Page 23 of Praying for Thunder

In the clear path to the bar, Stew stopped, possibly doubting his motive, but then sighed. “Here goes nothin’.”

Moola mumbled, “Or a whole lot of something.”

He bent down, setting me on my feet.

I quickly took off running, my covered feet traveling fast in my zip-up pajamas.

“Wait!” Moola took off after me.

Noticing my blur headed toward him, Dio rushed off his stool and picked me up. “Thunder, what the hell are you doing out here?”

Seeing the man in the drawing was now holding me, Moola slammed her hands over her face. “This is so bad.” Then she peeked through her long fingers tipped with red nail polish. “Wait, why did you call him Thunder?”

I was thrilled to see him. “Dio! Do you have lollypops?”

The manager, Harry, was already rushing around the bar. “Hey! Put him down—” until Stew interrupted, “I got this, Harry.”

Harry shook his head. “She will skin you alive for this, Stew.” He went back behind the bar. “And you!”

He pointed to Moola, who was already nodding to him and waving to Dio as if hating being involved with this. “How’s it going?”

Holding me protectively, Dio spied the drawing in his hand. “My dude, you drew me?”

I was giddy. “Can you hang it on your wall?”

“Sure, Little Guy. I’d love that.” Then his nostrils flared at Stew. “You not watching this kid properly, Stew?”

I ran my finger along the designs on his leather vest. “Woooow.”

Stew smirked, observing the intensity. “You already care for him.”

Dio attempted to blow it off. “Barely know the brat.”

Moola, with immense attitude, snapped her head to him. “Di-ck.”

Stew held up a hand to stop her, then, calling Dio’s bluff, reached for me. “Fine. I’ll take him back.”

Dio twisted away slightly. “Back off. I’m only handing him back to Anita.”

That caught both Stew and Moola off guard. In shock, they simultaneously asked, “She told you her name?”

Diablo eyed them both, top to bottom, then admitted, “Not at first.”

Stew blew out air and nodded, as if convincing himself to proceed. “Listen, we don’t have much time. Any minute now, a mother lion—”

Rubbing my back, Dio grinned. “Tiger.”

“Yep!” Nervously, Moola peered about. “He already knows her well.”

Stew continued, “—is going to come for this boy, but I thought you may want some valuable information.”

Darkening eyes squinted. “I’m listening.”

It took a few seconds for Stew to betray Anita’s trust, but he finally said, “She’s runnin’.”

Dio jerked. He blinked, then finally asked, “When?”

Stew grimaced. “All I know is their bags are packed, and her car is fixed. In the parking lot.”