off partying somewhere," the lawyer scoffed.
Fiona didn't argue. Anyone who knew Frank well never believed he could die so easily. He was like a cockroach—adaptable and indestructible. That was the impression he left on everyone.
"If Frank's missing, then your only option is your mom. But fair warning—if you're going to look for Monica, brace yourself. She's the nastiest piece of work I've ever met," the lawyer said bluntly.
"Trust me, I know all too well," Fiona sighed.
"Still, it'd be better to have both parents' signatures. Two unfit parents look better than one. You could always find someone to impersonate Frank. Get both of them to take some parenting and sobriety classes."
"Meanwhile, I'll file the lawsuit on your behalf. Then we wait for the hearing. What happens next depends on the judge's decision—that's basically how it'll go," she concluded.
This lawyer had always specialized in walking the legal gray line. Naturally, her advice followed suit. But at least she had a plan, unlike the random lawyers they found online who offered no solutions at all.
"I understand. Thank you," Fiona said as she and Veronica left the office.
"Looks like we'll have to convince Monica, one way or another," Veronica remarked.
"I'll figure something out," Fiona said quietly.
"Convincing that bitch won't be easy."
"I know. But I've got to try. I never thought I'd say this, but right now, I really wish Frank were still alive. I never imagined I'd need him this much."
"If Frank were around, we wouldn't have to deal with Monica." Fiona sighed.
"Life's full of surprises." Veronica lit another cigarette.
"You go do your thing—I'm heading to the shelter to check on Lip and Ian. God knows what kind of people they've been stuck with. I just hope they haven't ended up in the hospital." Fiona said.
"Hey now, no way I'm letting you go through this alone," Veronica insisted. After all, her side gigs—like shooting spicy short films—could wait until nightfall.
The two arrived at the youth shelter, where a few tough-looking teens lounged outside. None of them looked particularly friendly.
This wasn't Fiona's first time dealing with CPS or family separation—she had experience. But usually, the kids were split up and placed in foster homes.
However, Lip and Ian were almost 18—too old for foster care—so they were sent to a juvenile group home.
These places were meant for teenagers who were almost adults but not quite, and many of the residents had histories of violence, petty crimes, or gang involvement. The institution's goal was to rehabilitate them through labor and structure.
"God, I missed you guys!" Fiona said after checking in, rushing to hug Ian and Lip.
"How are you doing? No one's messing with you, right?" she asked.
"Lip's doing great in here—he's like a cockroach. He can survive anywhere," Ian joked.
"That's because I've got brains," Lip said, tapping his temple.
"As long as you're safe. Have they made you do anything yet?" Fiona asked.
"Nothing too bad. I've got a job, and Lip's doing community service," Ian replied.
"Any news on Debbie and the others?" Lip asked.
"Not yet. But I'll find them. Do you need anything—money, clothes…?"
"We're fine. Don't worry about us—just take care of yourself. And don't let that pretty boy Steve sweet-talk you again," Ian teased, giving her another hug.
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