“Whatever you want,” Hannah said.
“Your dad said you’ve named him Robert,” Charlene said. “What’s his last name?”
“For now, it’s Caraway. I haven’t talked to his dad yet.”
“I can’t imagine he’ll be happy to hear this news. A lifetime of financial obligations, never having a life, never having the freedom to go anywhere without a diaper bag or toys to entertain the little booger.”
Hannah’s expression morphed into a frown.
“Charlene, stop,” Evangeline chided, knowing her sister didn’t have the balls to shut her up. “The child’s father has a right to know his son exists. Mind your own damn business.”
“Hannah is my business. She’s my stepdaughter and I only want what’s best for her.”
For the sake of her sister, Evangeline swallowed down the string of poignant words perched to fly off her tongue.
“What’s new with you, Charlene?” Hannah asked.
While Evangeline was ready to go mano a mano with the witch, she respected that her sister would do whatever necessary to diffuse the tension. In true form, Charlene prattled on about a formal function she was organizing, along with some charity gala. “I’m lending my name to yet another event, all for the betterment of those less fortunate.”
She needs to take a vow of silence…for the next thirty years.
Robert started fussing and Charlene blurted, “Take him away.” Like dismissing an attendant at one of her private parties, she couldn’t hand the child over fast enough. Then, she rinsed her hands in the sink.
“Isn’t it about time for you to go?” Evangeline asked as she cradled her nephew.
On a sneer, Charlene said, “I bought him a playpen and one of those saucer things. I’ll stop by and drop them off. When are you leaving?”
“Any time now,” Hannah replied.
Charlene slipped into her fur. “Are you going home or staying with your mother?”
“Home.”
“Good.” She peered down at the sleeping infant. “He’s absolutely perfect.” And with that, she left in a whoosh of mammal skins.
“She’s a peach,” Evangeline said, passing Robert back to his mama.
“She’s trying.” Hannah smiled down at her son. “She’s just not the mothering type.”
Again, Evangeline chose silence. Why get into it with Hannah and upset her? Knowing Joey was still out there was cause enough for concern.
The nurse breezed in with discharge papers. “Who’s ready to go home?”
It was just before five in the evening when Evangeline and Hannah entered Hannah’s townhouse. After flipping the dead bolt into place, Evangeline set the baby carrier down in the living room and stared at her tiny nephew, nestled beneath a blue blanket. “He’s very precious.”
“I love him so much, I can’t even believe it.” Hannah dropped her coat on the sofa and with tender fingers, uncovered and unbuckled the sleeping child. “I just want to hold him and keep him safe,” she said, cradling him in her arms. “I read that you’re supposed to put them in their crib right away.” She made a disapproving face. “He’s one day old. This little one needs to feel my love.”
Despite the anxiety that churned in her gut, Evangeline smiled. Hannah was going to be a great mom.
Hannah tapped the remote and the TV in the living room popped on. “I want Robert to get used to sounds so I don’t have to tiptoe around while he naps.”
When the baby woke, Hannah sat on the sofa to breastfeed.
“You’re a natural,” Evangeline said.
“He’s doing all the work,” Hannah said and laughed.
Evangeline wasn’t hungry, but she went into the kitchen to make them supper. Hannah hadn’t eaten much at the hospital and she wanted to make sure her sister kept up her energy.
“Evangeline, come in here.” Hannah’s voice was tight. “Hurry.”
Fearing something had happened to the baby, Evangeline bolted into the room. Hannah’s eyes were glued on the television.
“Sinclair Develin, D.C.’s wealthy power player and business entrepreneur known as The Fixer, has died suddenly at the age of thirty-five,” said the news anchor. “In addition to the statement issued by his business partner, Jacoby Jones, his brother, Maverick Hott, released a statement, and I quote, ‘The family is devastated over the loss of our beloved Sinclair. We ask for privacy during this difficult time’. The cause of death is presently unknown. We will update you as we learn more.”
Unable to catch her breath, Evangeline dropped into the chair. “Oh, my God, no.” She began shaking.
“I’m so sorry,” Hannah murmured.
Pain slashed her heart as it pounded out of her chest, but she refused to lose it in front of her sister. No one but Sin knew the depth of her feelings and it was pointless to reveal them now. Forcing herself to her feet, she muttered, “I left the soup on,” and returned to the kitchen on rubber legs. She went through the motions of making turkey sandwiches. But she couldn’t stop the tears, so she gave herself a moment and surrendered to the sorrow.
Hannah entered the kitchen, prompting Evangeline to wipe her cheeks, plate the food, and ladle soup into bowls. After burping the baby, Hannah tucked him into the carrier, set it on the middle of the kitchen table, and sat.
“I know you cared about him,” Hannah said. “And I see you trying to hide your pain. I’ve always leaned on you. Let me be there for you this time.”
“I really loved him…” The words got lost in her sobs.
Leaning over, Hannah hugged her. “I’m sorry, honey,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.”
Evangeline got herself under control and excused herself into the bathroom where she blew her nose and splashed cold water on her face. As she stared at herself in the mirror, heartache stared back. “Damn you, Sinclair Develin,” she muttered before returning to the kitchen.
Hannah stood there wringing her hands, fear radiating from her eyes.
“What’s the matter?” Evangeline asked.
“Someone just knocked on the front door.”
Grabbing her handgun from her bag, Evangeline peered through the peephole. It was Sin’s driver, Kevin Anton. After she unlocked and opened the door, he said, “Hello, ma’am. I need you to come with me.”
What? Her mind started racing. “Come in. I need a second to think.” When he stepped inside, she locked the door behind them. “What’s going on? Why are you here?”
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but I’m not permitted to discuss specifics.”
“I’m going to need more than that, Kevin.”
He sent a text. A few seconds later, her phone buzzed with a text from Jacoby. “I will explain in person.”
“I can’t leave my sister alone,” she texted Jacoby.
“Sanchez will stay with your sister until you return,” Jacoby replied. “She’ll be there shortly.”
“Kevin, I need a minute,” Evangeline said.
“I’ll be waiting in the car. It’s parked out front.” And with that, he left.
Not sure what to think, Evangeline stowed her gun in the waist of her pants and threw on her coat. After placing both hands on Hannah’s shoulders, she locked eyes with her. “Maria Sanchez works for Sinclair. We can trust her. She’ll be here soon. Remember what I said about Joey.”