I swallow around the lump in my throat. “Will this help?”
“It could. It might be if we cut the head off the snake the body will die.”
“Am I in danger?” I ask, wondering if my fears were justified. Have I been followed?
“It’s possible. Have you noticed anyone suspicious around you?”
“No, and believe me, I’ve been looking.”
“Good. I won’t lie. This could be dangerous if we get them in here and take this to trial.”
“Can I ... can I think about this?” Everything’s changed. These men aren’t just some drugged out thieves. They’re higher ranking members in an organized crime ring. What if they already know I’m here?
“Sure. Once you decide, let me know?”
“Of course.” I stand. The white walls are shrinking around me, and the collar of my button down feels too tight. My body temperature spikes. I need to get out.
“I’ll walk you out.”
“Thank you.”
I follow him through the crowded space, eyeballing every person we pass. Could they be here now? How many people does he control? I mumble a polite good-bye and speed walk the last yard to freedom. Bursting free of the stale environment, I inhale the fresh air. The sun chases the chill that settled into my core the moment he told me about D.A.C. My eyes dart back and forth as I scan the area. Everyone seems to be where they should be. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop my mind from running wild. Turning on my heel, I force myself not to run as I leave the station behind me.
OLLIE
As soon as I open the door, I grin at the mop of chocolate-brown hair that surrounds a cherubic face. Rolly glances up at me with those big, hazel-colored eyes so like his mother’s, and I can’t help but smile. This has been the longest time we’ve been apart since he was born, but I didn’t want him to see me when I was so weak. It would only worry him. I know he understood I was sick, but it does nothing to lessen my guilt over our separation.
“Daddy.” His squeal fills me with a joy I’ve been sorely lacking.
“Hey, buddy.” He tackles me around the legs, and I hold back a grunt.
“I missed you. Did you miss me? Are you better?” The rapid-fire questions earn my laugh.
“Of course I missed you, little dude. Daddy is a lot better but still healing, so we have to take it easy.” I pat his back as he pulls back and nods his head seriously. The kid has a level of empathy and understanding that awes and scares me. The world is a cruel place, and he feels more than most. I want to make sure we teach him balance, so he’s not overwhelmed, or hardening his heart to fit in.
I can feel Allie’s eyes boring a hole in my skull. I give her what I know she’s waiting for and turn my attention to her.
“Thank you for bringing him.” My goal is to keep things polite and relaxed. In time, we can be friends. Right now, thing are too raw and skewed for that to happen. We have a son together, so it’s imperative that we get along. I don’t want my son ground to pieces as we rub him raw with the friction that exists between us. I’ve lived that. I refuse to allow my son to experience it.
“Are you sure you’re up to a visit?” she asks, batting her lashes. Her voice is as sweet as sugar, but I know her game.
“Yeah, we’ll be fine.”
Twirling a strand of her dark hair around a slender finger, she pouts. “You know he can be a real handful.”
“Like his old man, right?” I hold out my fist, and Rolly pounds it, making me laugh.
“Right.” Allie is seeking a weak spot to burrow into. She wants to steer this into a more romantic relationship.
“We need to make up for all the guy time we’ve missed out on, don’t we, buddy?”
“Yeah, Mom. It’s guy time. I love you, but I missed Daddy, a whole whole bunch. I want to play with him now, okay?” Rolly says.
I smirk. That’s my boy being a buffer without trying and smoothing his mother’s ruffled feathers. Allie’s isn’t used to not getting her own way. It’s going to be a rude awakening. The thirty-three-year-old daddy’s girl isn’t going to give up without testing me. It’s always been our way. She’s going to find out quickly that this time, I’m for real.
“Of course, baby boy. You and Daddy have a good time. I’ll be back in a couple of hours, okay?”
“Yay.” Rolly hops up and down and then takes off like a jet toward his room as I walk her to the front door. Normally I’d keep him for a few days at a time, but I’m not recouped enough yet. Healing takes a lot more energy than one would think.