Page 3 of Night Moves

“She sent a copy of the report to you and HARDCORE headquarters as well. I-Tee can start working his magic. By the way, he’s ready to trace the next text when it comes in. Try to get her to actually call you, it would be easier but either way keep her on the line as long as you can. He should be able to get a rough location via the text.”

CHAPTER2

Willow Burke

I’ve barely been able to keep any food down since I found the body. It’s not the sight of a dead body —how telling is that? It’s the guilt. And I don’t know how to get over it. I know they killed her. I didn’t see it, but I know what they are. What I can’t believe is that they left the baby there, alone and unattended. My god, Eizlee Jane was alone with a dead body for hours.

I knew the guy that Vicky started seeing was bad news. I tried to steer her away, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell her how I knew. Now she’s dead and her little girl is motherless.

Thankfully, I at least had the information for Vicky’s brother. She drilled me on the fact that her ex could never get Eizlee Jane. Her brother Diesel was her little girl’s guardian and was the only one to be trusted.

Clutching the new burner phone, I glance at the clock. I need to text him. I need to get out of this park. I’m too exposed. We’re too exposed. I don’t live in the same complex as Vicky did, but I’m also not that far away. Just on the opposite side of the park.

I watch Eizlee play in the sand box. The park is one of our normal routines when I watch her. It was a favorite place we’d go so her mom could sleep. Today we both needed the fresh air. I know Eizlee cares for me but she keeps asking for and calling out for her mom. I’m scared of what she’ll remember. Her loss is breaking my heart.

Turning on the new phone I go to the texting app and punch in the number I’ve memorized.

A friend: When do you get to Vegas.

Diesel: I’m here. Where are you?

A friend : We’re safe for now. Have you talked to the police?

Diesel: Yes. They’re saying it was an accidental overdose. I know Vicky wasn’t using.

Damn. I was afraid there would be a cover up. Whether the officer is on the take or just that they staged the murder scene too well. Time to let it all go. I can’t change anything. No one can.

Diesel: Can you just call me. I need to hear Eizlee Jane. I need to know she’s okay.

A friend: That’s not a good idea. I think it will upset her again. I’ve got her outside playing. We’re about to go take a nap. Tonight, at midnight I’ll meet you and hand her over. I’ll text you an address.

Diesel: Wait! I need a general location, so I can be in the right area or I might not make it in time.

A friend: Be close to where your sister lived. It will be a different number.

Disconnecting, I disassemble the phone as I watch the precious child. I could have met him now, but I need time to say my goodbyes. She’s been my sanity for the last few months. Losing her will take a big chunk of me.

Stuffing the phone pieces in my back pocket, I toss one section in the trash at the end of the bench. Crossing to my little love, I squat near where she plays. “Come on squirt. Let’s go home and have lunch. Then we’ll play with your blocks and maybe cuddle during nap time.”

She’s calmed down and seems content. Going to the park, playing, having lunch is what we do every day. She’ll be good until it’s the time Vicky would wake up from her nap and take over. That’s when Eizlee’s inner clock will go off and she’ll start crying.

Always watchful of my surroundings, I get a funny feeling between my shoulders as we cross the grass. Putting Eizlee on her feet I run ahead a couple feet and get her to chase me, while I scan the area. I don’t see anyone, but the niggling won’t go away. Lifting her, I make a show of spinning her around then walk into the laundromat across the street and cut through to the back door. The clerk who is supposed to be manning the shop doesn’t even look up from whatever video he’s watching on his phone. Some watch dog he is.

It's not a bad neighborhood, just not the best. Daytime is pretty safe, nights not so much.

We make it to my apartment and I slide the locks in place before checking the window in front of the fire escape. All secure. After I get Eizlee to her uncle it will be time for me to move again. I’m going to miss her and her mom. I’ve felt almost normal these last few months.

After lunch, I lay on the floor beside her and watch her sleep.

Telling Diesel to meet us at midnight was a little dangerous considering some of the drug dealers and users who have been hanging around the park the last few months. They’ve been noticeably absent the last four days. The cops at Vicky’s place probably sent them scurrying like mice until the coast is clear. According to Vicky her brother can take care of himself in any situation. Once I hand Eizlee off, I know how to make myself disappear.

She’s finally asleep so I get up and pack all her clothes and diapers that I splurged on washing at the laundromat earlier. At least he can start out with everything under control. I pack the food supplies I have left to get him through the night if she wakes and for tomorrow morning. Then I wash her sippy cup, plate, bowl and spoon. Each task breaks my heart a little more.

I try to swallow back the tears choking me. After tonight I’ll never see her again. She’ll be gone to who knows where.But she’ll be safe.

I should try to leave town. Go somewhere and start over again. It’s not like I love Vegas. I have a little money. I have to find new shelter after I hand her off. I can’t risk staying around here. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the library and use the computer to see how much a bus to Reno costs. I’m afraid I’ve already stayed in this town longer than I should have.

I’ll need to change my hair color again, get some different and oversized clothes. I might be able to go back to washing dishes at the diner. Crossing to where Eizlee is sleeping in the portable playpen, I lean forward and brush the wisps of hair from her face. I just need to get my little love to her uncle safe and sound.

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