Chapter 8 - Jake’s Safe Haven
At 4:45 PM, my landline rang. It wasn't Derek, and it wasn't Gina.
"Mrs. Vance?" a gentle, professional female voice asked. "This is Principal Henderson from Oakridge Elementary."
My heart dropped straight into my stomach. "Yes, Principal Henderson. Is something wrong with Jake?"
"Mrs. Vance, I'm calling because your grandson is currently in my office. He was brought in by his homeroom teacher about an hour ago. He was found hiding behind the gym bleachers during recess, crying and refusing to board his usual school bus."
"Oh, sweet heaven," I breathed, gripping the edge of the desk. "Is he hurt?"
"He isn't physically harmed, Mrs. Vance, but he is extremely distressed," the principal explained, her voice lowering with discreet concern. "He told our guidance counselor that there was 'bad shouting and breaking glass' at home this morning, and he repeatedly told us he is terrified to go back. His parents were called forty minutes ago. His mother, Gina, answered, screamed obscenities at our receptionist, and claimed she was too busy dealing with 'legal sabotage' to pick him up right now."
Anger—white-hot, pure, and terrifying—surged through my veins.
"I am on his emergency contact card, am I not?" I demanded.
"You and your late husband are listed as the primary secondary guardians," Principal Henderson confirmed. "However, given the statements Jake made regarding domestic volatility, protocol dictates we contact the Department of Children’s Services unless a designated guardian takes immediate temporary custody."
"I am leaving my driveway this instant," I said firmly. "Do not let Derek or Gina near that boy until I arrive."
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"Hurry, Mrs. Vance," the principal said softly. "His little sister Lily is still at her half-day pre-K across town, and we don't know who is picking her up."
I hung up the phone and turned to Abby, who had already grabbed her purse and car keys. "Abby, call Sheriff Jenkins on the way. We aren't just picking up my grandson. We are taking those children out of that war zone before Derek and Gina destroy what little innocence they have left."
