“I will find a way to repay you for all you’ve done,” Nicky promised.
I could think of a few that didn’t involve money. “Whatever,” I muttered instead. “Ready to go?”
“Just let me get Zaza bundled.”
While she handled the kid, I crouched to talk to Percy. “Listen, we’re going to be gone a few hours and I think it’s best if you stay here.”
“Why?” My little dragon crossed her arms.
“You caused quite a stir last time, and you’re bigger and more noticeable now. The last thing we need is for people to start talking about you.”
“Why shouldn’t they discuss my greatness?” Percy tossed her head.
“I’m going to be blunt. If you really are a dragon, then you’re in danger. Not from me or Nicky, of course, but there’s lots of bad folks out there that would love to get their grimy hands on you.”
“That’s what Nicky said,” Percy grumbled.
“Because she’s a smart lady.”
“You think it’s dangerous for me.”
“Yes.”
“What if you don’t return?”
“I’ll be back,” I promised. “I don’t imagine we’ll be more than a few hours.”
“Hours? I might perish,” my dramatic dragon stated.
“Not if I leave you a snack. A big one,” I offered.
“That might tide me over,” the little bugger said with a forbearing sigh.
“And what if I told you I planned to make another cake when I returned?” Nicky added, dropping to her haunches to address Percy.
“Chocolate flavored?”
“Oh yes, with icing and a jam layer,” Nicky elaborated.
“Your terms are acceptable.” Percy headed for the living room but turned her head to add, “Turn on the television so I might entertain myself while you are gone.”
I left it on a channel playing documentaries that ranged from history to the animal kingdom, making it educational. I also left out a box of crackers, cookies, opened two cans of stew and one of peaches in fruit juice. I also filled a few bowls with water for drinking. Percy couldn’t quite grip a cup with her small paws.
With my dragon settled, I headed out with Nicky and Zaza. The road might have been cleared of snow and sanded, but it remained sketchy. As we crept down the steep incline, Nicky had a hand braced on the dash and appeared pale.
We made it to a smoother section and she relaxed until she realized something. “My car’s gone.”
“Most likely towed. While you apply for jobs, I’ll see if I can find out what happened to it.”
“Is there any point? You said it yourself, it’s scrap.”
“Even scrap is worth money,” I reminded rather than reveal the real reason. I wanted to make sure she’d not left anything identifying inside the vehicle. If Nicky hid from her husband, then the last thing she needed was for anything to be publicly posted, like a social media post along the lines of: Car recovered at scene of a crash. Driver being sought for a wellness check. If you’ve seen or heard from Nicky… That kind of well-meaning post could put her and Zaza in a world of trouble.
We made small talk as we approached town. Gee, look how deep the snow is in some spots? Ooh, animal tracks. Where do you think I should start applying first?
As we entered the outskirts, she pointed. “The church with the daycare is down the first road to the left.”
As with most Italian places of worship, there was no missing the ornate stone chapel with its peaked roof and giant cross. I entered the church with Nicky carrying Zaza on her hip while I lugged the diaper bag, which was down to only four diapers. Having studied the brand and size, I felt confident I could purchase another pack to surprise Nicky.
