Page 7 of Night Moves

“They will. I packed all the things I had at my place for you. A few diapers, clothes, shoes, bowls, sippy cups and such. There’s some treats and stuff like cereal. I kept a journal so Vicky would know what I’d fed her. That’s in the bag, too.”

He takes Eizlee from me and snuggles her. “How’s my big girl?”

She grabs his beard and tugs. “Wan’ Mama.”

“Me too, sweetheart. Me too.” His voice sounds choked.

I watch as he changes her, talking softly the whole time. Her eyes are drooping, but she’s fighting sleep. Once done, he dims the light and cuddles her and the new stuffy while swaying from side to side. Soon she’s out and he lays her in the crib with a bumper pillow on the outside so she can’t accidentally roll off the bed, although the one-foot drop would not harm her.

Whether it’s intentional or not, he’s showing me that he does have her best interest at heart. I hope it’s true, my judgement with men hasn’t always been the best.

Back in the hall he motions to the next door. “There’s another bedroom and bath on the other side of Eizlee. Why don’t I put your bag in there for now.”

Diego is on the phone when we return to the kitchen area and hangs up as we approach. He nods to cups on the counter and a plate of cheese, crackers and fruit.

“This guy can mainline coffee all day,” he nods to Diesel, “but I wasn’t sure if you’d prefer tea or juice,” he says looking at me. “So the kettle is also warmed.”

“I should be going.”

“You have to be exhausted. Take a few minutes to rest, maybe refuel. It won’t hurt. You should stay the night and start fresh in the morning.”

“I have a few questions if you don’t mind,” Diesel says pouring himself a coffee.

CHAPTER5

Diesel

Willow isn’t what I expected. I keep waiting for her to ask for something—money, in exchange for protecting Eizlee Jane.

Then there’s the men on the street. Who were they? Were they after her? Or was it tied to my sister?

“What do I owe you for taking care of Eizlee?”

“Nothing. I was happy to do it.”

“A thank you doesn’t seem like enough for all you did to take care of her.”

“She is always my pleasure.” She smiles studying the cup of coffee she’d taken. “She is the sweetest little girl. But if you didn’t notice at Christmas, be prepared for a stubborn streak.”

“That would certainly fit my sister as well.”

She nods, the smile fading. “Don’t I know.”

“How’d you meet?”

“At a park. I was nanny for another child, older, who was getting ready to transition into school. Vicky was sitting on the bench getting some fresh air. I couldn’t help but notice how cute her little one was and said so.

“Vic told me she was looking for someone willing to watch Eizlee during her night shifts. Her day job had management changes and brought in all new staff. She’d had to take a bartending job until she could find something else. But she was having a hard time finding a sitter for the late shift.

“We agreed to try it for a couple days and it ended up working perfectly for both of us.”

“Do you have other clients?”

“No. That’s why I could work with her hours.”

“So what are you going to do now?”

She plays with the rim of her cup. “I-ah think I might relocate.”

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