Breath Of Life

My stomach drops. “Why?”

“They’re high ranking members in D.A.C.”

“Is that a gang?”

“An upcoming one hell bent on proving they’re the baddest out there as they take over turf, and absorb smaller groups. Detective Kunes has a real hard-on for them. He thinks nabbing them now will take away the momentum they’re rapidly gaining.”

“And what do you think?” I inquire, seeing how shaken she is.

“Me? I don’t know what to think. They had my wallet. Did they ditch it in a garbage can somewhere, or do they know where I live? Have they been watching me?”

“Do you think they are?” I counter.

“I’m always looking over my shoulders these days. Have I seen anything out of the ordinary? Not yet, but I don’t feel safe either.”

“Daddy?”

She turns her head toward the sound.

“Just a second, buddy. I’m sorry, I have my son here.”

“No. I-I shouldn’t have just come over and barged in like that.”

“You didn’t. Look, I can tell it shook you up. I get it. I want to talk to you more about it, but I can’t right now. So why don’t you chill here with us?” I don’t want her out there like this alone.

“I don’t want to interrupt.”

I cherish my time with my son, but everything in me is screaming not to let her leave. “You’re not. Hey, buddy. Daddy’s new friend, Quinn, just stopped by. She’s really cool and knows all about monsters because she makes them.”

“She makes monsters?” He comes bounding out with his hair flying.

“Oh yeah, buddy. I might call her a monster expert. She does makeup for scary movies.”

He curls his fingers up and roars.

“Whoa. That is one excellent roar,” Quinn says, looking impressed.

He laughs. “Quinn, this is Roland. We call him Rolly. Rolly, this is Ms. Quinn. Can she play with us?”

Rolly tilts his head to the side. “I think it’d be okay. We’re building a castle, Ms. Quinn. Do you want to see it?”

“I’d love to.”

“Come on.” He beckons her with

his hand, and I fight down a chuckle. The little dude has some serious swag. I’m going to have my hands full in a couple of years.

Twenty minutes later, we move from building to Finding Nemo and lunch. We set him up with a cup of juice on the couch and retreat to the kitchen with the open plan. I only bought a home because of Rolly, and I wanted an open plan that would allow me to see him at all times. I’m one of three boys. I know how quickly we can get into trouble.

Opening the fridge, I pull out the makings of a sandwich. “You want to fill me in on what’s happening with the cops?”

“They asked me if I’d be there to I.D. them if they brought them in, and potentially testify. I said I needed to think about it.”

“I think that’s a fair answer.”

“I think it’s a cowardly one,” she mumbles.

I frown. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to protect yourself. Do you have a roommate?”