She unfastened the buttons to reveal a tiny boy in a blue coat. Dalton didnt know much about babies, but the little guy looked to be only a couple of months old. As his blue eyes landed on Dalton, he grinned and bounced in his sling.
This is my son, Sammy, and Im uhJane Craig. I was hoping you could find us a room or something for the night, she said. I can pay you for your trouble.
There had been just enough hesitation before she spoke her name that Dalton sensed she was lying. She had a pretty face, heart-shaped with those big blue eyes and pale eyebrows that arched perfectly above them. Her trembling full lips were a faint
shade of blue, indicating to him that she had already been outside too long.
Why would she lie about her name? Or had he just imagined that moment of hesitation? Business had been slow enough lately that maybe he was looking for mystery where there was none.
Im Dalton West, he replied, then frowned and looked out the window where the blowing snow was creating almost whiteout conditions. He could think of several places he might be able to get her a bed for the night, but none of them were within walking distance, and nobody in their right mind was going to get in a car to come and pick her up.
There was really only one alternative, and it wasnt one that made him a happy man. Look, I have an apartment two blocks from here. You can stay there for the night and Ill bunk downstairs with my landlord.
It was obvious from the expression on her face that she didnt like the idea. Dalton raked a hand through his hair and tamped down an edge of impatience. He certainly could understand her reticence. She was a young woman alone with a baby and he was a virtual stranger. In her circumstances he wouldnt be thrilled by his suggestion.
Oh, noI couldnt, she began.
Look, Jane. Im a bodyguard by profession. I make a living protecting people. Youll be safe for the night. Besides, I dont know what else to tell you. Were out of options. His glance went back out the window, then he looked back at her. And we need to get going before we cant get out of here.
She hesitated another minute. Ill hire you for the night to protect me. Well keep it a business deal.
Fine. You can write me a check when we get to my place. It was obvious to Dalton that she couldnt afford their usual fee. Her coat was worn and her shoes looked old. This was not a woman rolling in dough.
As she rebuttoned her coat to protect her son from the elements, he grabbed hold of her suitcase.
They stepped back out into the howling wind and stinging snow, and Dalton fought the impulse to take her by the elbow to help her keep her balance on the slick sidewalk. There was something about her posture, something about the look in her eyes that warned him she would not appreciate it.
The howling wind made conversation next to impossible so they trudged side by side in silence, heads bent against the mix of ice and snow falling from the sky.
It was difficult to pull the suitcase on its wheels through the thick snow that blanketed the ground. Instead Dalton picked it up by the handle to increase their pace.
The two-block walk seemed to take an eternity. He breathed a sigh of relief as they turned off Main onto Maple Street. He could barely see just ahead the white two-story house with the wraparound porch he called home.
Normally, Dalton didnt mind being snowed in for a day or two. He was a solitary man who enjoyed being alone, but it looked as if at least for the short-term hed be spending his snow time with his landlord, George.
When they reached the house he motioned toward the staircase that led up the outside. His apartment was the top floor. She went up the stairs before him as he hefted the heavy suitcase up stair by stair.
At the top he unlocked the door, then opened it and gestured her inside. He followed just after her, flipping on the interior light and welcoming the warmth the place offered.
He turned to look at her. Her lips were now completely blue and she trembled almost uncontrollably. Lets get out of these wet coats and shoes, he said.
The whole scene felt a little surreal. The snow outside, a mysterious woman and babyit was like the setup of some ridiculous movie.
He unbuttoned his coat and watched her do the same. Her gaze didnt meet his but rather swept around the room like a rabbit hunting for a safe burrow.
He followed her gaze, taking in the place hed called home for the past two years. When Georges wife had died five years ago, the old man had renovated the house with this apartment upstairs. It was a way for him to keep his house and not feel so alone.
The apartment was roomy, with a nice-sized living room, a small but fully functioning kitchen, a half bath off the laundry room and a large bedroom with a full bathroom. Dalton had furnished it in a minimalist, functional style. But as he saw it through anothers eyes he realized it was a cold space, with little personality.
He frowned and took her coat from her to hang in the small utility room off the kitchen. Make yourself comfortable, he said and gestured to the sofa. Im just going to put these wet things in the other room.