He throws himself at me, and I catch him, swinging him around. For a moment, I forget about everything else. The danger, the fear, all of it fades away. It’s just me and my boy, laughing in a shitty motel room.
A car backfires outside, and I’m on my feet before I realize it, positioning myself between Alex and the window.
“Momma?” Alex looks up. “What’s wrong?”
I force my breathing to slow, unclenching my fists. “Nothing, baby.”
He nods, but I can see the worry in his little face. Christ, I’m fucking this up. Kids shouldn’t have to deal with this shit.
Suddenly, Alex’s tiny hands are on my cheeks, forcing me to look at him. His ocean-blue eyes, so much like his father’s, are filled with concern beyond his years.
“Don’t be scared, Momma,” he says, his voice small but determined. “I’ll protect you. I’m strong like Superman, ‘member?”
For a moment, I can’t breathe. This kid, my little boy, trying to be the brave one. It’s too much.
I pull him close, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You’re the bravest Superman I know, buddy,” I whisper, my voice rough. I hold him tight.
Thud.
Thud.
The moment’s shattered by a knock at the door. I freeze, pulling Alex close.
“Wren? It’s me,” Lenny’s voice calls out.
I relax, but only slightly. Opening the door, I eye the hallway before letting him in.
“Got the goods,” Lenny says, holding up a greasy paper bag. “One heart attack special for you and chicken nuggets for the little man.”
“Nuggets!” Alex cheers, making grabby hands at the bag.
I set him up at the small table, cutting his nuggets into smaller pieces. “Slow down, buddy. Don’t want you choking.”
Lenny hands me my burger, his eyes serious. “So, what’s next?”
I take a bite, chewing slowly. “I make some calls. Got an old…friendwho might be able to help.”
“Friend?” Lenny’s eyebrow raises. “You sure that’s safe?”
I shrug. “Safe went out the window the moment Elena got her claws into Em.”
Lenny nods, his jaw tight. “Just… be careful, yeah? We can’t afford to lose you too.”
“Always am,” I say, but we both know it’s bullshit.
I glance at Alex, happily munching away. He catches me looking and grins, ketchup smeared across his face.
“Look, Momma! I’m a monster!” He makes a growling noise, holding up ketchup-covered fingers.
I can’t help but laugh. “Yeah, you are. A messy monster who needs a bath.”
Lenny catches my eye, a shadow of a smile on his face. He stands up, clapping his hands together. “Hey, little man! How about we get you cleaned up? We can have a splash party in the tub!”
Alex’s eyes light up. “Splash party! Can Mr. Bear come too?”
“Of course,” Lenny says, scooping Alex up. “Mr. Bear’s the guest of honor.”
As Lenny carries Alex to the bathroom, I grab his arm. “I’m heading out. Got some calls to make.”
