Daddy's Stepstalker (Daddy's Little Deviants)

Shaw

"That'severythingIthink we need." I turned, but Ari, who had been standing behind me just a minute ago, had disappeared. One day I would have to tie a bell on the boy for how stealthily he moved.

"Ari?" I shut the trunk of the car and walked back to the house. Through the garage door, of course. The front door was still off-limits.

I found him standing in the hall, his hands clutched to his chest, his bottom lip caught between his teeth.

"Penny for your thoughts."

He turned to me and smiled. "That's all you're willing to pay for them?"

"I can go up by a dollar."

"Silly, Daddy. I'm just thinking about our dream. This was supposed to be it."

"Plans change, Ari."

I slipped my arms around him, resting my chin on top of his head. "It doesn't matter where we are. We'll have a home because we have each other. Besides, it’s not like we're staying in Florida right away. We're just checking things out, getting through the interview, and seeing how things go. We can make a decision later."

He sighed. "I know you say that, but I think we already know this is the best decision to make for us. To put everything behind us and start someplace fresh."

"Hmm. Maybe."

"When I bought this house, I was so excited for us." He turned into my arms and rubbed the material of my shirt between his fingers. "I saw us living here together forever, being happy, me serving you, you calling me your little angel. I haven’t had a steady home for so long, and this was supposed to be it. But I can't even walk through the front door, so I know we have to give up this place, even if we choose not to stay in Florida."

I gently stroked his back. "You know it might take a long time to get this house sold. Many people aren't keen on buying a house where a murder has taken place."

"I know, but at least I can work on my designs from anywhere, so my job won't be affected."

"And I'm sure I'll be able to find something. We have over a month to get everything in order. For now, let's go someplace fun and new where I can finally take you out all the time and show you the love and care you deserve. We've hardly been able to do any of that here."

He nodded, smiling at me. "You're right. Let's go."

I took his hand in mine and led him from the house. Once he was buckled down in the car, I got into the driver's seat and drove off. Ari reached for my hand, and I squeezed it, then placed his hand on my thigh.

"Can we make a stop?" Ari asked. "Two stops, really."

"Sure. Where do you want to go?"

First we went to a flower shop where Ari picked out two bouquets. He didn't even have to tell me where his next stop would be. I took him to the cemetery and cut the engine. Ari had been quiet during the drive.

"I can sit here and wait for you if you want."

"I'd rather you come with me, please."

"Of course."

We had no idea where his friend had been laid to rest, but luckily a caretaker pointed us in the direction of a burial that took place the previous week. Ari had still been too shaken to attend the funeral, and I hadn't pressed him about it.

He slowed down when he neared the headstone with Howard’s name. Minutes ticked by, and he did nothing but stand there and stare. He let out a shuddering breath.

"I'm so sorry, Howard," he said softly, wiping his eyes. "You always told me I was trouble, and it turns out you were right. I'm sorry I got you caught up in this mess. I swear I never meant for this to happen."

He stooped and placed one of the bouquets on the grave. I squeezed his shoulders in support, and he smiled at me, his eyes red.

We went to the grave of his other friend, Harlan.

"Your first time coming here?" I asked.