Love and hate crimes, p.20
Love & Hate Crimes, page 20
“You got it.”
“Thanks, Sid. Then after you do that, don’t think about work for at least the rest of the day. That’s an order.”
Sidney smiled. “Yes, boss.”
She disconnected the call and then brought up that text chain.
Sidney:
Family logistics making things dicey
Diner meet will be a few days
Delay will be compensated
Unknown number:
Understood
Sidney set the cellphone aside with a sigh and glanced at the clock. Maybe she could get a quick power nap in to recharge her depleted batteries.
27
The paperwork never seemed to end, and Isaac wondered how much more paperwork there was behind the scenes that Lt. Hayes hadn’t tasked him with while he was away. For the most part, Isaac was actually enjoying stepping into the role of lieutenant for a few days. It was like getting to try on an article of clothing before you buy it.
Assessing the fit.
Was this job one he could wear comfortably? Longterm?
Did he even want to?
He was thinking about the answers to those questions when the desk extension rang. Isaac picked it up and put on his professional voice.
“Detective Sgt. Ike Taylor.”
“This is Sheriff Harold Jenkins down in Washbo, Virginia. I believe that I have the two suspects you’re looking for in the BOLO you issued yesterday.”
A zing of excitement zipped down Isaac’s spine.
The thrill of catching his bad guys pounded in his chest.
“You have them in custody, Sheriff?”
“No, sir. But I know where I can lay my hands on ’em.” Sheriff Jenkins’ drawl was as thick and Southern as the Confederate flag. “They’re hiding out here in my town, and I’d like to know how you want to proceed.”
“And you’re certain it’s the two suspects named in my BOLO order?”
“Eric Bruce and Ronnie Coulter. I know who they are. They’re no strangers in my town, Detective Sergeant. I can take ’em into custody and hold ’em for transport if you want to come get ’em.”
“Yes, sir. I can get someone on the road within the hour.” Isaac began mentally clicking through the roster of detective teams and what cases they were each working on at the moment.
“Well, just a friendly piece of advice?” Jenkins offered.
“What’s that, sir?”
“You be sure to send white boys on this transport duty, you hear? Washbo doesn’t like outsiders much, if you get my meaning.”
Isaac knew exactly what the man was getting at, and although he was shocked to hear it, the advice did bring up a question that he couldn’t stop himself from asking.
“If that’s the case, Sheriff… I can’t help but wonder why are you turning Bruce and Coulter in?”
Jenkins hesitated for half a beat. “Well, just between you and me?”
“Of course, sir.”
“I may or may not share those views. That’s nobody’s business, but mine. However, I absolutely will not harbor cop killers. Or even potential cop killers. How’s your man up there? Is he going to make it?”
Isaac shook his head. How was it possible to be both repulsed by and respectful of the same man?
“Yes, sir, he is. But the doctor called it a minor miracle.”
“That’s fine. I’m glad to hear it.”
Jenkins sounded sincere, and Isaac wondered if he’d feel the same if he knew that Pete was Puerto Rican. Or maybe the only color this man saw was blue. It was all such a mystery to Isaac.
“Well, your suspects will be waiting in my jail. It’s the only one in Washbo, so you can’t miss us.”
“Thank you so much, Sheriff. I do appreciate it.”
“Uh huh.”
The line went dead and Isaac hung up the phone. Then he called down to Patrol and requested a two man car for the overnight assignment. When that was done and the two patrolmen — one Asian, one Latino — were in the office, Isaac called detectives Jack Runyan and Lonnie Spencer to the office as well.
“What’s up, Sarge?” Runyan asked when they came in. He eyed the two patrolmen and Isaac could see the curiosity on all their faces.
“I’ve got an assignment for the four of you. I just got a call from a Sheriff Harold Jenkins in Washbo, Virginia. Our two hate crime co-conspirators are lying low in his town, and he’s willing to pick them up and hold them for transport. I need you to go get them.”
He looked each of them in the eyes and when he didn’t see any pushback he continued.
“It’s a sixteen hour drive round trip, and with these two men — who are considered armed and very dangerous — I wouldn’t make too many stops on the way back if I was you. Two cars means you can transport them separately, which is probably the safest option. Cuff them behind their backs for transport. That is an order, do not deviate from it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir,” Spencer said.
“Sure thing, Sarge,” Runyan chimed in.
“Yes, Sergeant,” both patrolmen answered.
