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“Why is that perfect?”
“Because I’m going to give you one.”
“What?” A bubble of laughter bursts from her sweet lips.
“I’m …” I pause for effect. “I’m going to give you one.”
“Ew, no.”
“Ew, no?” I laugh. “I’m pretty sure I should take offense to that.”
She shakes her head as she scrunches up her nose. “Muffy.”
“Hudson will have no say in your middle name.”
Her chest rises as she inhales and exhales, this time without the shudder. Thank God.
“So, tonight?—”
“Cora’s staying with me until we know she’s safe.” She shakes her head. “I don’t think I can.”
“You let me figure that out, yeah?” When she doesn’t say yes immediately, I kiss the top of her head. “You okay with me talking to Marks or York?”
“Of course, and your family.” She frowns. “I need everyone to be okay.”
“You worry about them. Give me the privilege of worrying over you.”
“Are you crazy?” she whispers, looking down.
“No, CeCe, I’m a man who knows when he’s been given a blessing and won’t quit the hustle to keep it.”
19
Batter Up!
Thursday
After an in-depth conversation with Marks and Gwen in the building—or barn—behind Wags, I’ve learned that Cecilia has been stress-cleaning, comfort-food cooking, and doting over her new sister/niece. Apparently, they have yet to decide what they will call each other until the three are together. Cora is going to meet Chloe, Danny, and Aggie this weekend in Texas, and CeCe is too. They suspect William Center is still in Trenton, and they plan to lure him out when CeCe and Cora are safe and out of town. Before I left them, I made them promise that I was informed of every step.
We discussed tonight’s date and came up with a plan that was safe and they were comfortable with. This would also assist in their plan to apprehend William Center. My next step was to get my plans underway and try like hell to let them do what they needed to in the background.
I talk to Hudson and realize he didn’t have a clue he was being tailed—, which, of course, he wouldn’t have. This is pretty fucked up. Not that our situation wasn’t, but to me, physical violence is leveled up when it becomes sexual. I explain without too much detail that CeCe’s estranged father is a vile man who was recently paroled in California and illegally crossed state lines and is likely in Trenton. I tell him that he tried to lure Cora, who works for CeCe, which is why she’s now concerned about Jillian and Mom. Before I walk into O’Donnell’s, he promises to keep them in Blue Valley and to be on alert, and I promise to get the number of their tail and keep in close contact.
I expect to see Fawna, but it’s her father behind the bar.
“Day off?” he asks.
“It is,” I say, looking around, expecting Fawna to pop out of the back.
“She and Francesca are having lunch with Francesca’s father, Franco.”
“Mind if I leave you my number? I’d like to put together a picnic this evening. I want it to be a place where Cecilia can have some fun with her girls.”
“What are you thinking?” he asks, drying off a glass.
“CeCe used to play softball when she was in high school. Broke records at bat. I’d like to hit a park or a batting cage where she and the girls can let loose and have some fun.”
His lips turn up. “Men’s league is tonight. O’Donnell’s has a bye, if they don’t mind playing older men. Could be fun. Six o’clock.”
