Free An Act of Obsession (Acts of Honor Book 3) by K.C. Lynn

Benny between us, his small hand linked with mine. Kolan bought him a soda and snack shortly after we arrived and asked if there was anyone he could call. Benny told us they have no family. Apparently, he and his mom only moved here recently and don’t know anyone, which is why he came to the gym. When Kolan asked about his father, pain had flashed in the young boy’s eyes before he told us that his father left them a long time ago. It was clear the subject is sensitive for him so we dropped it.
    A doctor enters the waiting room a short time later with a woman in a dress suit next to him. “Santiago?”
    “This is her son, Benny,” Kolan says, as we all rise, reaching out to shake the doctor’s hand.
    “Hi, Benny,” he acknowledges him with a short nod before looking back to Kolan. “Mrs. Santiago has pneumonia. She was diagnosed with it a week ago but didn’t take the medication she was prescribed,” he explains, disapproval evident in his tone.
    “ ’Cause we can’t afford it, asshole!” Benny shoots back, defending his mom.
    Kolan puts a hand on his shoulder to calm him. The doctor ignores his outburst and continues. “We started her on IV antibiotics. She will need to be here for a couple of days before she’s well enough to go home.”
    “I’ll take care of the medical expenses and any medication she’ll need after,” Kolan says, warming my heart.
    “That’s very generous of you. I’m sure she will appreciate it.” He looks to Benny now. “Benny, this here is Vicki Jenson, she’s with family services.” I notice Kolan visibly tense. “You’re going to go with her until your mom is better.”
    Benny steps back, panic twisting his young face. “What the hell do you mean? I ain’t going anywhere with her.”
    “It’s okay, Benny,” the lady assures him with a smile, reaching for his shoulder. “It’s just for a few days until your mom is well enough to come home.”
    Kolan steps in front of Benny before she can make contact. “Don’t put your hands on him.” His icy tone forces her back a step.
    “Mr. Slade,” she addresses him stiffly, obviously aware of who he is. “Benny has no family here, and it’s protocol that he be taken into the state’s custody until his mother is better.”
    “I don’t give a shit about your protocol. He isn’t going anywhere with you. God knows where he would end up.”
    The doctor shifts uncomfortably while Vicki’s back stiffens. “Excuse me?”
    “You heard me. You’re all the same. You don’t give a shit about where he’s placed or who he’s placed with. Just as long as someone takes him.”
    “That’s not true. We always interview our families and check up—”
    “Bullshit,” he snaps, making me flinch. “I’m not about to let him get sent somewhere unsafe. He’s coming home with me.”
    She shakes her head. “It doesn’t work like that. How do I know you can provide a safe environment? Your temper right now proves otherwise. It also wasn’t long ago that there was a warrant out for your arrest.”
    I stiffen, my blood heating in Kolan’s defense, but before I have the chance to speak, he does. “Charges that were dropped and you damn well know it. You haven’t seen my temper yet, lady, but put your hands on him and—”
    “He’s safe,” I interrupt before he can really get himself into trouble. “Kolan would never hurt Benny.”
    “And who are you?” she asks.
    “A friend. I also work at the sheriff’s office and can vouch for him.”
    “I don’t recognize you,” she says, pretty much insinuating I’m a liar.
    “I’m new there, but I also know Sheriff McKay will back him as well. Benny knows Kolan. It makes sense for him to be with someone he trusts right now.”
    “Yeah,” Benny speaks up, grabbing Kolan’s hand. “He’s my friend, and I want to stay with him.”
    It’s clear by her expression she disagrees.
    “Why don’t we speak with Benny’s mother,” the doctor suggests. “She is conscious,