“One more thing.” Isaac glanced at each of them. The only white one of the bunch was Jack Runyan. “Sheriff Jenkins suggested that I send all white guys for this transport. That should tell you something about the town you’re going to. Huong and Suárez, I did not request you for this assignment, but I also did not specify that I wanted white guys. Runyan and Spencer, I chose you because I know that you’re not currently working on anything pressing. But if any of you would prefer not to be put in this situation, you can speak up now and I will find someone else. No questions asked, no marks against your record.”
Lonnie Spencer shrugged his shoulders. “I’m half white. Does that count?”
Isaac grinned. “I don’t think so, Spence.”
Lonnie smiled and shrugged again like it was no big deal.
Isaac met each man’s gaze. “Anyone?”
Huong and Suárez exchanged a look.
“We’re in, Sergeant,” Huong spoke for both of them. “Might be fun showing a town full of racists that we’re not going anywhere.”
Isaac held up a hand. “Now don’t go in there looking for a fight. I want you all to be professional and above board in your dealings on this trip.”
“Don’t worry, Sarge,” Runyan spoke up. “We all understand the assignment. We will conduct ourselves in a professional manner, and we’ll have each other’s backs the entire time.”
“Yeah, we’ve got this, sir,” Spencer said.
Huong and Suárez nodding their agreement.
“All right.” Isaac looked at his watch. “It’s coming up on shift change in an hour anyway, so I want you all to get out of here and get ready. I want you on the road in one hour. Runyan, you’re the point man on this mission. I want to know when you hit the road and I want you to check in with me once you get to Washbo. Then again when you get on the road to head back home.”
“You got it, Sarge.”
They all cleared out of the office and Isaac went back to his paperwork wishing he could be on this detail making the transport run himself. And that got him wondering if Lt. Hayes ever felt that way, wishing he could be on the street again instead of behind the desk.
“Hey, Ike?”
Isaac looked up and saw Lt. John Barton standing in the doorway.
“John. Come on in.”
He held up what looked like a flash drive as he walked toward the desk.
“I was able to enhance that grainy door cam footage we discussed this morning. It’s still pretty dark, but I think we got a good enough still of the perp coming out of the Buckley house with the little boy.” He put the drive on the desk along with a picture. “I printed this out for you.”
Isaac took the printout and studied it. Turns out the perp wasn’t wearing a ski mask, as they’d first thought. But he was a dark-skinned Black man and his features were now easily distinguishable.
“This is excellent work, John. Thank you so much.”
John’s smile was big. “Just doing my job. Helping you do yours, buddy.”
“Couldn’t pull it off without you.” Isaac smiled at him. Once saving his life had broken the ice between them, all John seemed to need to maintain their new friendship was a kind word of appreciation. Isaac liked that about him.
An hour later, Isaac was in the pit when Sasha Palmer and Lynn Driscoll strolled in to begin their shift.
“Just the detectives I was waiting on,” Isaac said as he met them at their desks.
“Hey, Sarge,” Lynn smiled at him.
“What you got for us, sir?” Sasha asked.
“IT was able to enhance that door cam footage.” He pointed to the flash drive he’d set on Sasha’s desk along with the still. “And this is a picture Barton printed out from the footage. This is our man. ID him and find his ass.”
28
Sidney turned off the oven and sighed.
How was it possible that taking care of such a little boy could be so exhausting? She’d never been so tired in her life as she had been these past two days, and she hadn’t even left the house.
But she also had never felt so needed or so filled with purpose. Not even once she got the job at the shelter and started helping other abused women to get away from their abusers.
Is this what motherhood felt like? Extreme purpose?
She was contemplating that question when she heard the front door open.
Meow.
Alfred Hitchcock ran to the door to greet his favorite friend.
“Well hello there to you too, Mr. Hitchcock. How was your day today? Did you spend any quality time with our houseguest?”
Sidney understood the question.
She’d told Isaac how surprised she was to find the cat cuddled up to little Greer yesterday afternoon. The two seemed to be fast friends.
Sidney came into the living room just in time to see Isaac carry in what looked like a folded high chair. Greer got up from the floor where he’d been sitting and toddled over to her, attempting to avoid the small commotion. Sidney picked him up.
Isaac carried in a car seat and a small bag and set them both on the couch.
“Baby, what is all of this?” Sidney looked around at everything, and Ike walked over and kissed her lips.
