“Get out, now. I’ll get your girl to the hospital,” Malloy said urgently as more police began to arrive. “The FBI will be here any second. You’ll have to trust me. Now.”
Denver’s lungs compressed. Malloy was right. If Denver stayed, he’d be arrested and of no use to Noni. But what could he do? He couldn’t leave her.
Malloy moved past him to the ambulance. “This is your one shot,” he muttered.
Damn it. The cop was right. Denver looked around, feeling eyes on him. Had Madison’s soldiers found him? It was a stretch to think they hadn’t at this point, and they could be just lying in wait. He had to get free of this feeling of being watched, and leaving Noni might be safer for her. At least Malloy would have her covered. It physically hurt for Denver to turn away from Noni and stride into the darkness to find his brothers.
He’d see her at least once more before he faced his past. But the déjà vu he felt in walking away from her again made him want to puke.
She’d hate him for this.
CHAPTER
22
Thank God Denver had gotten away. There was a little déjà vu in his leaving, but she had to let that go. She had to believe that he’d be back this time. That he wouldn’t just desert her. He’d have to check on Talia at the very least.
She sat in the hospital examination room with a young female doctor, who was gently checking Talia. Armed police officers stood sentry at the doorway. It was nearly nine in the morning, and Noni’s stomach growled. How could she even remotely be hungry right now? Her life was a complete disaster.
At least the baby gurgled and kicked her feet on the table. She looked around, already so alert.
A rush of maternal love washed through Noni, and she stood closer, touching Talia’s hand. Nobody would ever hurt this baby. She said the vow inside her head, her entire heart full. Would Denver want to be a part of their lives? Suddenly she wanted that with a clarity she’d never had before. Oh, she’d always wanted him, but now she felt a trust in him she hadn’t had before. He’d risked his life for Talia. That meant something. Was there a chance he could be a part of their family? Of their future?
Dr. Laraby smiled and finished replacing the baby’s purple dress. “Talia is in good health, and I can’t see any sign of abuse. Whoever has had her this last week actually took fairly good care of her.” She lifted the baby and handed her over to Noni.
Noni’s knees almost gave out, her relief was so strong. Her mind had wandered to some pretty dark places on what evil people could do to an innocent baby. Thank God they hadn’t abused her. She cuddled the snuffling baby close and held her tight, where she belonged. “Why does she keep crying?”
“Her general health is good.” The doctor pushed black curls over her shoulder. She had to be around thirty and was strikingly beautiful with dark coloring and Asian features. “However, she does have an ear infection, and I’ll write you a prescription for antibiotics. Also give her infant Tylenol for the pain.”
Noni stiffened. She had no clue what she was doing. She had to find books on motherhood. “Ear infection?”
The doctor grinned. “It’s quite common. Don’t worry. Just follow the directions on the medication, and if you have any questions, give me a call.”
Detective Malloy hitched on crutches through the door. “Hey, Doc.”
Laraby’s dark eyebrows rose. “Malloy. Somebody finally kicked your feet out from under you?”
Malloy rolled his eyes. “A couple of bullets can’t stop me. What’s the news?”
“The baby is fine. Slight ear infection.” Laraby scratched on a notepad and handed the prescription over to Noni. “She’ll need antibiotics and rest. No flying for a couple of weeks, but I’m sure that’s not an issue.”
Noni shook her head. All right. That may be an issue. “It’s okay, baby.” She soothed Talia.
“Nope,” Malloy said. “Noni and the baby have a date in court first thing tomorrow morning.” His brown eyes were serious and lacked any semblance of a smile. “It’s the only way I could keep Child Protective Services off you at the moment.”
Noni’s lips trembled, but she forced a smile. The awesome responsibility that just descended on her nearly dropped her. But she could do this. The baby needed love and protection. “I understand.” Would they take the baby away? What should she tell them? She suddenly felt so alone the room went cold. She needed Denver. Then Talia sniffled, and Noni looked down at her smooth face. No. She didn’t need anybody. This baby was her responsibility, and she’d protect her. “It’s okay,” Noni whispered. It was all going to be okay. No matter what she had to do.
Malloy gestured toward the hallway. “Let’s get going. We have a safe house ready for you as we finish rounding up the gang members, and the FBI wants to interview you. Like, right now.”
Noni swallowed. The walls seemed to close in, and the atmosphere grew heavy. “We’ll need, ah, supplies.” She looked down at the trusting baby in her arms. Talia looked back, her dark eyes already serious. “Um, diapers, food, and stuff.” Stuff? She’d just saidstuff. She had no idea how to care for a baby all by herself without Sharon’s guidance. The thought of Sharon was like a punch to the stomach. She’d died way too young. Man, she missed Sharon. This was crazy. She was crazy.
Malloy patted her arm. “Not a problem. Tina is at the store right now. She has a bunch of nieces and nephews, so she knows all the shit we’ll need. You’ve got to concentrate on the immediate issues.”
Oh yeah. The fact that Denver was gone. That a whole stack of money had just been confiscated by the FBI—money she couldn’t trace to her business or anywhere else. There was also the dark web and the obvious fact that she’d been on it to make a deal to buy a baby. “How much trouble am I in?” she whispered.
Malloy shook his head. “You don’t want an answer to that question.”
Noni smoothed a hand down Talia’s back. “I need to call my aunt.” If Noni ended up in jail or detention or wherever, she had to make sure Talia was safe. They couldn’t put her into the system. What if Noni never got her back? Even when Sharon made the colossal mistake of dating Richie, Noni had been there for her. They’d been close—Sharon was her foster sister. She’d promised Sharon she’d protect Talia, and even if Noni went away, Franny and Verna would take care of the baby. “Please.”
