Page 11 of Night Moves
“I honestly can’t remember.”
“Then I think we should perform our own test.”
Opening the freezer, he pulls out two cartons of ice cream. “Vanilla or coffee?”
“Coffee” we say together.
“Is there a washer and dryer I could use. For my clothes and Eizlee’s?”
“Sure, let me show you.”
Once I have the clothes on, I head back to the kitchen.
He’s just squirting crisscrossing drizzles all over the top of both bowls. Sliding one to me, he takes the other and leans against the opposite counter to eat his.
I sigh contentedly and push my empty bowl aside, licking the last little speck from my lips. “Well, I must admit I do feel better.”
“Good. Making you feel good makes me happy, too.” His gaze widens as if he hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Grabbing both bowls he puts them in the sink. “Why don’t you try to sleep. If Eizlee wakes tonight, I’ll take care of her so you can get a full night’s sleep. Which I’m sure you haven’t had since this started.
“There may be a couple nights where I’ll need to be gone on business,” he continues, “and I’d like you to watch her for me. I’ll pay you like Vicky. Would you do that for me?”
“I need to move on, too.”
“Just give me a few days. It’s safe here and you have your own room. Please.”
The money could pay for a bus ticket. The farther I can go, the safer I’ll be. I nod. Climbing off the stool I head to the hallway and pause, “You were right, about the chocolate. Thanks.”
Sleep comes easier than it has in months.
CHAPTER7
Diesel
I spend what’s left of the night taking tactical naps, checking on Eizlee, sitting on the couch, plotting, and listening outside Willow’s door.
The first time I noticed a soft sound coming from her room, she was crying. I almost went in. Later it was a whimpering, mewling sound. I tapped gently on the door. The sounds ceased and I heard the mattress shift, but she didn’t respond. I suspect she was having a nightmare, and the sound was enough to rouse her from the dream.
I wanted to go to her, ask her what was wrong. Hold her and wipe her tears. I held back for fear that me going into her room would frighten her even more. It’s evident in the way she tries to hold herself apart that she’s scared of something or someone. Her defensive posture, how she stands back at least six feet, and how she always looks on the verge of running.
There’s more going on than she’s telling me. Diego senses it too. I need to go slow, earn her trust, but we may not have time. I want the bastard who murdered my sister.
I prep breakfast and put on a second pot of coffee. I’m sitting at my computer at the counter when I get a text from Raven.
Raven: I couldn’t find anyone on the club records by the name of Ryrden. Not totally surprising since he’s a cop being paid under the table. I checked with personnel and there’s no one with that first or last name on the force. I need a photo or Willow to work with a sketch artist.
Raven: “I want this bastard and his cronies. Yesterday.”
Diesel: “We may have another option. Can I send you a list of food items I need for Eizlee, and some clothes and a special order I need picked up? I’ll send you the pickup info. Have Diego do the special order. I’d like both of you to come so I can explain my plan.”
Raven: “Why do I feel I’m not going to like this?”
I chuckle to myself.
Diesel: “Knowing what I do about you, you’re gonna love it.”
Willow joins me a little while later with Eizlee in her arms. “What’s going on?”
Closing my computer, I cross to the two of them, kissing my little one on the forehead. I’m pleased she’s cuddling the elephant.