“Well, I got word from the CSU today that they were done with the Buckley house, so when I left work, I went by there and collected a few things. The all-important high chair,” he pointed over to it. “And the car seat, which I got from the back of one of the vehicles in the garage. And I found these in the middle of the floor in BG’s room, so I thought they might be something he played with a lot.”
He pulled a set of soft, colorful blocks from the bag and held one out to Greer. The boy took it and smiled. Ike tossed the others to the floor. Then he pulled out a couple of stuffed dinosaurs and a picture book of dinosaurs.
“These were all lying on the bed. And by the way, his room had a lot of these stuffed dinosaurs in there and a dinosaur blanket, so I think he might be into those.”
Sidney took one of the dinosaurs and looked down at Greer. “Do you like dinosaurs, Baby Greer?”
The boy looked at her and then nodded.
“Yeah? Can you tell me what a dinosaur says?”
Greer seemed to think about that for a second.
“Rawr.” His little voice was unsure.
“Rawr!” Sidney roared loudly and tickled him.
Greer giggled and hid his face.
Ike chuckled. “Oh, I also found these on the dresser. Thought they might come in handy.”
He pulled out a tiny pair of tennis shoes that made Sidney want to squeal like Heather. But she held it in and reached for them.
“They’re so cute.”
“I’ll set up the high chair at the table. Something smells awfully good.”
“Dinner is ready whenever you are.”
“Just give me a few minutes.”
He set up the high chair and then went to put away his gun and get out of his work clothes. When he returned, Sidney had dinner on the table and Greer settled into his high chair.
“Wow.” Isaac sat down in his usual spot and Greer was positioned between them. “You made dinner.”
Sidney grinned. She understood his surprise. She was shocked she’d been able to pull it off herself.
“Chicken and rice casserole. Taking Bree’s advice, I discovered the time to get things done is while he’s sleeping. So during his nap today I threw the casserole together and put it in the fridge until time to bake it. Then I made the salad. After a quick fifteen-minute nap of my own, of course.” She put a few goldfish crackers onto the tray of BG’s highchair. “I think I might finally be getting the hang of this thing.”
Ike smiled at her and filled his plate with some of the casserole and a couple of warm dinner rolls. Sidney could feel his gaze on her as she put some of the cooled casserole into BG’s bowl and handed the child the spoon.
They all ate in silence for a few minutes, and Sidney thought about how to broach the subject she knew they needed to discuss.
“Ike?”
“Mmm hmm,” he mumbled around a mouthful.
“We need to talk about…” She paused and tried to decide what to say. “Well, about what happens next. With Greer, I mean.”
Isaac stared into her eyes in a way that made Sidney’s tummy quiver with nerves. What would he think of her stance on their situation?
He set his fork down, his intense grey gaze still boring into hers. “I’m actually glad you brought this up because I wanted to talk about it too.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. Sid… first, let me just say that I have never had a vision of the future haunt me for an entire year the way this one did.”
“I know that, baby.”
“I feel like that vision came to me so early because it was meant to be significant, you know? Like it was meant to stick with me for a good long while for a reason.” His words were rushed, like he had to get them out in a hurry or they wouldn’t make sense.
Sidney nodded. “And you think that reason is because Greer was meant to come into our lives.”
It was more of a statement than a question, but Isaac was shaking his head.
“No, I don’t want to say that. I mean, that implies that his parents were meant to die, and I don’t want to believe that. As a cop, I can’t believe that. But maybe it’s more like…” Ike paused, and Sidney thought maybe he was searching for the best way to describe what he was feeling. “I don’t know. Like maybe you and I were meant to come into his life at just the right time.”
That notion made Sidney smile. “The same way you were meant to come into my life exactly when I needed you.”
He smiled at her, his deep dimples connecting with her heart. Then he reached out and took her hand. “You were meant just for me, Sid. You know how truly I believe that.”
“Then maybe we were meant for him?” Her gaze flitted over to Greer, who was concentrating on putting a goldfish onto the spoon on top of his rice, and completely oblivious that they were discussing his future.
“Maybe so,” Ike answered. “I talked to Grandad about him.”
Sidney’s gaze snapped back to him. “You did? When?”
“I went to see him yesterday at lunchtime. He explained that I’m the one who created this empathic, psychic connection with Greer. He said that I somehow reached out to him on a metaphysical level or something and made a connection. Similar to what happened when I first spoke with you on the phone.”
“With me? During our wrong number calls?”
Isaac nodded.
