Because I really wasn't sure. Before I crashed into him, before I ran, had he noticed the child holding my hand? Had he seen Tommy's face? I didn't know.
"Casey." Lina used my real name, voice serious. "Listen to me. Calm down. What's your plan?"
I took a deep breath. "Lina, you know me. I never want anything to do with that Vincent again. I'm terrified... I'm scared he'll think I had Tommy to get back into his life, for the money he assumes I'd want. People like him measure everything by value. He'd never believe I just love this child."
"And more importantly," my voice caught, "what if he tries to take Tommy? Someone like him—if he knew he had an 'heir' out there, he'd use everything to take him away. Lina, I can't lose Tommy. He's my life."
Lina didn't speak. She just hugged me tight.
"Let's go home," she said, pulling back and squeezing my shoulder. "We'll talk there. Just go home today. Figure out the rest tomorrow."
I nodded, then brought Tommy out from the back room and headed for the rear exit.
Lina pushed the door open, checking the alley. "Clear. Go."
I carried Tommy out, glancing back with every step.
The alley was empty. Just distant drums and voices. No one following.
I knew I shouldn't spiral, but the question I'd avoided for six years kept surfacing. I had to face it.
What if he came looking? What if he recognized Tommy?
My whole body started shaking. I was so scared.
Tommy rested his head on my shoulder, patting my back like he was comforting me.
"Mommy," he said softly, "what's for dinner?"
My eyes burned. "What do you want, baby?"
"Cheeseburger," he said instantly. "With double cheese. And fries. You can't say fries aren't healthy. It's a holiday."
I breathed deep and held him tighter. "Okay. Cheeseburger, double cheese, all the fries you want."
He squirmed happily on my shoulder. "Mommy's the best!"
Tears nearly fell. I looked back one last time at the empty alley. Sunset painted everything gold. Palm trees swayed in the breeze. It all looked like a gentle dream.
Paul Vincent, what the hell are you doing in Hawaii?
I'd spent six years becoming a person again here. My son was happy here. My best friend ran the coolest surf shop on the island. I had work I loved. This was my life.
I didn't need him to wreck it.
I buried my face in Tommy's hair and walked into the golden dusk at the end of the alley.
Whatever happened, I wouldn't let anyone take my son.
Chapter Ten
Paul
The Oahu sun had never felt so harsh, so damn accusatory.
I stood frozen, watching Casey disappear into the hula dancers with the kid in her arms. Those colorful grass skirts swayed behind her, cutting me off like a wall.
I wanted to go after her. But a hand grabbed my arm.
