Page 105 of Hot Stuff
“I did notice that but I think it’s just that you’re so big.”
“Maybe.”
“Don’t think the worst. Wait until we have the facts.”
I know she’s right. I shouldn’t assume my cousin is the reason for Micky’s fear. It could be whoever he’s spent the last few months with. “Where’s he been since Michael died?”
“I don’t know. That’s one of the things Amos is looking into.”
“Okay. I’ll message Shel and see what I can find on Netflix.”
“Thanks. And Walker?”
“Yeah.”
“I love you too.” She pushes to her toes and kisses me quick.
It says a lot about the situation that the peck that would normally get my motor revving doesn’t even turn it over.
While I head to the living room, I send Shelby and Gannon a message asking for whatever toys they can find suitable for a three year old. Then I turn the TV on and pull up the kids section of my streaming service.
I pick the first thing on the most popular list and seconds after the theme song plays through the surround sound system, a blur of motion races into the room and drops to the floor right in front of my hundred-inch screen.
He’s too close but I’m not about to tell him to move back because on his face is the one thing that could stop me from doing anything.
Make medoanything.
His little mouth is stretched wide in a smile that shows off tiny teeth and he’s quietly singing along, bouncing on his butt.
“That was easier than I thought,” Oakley says as she moves next to me. “Oh.”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, so we know how to get him to smile now.”
I can’t take my eyes off him. I should be comfortable with this instant love thing after Oakley but I’m not. The emotions I’m feeling for a child I’ve never seen, never knew existed, are breath-stealing.
“We can’t let them take him.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know. Anyone. Whoever the hell has had him since…” I swallow, my throat tight, my chest aching.
Is that why I feel so connected to Micky? We’re both orphans? Hell, I don’t know where his mother is, if she’s dead like his father.
I don’t understand why this is the first I’m hearing about him. Or what Kristina’s involvement is. How are there pictures of her and Micky going back months?
“What’s Kristina’s connection? There has to be one. All those photos…”
“I don’t know but we’ll find out. I’ll keep Amos on it until every stone is turned over. Until we know he’s safe.”
“If I was named guardian, then he stays here. He’ll be safe.”
“In theory, yes, but I don’t know what Kristina’s connection is to all of this and if that poses a threat to him. To you.”
“How could it be threat to him? Me?”
“I…” Her mouth snaps shut. “I don’t want to speculate.”
