Page 106 of Hot Stuff
“It’s me. Speculate.”
“I’m worried her connection to him is the same as yours.”
It takes me a minute to understand what she’s getting at. “You think she’s co-guardian?”
Nodding, she rolls her lips into her mouth, I assume to keep other words from tumbling out.
“Say it.”
“If she is, we are going to have to fight her in court to have him removed from her care.”
“What care? Henry said the only thing—” I frantically glance around. “Where’s the bag he had?”
“In the foyer.” She’s already moving in that direction.
I follow, comfortable leaving Micky alone for a moment. Retrieving his bag, we check all the pockets, tip it upside down and give it a shake to be sure we’ve emptied it completely.
“It’s just clothes.”
“And not clean ones,” I note. “I’ll throw them in the washer.”
“He’ll need more. There’s no pjs. See if Shelby and Gannon are still at the store.”
“I’m texting Gannon now. What else does he need? Toothbrush? Paste?” I look up. “Or can he use ours?”
“I have no clue, but if they can find a kids one, that would be better.”
“Okay.” I’m typing away. “What else?”
“I don’t know.”
“All right. Let’s get these in the wash then see if we can get anything else out of him about where he’s been. You said Michael died a few months ago. How many?”
“Amos didn’t give me specifics.”
“Right. I guess all we can do is wait. Should we see if he’ll eat something?”
“He barely touched the ice cream. Maybe wait until Shelby and Gannon get back?”
“Good idea. Shit.” I scrub a hand over my jaw and note I need a shave. “I’ll have to tell Shelby.”
“Oh.”
“And find out why this is the first I’m hearing about Michael’s death or his son. And where’s the boy’s mother?” So many questions.
Oakley shrugs and steps up to me. Slips her arms around me. “I know you’re worried but he’s here now, he’s safe, and we’ll make sure he stays that way.”
“I’m sorry. This is more crazy I’m bringing to your life.”
Smiling up at me, she says, “I love your kind of crazy.”
“Thank fuck for that. I have no idea what I’d be doing right now without you.”
“You’d work it out.”
“After I punched a few holes in walls or someone’s face.”
“Maybe. But I doubt it. You’re not the violent type.”
