Page 28 of Dark Alleys

“Hey, yourself. I saw most of the game last night at the bar. Nice double play.”

“Thanks, cuz. Have you checked on Cindy?”

“I took her a burner phone so she could text me, but I haven’t heard from her today.”

“Would you mind giving me that number, Lukas? I’d like to get to know her a little better.”

“Sure. Write this down.”

“Thanks. I’ll give her a call and make sure she has everything she needs for her and for the little baby.”

“I realize it’s only a temporary fix, but how long can she stay at your shelter?”

“I’m working on finding her a permanent place and I’m trying to get her additional financial support from the state and from the city. I do that for all the girls and women who stay at Rosedale.”

“Fantastic. Let me know if I can help. I’ve got my truck if she has to move furniture or a baby crib or anything like that.”

“Thanks, Lukas. We can’t save them all, but we can make a huge difference to a few and get them pointed in a better direction.”

“Amen to that. You really are helping, and I wish I could do more.”

“Bring them in when you find them, Lukas. That’s all we can do.”

When I left my apartment, I wondered to myself if my arm was healed enough to ride my Harley.

I decided not to chance it. If I happened to dump my ride, I’d be paying for a new paint job, and I might have to go back to the clinic and face that doctor.

Even worse.

Cherrywood. Austin.

I hadn’t been home to my address of record for several days and I hated to make my Aunt Gail worry. She’d been too good to me and Tommy.

According to my brother, she took care of us better than our own mother—not that I would know—I never met my mother.

Tommy knew our mother and he was the one making the call, so I believed him.

I parked in the driveway reminding myself to get more clean clothes out of my dresser. I didn’t have enough stuff at my fake address to get through more than a couple of days.

No knock.

I walked in through the front door and Aunt Gail let out a little squeal as she ran towards me.

“Thank goodness you’re home, Lukas Donovan. You had me worried.” She noticed the bandage on my arm and teared up. “You’re hurt.”

“I’m okay, honest. A few stitches and I can’t ride my bike yet, but I’m fine.”

She gave me a hug and wiped her tears on her apron. “Sit down, dear. I’ll pour you a coffee.”

“Smells to me like you baked something good.”

“Butter tart squares. I got the recipe off the internet.”

“Can I try one? I’m starving.”

Aunt Gail hurried into the kitchen and brought me a plate of the new squares. I ate the first one and couldn’t believe how fuckin’ good they were.

Sugar rush.

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