The lounge room fell into silence, the air as cold as ice.

Pete Toby rested against me, incredulity etched on his face, with a touch of joy dancing in his eyes. He had known I was trying to scam Lyon, but watching me defend him pleased him.

Lyon narrowed his gaze, drumming his fingers idly on the table. "You can have him if you want. I don't care. But I'm not giving Buddy to you."

My face darkened. Before I could respond, a small figure came running towards me.

"Mommy." Mason ran to my arms, clinging to my leg and wailing heartbreakingedly.

Hearing him sob on the telephone was one...