Page 27 of Gideon

“Oh, Mama! I want to play with her. I love babies!”

“I know you do, honey.”

“Dinner’s ready,” I announced, changing the subject. “We’re having spaghetti.”

“I love spaghetti, Gideon!” Haley beamed. “You’re a good cook.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

Laney turned back to me. “You mentioned I have another brother. Where is he? Do you know his name?”

“Yeah. His name is Mike. He’s in prison. He killed a man who brutely raped his girlfriend.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Prison? How long has he been there?”

“He’s been in since he was eighteen.”

Her breath hitched. “Eighteen? How old is he now?”

“He’s twenty-four.”

“How much time did he get?”

“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “Raven has done everything he could to get Mike out. His girlfriend committed suicide after shegot out of the hospital. I remember when Raven got the call from their dad, begging him to help get Mike released.”

“I don’t understand why he’s still in prison,” Laney said, frustration tightening her voice. “That man raped someone! Who was he?”

“The district attorney’s son.”

Laney’s jaw tightened. “I knew it. Where’s my brother in prison?”

“Oklahoma.”

“Damn it,” she muttered. “I’m going to get him out. I won’t allow my little brother to stay in prison for killing a man who brutally raped his girlfriend. How did it happen?”

“He slugged the guy, and he fell, hitting his head on the sidewalk.”

“That’s it? He hit him once, and the guy fell? And he’s already been in there for six years?”

“Yes.”

Laney exhaled sharply, running her fingers through her hair. Then, turning to Haley, she said, “Come on, sweetheart. I’ll start your bathwater. It’s time to get ready for bed.”

As they headed toward the bathroom, Haley asked, “Are we going to get your brother out of prison?”

“Yes, we are,” Laney said firmly. “He’s your Uncle Mike, and we’re leaving tomorrow.”

“No, you’re not going to that prison,” I said, stepping closer. “Prisons are horrible, Laney. There’s nothing you can do. Raven and your dad have already tried everything to get him out. If they couldn’t do it, how are you going to change anything?”

Laney turned to me, her eyes fierce. “I’m not giving up on my brother,” she said, but her voice softened as I pulled her into my arms.

“I want you with me tonight,” I murmured. “After Haley goes to sleep, come to my room.”

She hesitated. “Are you sure we should do this?”

“Yes,” I said, looking into her eyes. “I want to be with you. I have feelings for you.”

“I have feelings for you too,” she whispered as I leaned in and kissed her.

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