Page 19 of Daddy's Pursuit
A tingling sensation started in the back of her neck and then spread elsewhere, alerting her to the fact she was being followed.Trying to appear casual, she cast a glance over her left shoulder and then her right, curious if anyone was coming up fast on her heels. Or maybe hanging back a ways but keeping pace.
All she saw was the older lady she’d just passed and a young man who was talking on his cell as he walked, but they were both heading the opposite direction.
Looking to her right, though, she saw a car slowly rolling along the curb.
That was it. That had to be the source of that internal warning.
Should she run as fast as she could? Being on foot was actually an advantage as she could go places cars couldn’t. She could dash into yards or go between businesses and hide. She would have to leave her suitcase behind, which would suck, but maybe she could come back for it later.
Oddly, though, just as she was about to bolt away, a sense of calm washed over her. It was something she’d experienced at the nursery earlier. It made perfect sense there. Auntie was loving. There were guards and the whole thing was behind locked gates. Of course she’d feel safe and settled there.
But here, on the street with a vehicle she didn’t recognize slowly creeping up on her? What was going on?
The answer came a moment later when the window rolled down to reveal a newly familiar face.
It was the cop from the nursery! Jack Daddy!
A smile turned her lips upward. Her prayers had been answered.
Chapter Twelve
Jack could tell Litte Iris was glad to see him.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
He’d parked the car alongside the curb and was standing outside of it now, leaning on the open door as he looked at the Little. He wasn’t sure if he should tell her he’d been to the apartment or not. Then again, he wouldn’t lie to her. There was probably no way around it; eventually, he’d have to tell her.
Iris stepped closer. “Yeah. Just… walking.”
“Where you headed?”
She smiled, but it was forced. “Uh… maybe Auntie Athena’s.”
“That’s a long way,” he pointed out.
“I’m used to walking,” she replied with a shrug.
“Why don’t you hop in? I can give you a lift.”
He could tell she wanted to take him up on the offer. But it was also evident that she was hesitant to accept help. He respected that, but she needn’t feel that way.
“I can assure you I’m safe,” he added with a smile.
She giggled. “I knowthat. That’s actually why I’m going to Auntie’s nursery. I, uh, felt safe there earlier. I, sort of need to be close to it right now.”
He nodded. “Are you going to stay there?”
“I haven’t asked her.”
He nodded but didn’t say anything else, instead just waiting on her to elaborate.
More cars passed by on the street. A few people strolled past on the sidewalk. A lady, reeking of alcohol, who had to be at least seventy, smiled at Jack, made a phone with her hand and held it to her head, mouthing, “Call me.”
Jack chuckled.
He didn’t ask for her number.
Finally, Iris spoke again.
