She remembered the retired couple down the hall and nodded. The Logans. I suppose it would be rude to wake them at this hour.
A man with a wounded grandfather, a gun and a badge, and an inexplicable sense of urgency could take precedence for a few minutes over her suspicions and the futile desperation that might even be unfounded. Lucy hadnt seen Diana Kozlow in months. Perhaps shed read too much into the telephone message at the office this morning. She was probably chasing ghosts, thinking that Diana had really needed her. Roger Campbell hadnt needed her for anything more than sex and a punching board. The only reason her own mother had needed her was to ensure her own meal ticket. How many times did she have to repeat that codependent mistake?
Inhaling a deep breath, Lucy pulled off her left glove and cap and stuffed them into her pockets, too, as Niall opened the door for her to precede him. So what concerns me specifically besides a busted front door... She tried to smooth her staticky curls behind her ears. Oh, hello.
At this late hour, she was surprised to see another mana stockier version of Niall Watson, with a peppering of silver in his short dark hairrising stiffly from a recliner as she stepped into the living room.
She extended her hand because she was that kind of friendly. Im Lucy McKane from across the hall. Sorry to visit so late, but Dr. Watson invited me... The older man angled his body to face her, and she saw the blanket with tiny green and yellow animals draped over his arm. You have a baby.
Cant put anything past you, the tall man teased in a hushed voice, in deference to the tiny infant sleeping contentedly against his chest. Thomas Watson. He easily cradled the child in one arm to shake her hand. I raised three boys and a girl of my own, so Ive had some practice. Im Nialls father.
I could tell by the family resemblance. Nice to meet you. You seem to be a natural. Lucy stepped closer to tuck the loose blanket back around the tiny childs head. The newborns scent was a heady mix of gentle soap and something slightly more medicinal. A tightly guarded longing stirred inside her, and she wanted to brush aside the wisp of dark brown hair that fell across the infants forehead. She wisely curled her fingers into her palm and smiled instead. And this is...?
Nialls crisp voice sounded behind her. I was hoping you could tell us.
Lucy swiveled her head up to his as he moved in beside her. I dont understand. Isnt the baby yours? She glanced at Nialls father. He was older, yes, but by her quick assessment, still a virile man. My apologies. The baby is yours.
No, maam.
The older man grinned, but Niall looked anything but amused when he reached across her to adjust the blanket shed tidied a moment earlier. I broke into your apartment, Miss McKane.
You? To steal twenty dollars? Why on earth would you do that?
I wasnt the first intruder. I found a screwdriver that had apparently been used to break into your place. He pulled a tiny gem from his pocket and held it up between his thumb and forefinger, twisting it until she could see the fracture in the clear red glass. I believe this came off it.
A screwdriver? Lucy clutched at her purse strap, the bittersweet joy of seeing the baby momentarily forgotten. Diana was in trouble. A pink one with glitter on the handle?
He picked up a bag marked with numbers and the scratch of his signature from the coffee table and folded the excess plastic out of the way so she could see the contents inside. This one.
Oh, my God. Lucy plucked the screwdriver from his open palm and turned it over in her hand. The room swayed at the instant recognition. Diana hadnt wanted jewelry or dolls for birthdays and Christmas. Shed been a tomboy and tough-kid wannabe from their first meeting. Diana had wanted a basketball and running shoes and a toolbox, although shed seemed pleased with the bling on this particular set. Lucy blinked away the tears that scratched at her eyes and tilted her face to Nialls. Where did you get this?
Is it yours?
Answer my question.
Answer mine.
Niall, Thomas gently chided.
A deep, resolute sigh expanded Niall Watsons chest before he propped his hands at his waist again in that vaguely superior stance that emphasized both his height and the width of his shoulders. If it wasnt for his glasses and the spiky muss of his hair that desperately needed a comb, she might have suspected he had an ego to go with all that intellect. Apparently, someone jimmied the locks on your door several hours before I got home, and I suspect they used that tool to do it. I let myself in when I heard this child crying in distress. I thought, perhaps, you werent being responsible
With a child? He thought...that she... Lucy didnt know whether to cry or smack him. I would never. My job is to protect children.
I know that. Her burst of defensive anger eased as he continued his account.
But then I suspected that you might be in some kind of distress yourself. I entered the premises to make sure you were all right. He plucked the screwdriver from her fingers and returned it to the table along with the shattered bead and another bag that appeared to be holding the beginnings of the gray scarf shed been knitting for a coworker. She could see now that the markings meant hed labeled them all as evidence. I found it on your kitchen counter beside the baby. I brought him here since there didnt seem to be anyone else watching him. Weve given him food, clean clothes and a bath. Other than a nasty case of diaper rash, he seems to be healthy.
That explained the medicinal smell. Its a boy? She turned back to the older man cradling the sleeping infant. He was in my apartment? All alone?
I believe thats what Ive been saying. Niall Watson could sound as irritated with her as he wanted. Hed saved this child, and for that, she would be forever grateful.
Lucy pressed her fingers to her mouth to hold back the tears that wanted to fall. Tears that wouldnt do anyone any good. Dianas cryptic phone message that had sent Lucy on a wild hunt all over Kansas City finally made sense. Thats what she wanted to show me. I had no idea. The baby is what she wanted me to take care of. But why wouldnt she stay, too?
What are you talking about, Miss McKane?
I have a favor to ask, Lucy. I dont know who else to call. I need to show you something, and I need you to keep it safe.
Why didnt she tell me? Lucy whispered. She couldnt help but reach out to stroke her finger across the infants cheek. His skin was as velvety soft as it looked, and she was instantly in love. You precious little boy.
Do you know who is responsible for this child? Niall asked.
Possibly. Lifting her gaze to Nialls father, Lucy held out her hands. May I?
Of course.
Lucy sighed with a mixture of longing and regret as the babys sweet weight filled her arms and settled against her. Hes so tiny. How old do you think he is?
Id say a week. Two, tops, Niall answered from behind her. Obviously, pediatrics isnt my area of expertise, but I know enough to handle the basics. I still think he needs to see a pediatric specialist to ensure a clean bill of health. Now what can you tell us about his parents? Niall stepped aside as she circled the coffee table and sat on the edge of his sofa to hold the baby more securely. She heard a huff of what could be resignation a second before the cushion beside her sank with his weight. When she tumbled toward her tall neighbor at her shifting perch, his hands shot out to balance her shoulder and cradle her forearm that held the baby. Easy. Dont let go of him.