“Your memory is phenomenal.”
In truth, it was. Declan had a knack for remembering small details that even I would forget within minutes. Munching my burger, I absently wondered what his IQ was.He’s certainlya smart kid, and more articulate than any other little boy I’ve ever met.
“Ready, kiddo?”
Declan burped, and belatedly covered his mouth. “Scuse me.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
I paid our bill, left a decent tip, and took his free hand. “I can carry those for you.”
He shook his head, his cherished books once again held to his chest. “I want to.”
“Okay, let me know if you change your mind.”
Outside again, we strode toward home amid the small-town traffic, the few other walkers on the sidewalk. My attention on Declan and his propensity for tripping as he couldn’t see what was in front of him, I paid little heed to what went on around us.
Hence, when the slick, black sedan drove toward the curb and paced us, I didn’t notice at first.
I’m not sure how long it tagged along before I finally glanced around to view it.
The driver smiled.
I glanced into the icy, bitterly cold gray eyes. My step faltered. The pleasant smile only made the soulless gaze that much deadlier. He offered me a quick salute with two fingers to his brow, then accelerated. The sleek car pulled into the traffic and vanished around a corner.
Shivering with dread, I frantically glanced around for other black sedans, more henchmen – forhim.
He’s found me.
Chapter Four
Avery
“Is anything wrong?”
At the kitchen stove, Jacy jumped a full foot, I swear, before whipping her face over her shoulder. Her smile quavered.
“No, everything’s fine.”
“Are you sure? You seem a bit – distracted.”
“Of course,” she said. “It’s all good.”
I wasn’t so certain about that. Ever since I’d returned from the office, I’d observed Jacy’s tension. She startled at any small noise, gave a small yip, of fear? Maybe? Max shoved his nose into her butt. Spinning on the poor dog, I thought at first she intended to scold him. Instead, she rubbed his ears and hugged him in something akin to relief.
“Daaad.”
Declan frowned heavily from his seat at the kitchen table. “You’re not listening.”
“Er, sorry.” I tore my attention from Jacy to Declan and his opened book. “I am now.”
“Jacy taught me to read,” he announced proudly. “I can spell ‘quick’. Q-U-I-C-K.”
I clapped my hands. “Bravo. That’s great, little man. I’m proud of you.”
“Want to see what else I can read?”
“I sure do.” I scraped my chair from the table. “Come sit on my lap and show me.”