“I remember always talking about the weird connection we felt when we first got together.” Sidney couldn’t help but smile again, and she could hear the whisper of astonishment in her own voice. “I felt so drawn to you back then. I still do.”
Still holding her hand, Isaac gave it a light squeeze. “I told Grandad once how I could almost feel your voice rumbling around inside my chest after that very first conversation we had. He said that was me forming a psychic connection with you.”
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
Greer apparently found that funny. He giggled at them, still stuffing tiny bites of chicken and rice into his mouth.
“Was that funny?” Sidney asked him.
“You like that, little man?” Isaac kissed Sidney’s hand once more, this time making a loud smacking noise.
They were rewarded with an even louder laugh.
The hand kissing went on for a few more seconds, until Greer was laughing out loud with food on his chin.
That laughter sounded like music to Sidney, and she found herself wiping a few tears. It was the first genuinely lighthearted moment they’d seen Greer experience.
Sidney looked into Isaac’s eyes. “So then, we’re on the same page here? If Irene Willis is serious about not being able to take Greer in, and there’s no one else—”
“Then we want him to stay with us,” Ike nodded. “Yes. I’m game if you are.”
Their gazes met and held for a long moment, as if they wanted to make absolutely certain that they were both serious about the step they were considering taking.
“I’ll call Ms. Hunter in the morning. See what we have to do to get Greer placed with us permanently.”
“Are we really doing this?” A tremor of terror-laced excitement rippled through her belly, and she smiled at him.
“I think we are, darlin’. We’re growing up.”
Sidney laughed, but she knew it was part nervousness. “Are we ready for that?”
“Ready or not. Here it comes.”
“And what is it exactly?”
“Parenthood?”
Isaac didn’t seem too sure of that response, and Sidney couldn’t blame him. She wasn’t sure either. But was anyone ever sure about taking the leap into parenthood?
29
The next morning, Isaac sat at the computer in the home office catching up on some of his course work while Sidney took a shower. Across the hall in the guest room, Greer slept soundly.
“Thanks, Sid. Then after you do that, don’t think about work for at least the rest of the day. That’s an order.”
Sidney smiled. “Yes, boss.”
She disconnected the call and then brought up that text chain.
Sidney:
Family logistics making things dicey
Diner meet will be a few days
Delay will be compensated
Unknown number:
Understood
Sidney set the cellphone aside with a sigh and glanced at the clock. Maybe she could get a quick power nap in to recharge her depleted batteries.
27
The paperwork never seemed to end, and Isaac wondered how much more paperwork there was behind the scenes that Lt. Hayes hadn’t tasked him with while he was away. For the most part, Isaac was actually enjoying stepping into the role of lieutenant for a few days. It was like getting to try on an article of clothing before you buy it.
Assessing the fit.
Was this job one he could wear comfortably? Longterm?
Did he even want to?
He was thinking about the answers to those questions when the desk extension rang. Isaac picked it up and put on his professional voice.
“Detective Sgt. Ike Taylor.”
“This is Sheriff Harold Jenkins down in Washbo, Virginia. I believe that I have the two suspects you’re looking for in the BOLO you issued yesterday.”
A zing of excitement zipped down Isaac’s spine.
The thrill of catching his bad guys pounded in his chest.
“You have them in custody, Sheriff?”
“No, sir. But I know where I can lay my hands on ’em.” Sheriff Jenkins’ drawl was as thick and Southern as the Confederate flag. “They’re hiding out here in my town, and I’d like to know how you want to proceed.”
“And you’re certain it’s the two suspects named in my BOLO order?”
“Eric Bruce and Ronnie Coulter. I know who they are. They’re no strangers in my town, Detective Sergeant. I can take ’em into custody and hold ’em for transport if you want to come get ’em.”
“Yes, sir. I can get someone on the road within the hour.” Isaac began mentally clicking through the roster of detective teams and what cases they were each working on at the moment.
“Well, just a friendly piece of advice?” Jenkins offered.
“What’s that, sir?”
“You be sure to send white boys on this transport duty, you hear? Washbo doesn’t like outsiders much, if you get my meaning.”
Isaac knew exactly what the man was getting at, and although he was shocked to hear it, the advice did bring up a question that he couldn’t stop himself from asking.
“If that’s the case, Sheriff… I can’t help but wonder why are you turning Bruce and Coulter in?”
Jenkins hesitated for half a beat. “Well, just between you and me?”
“Of course, sir.”
“I may or may not share those views. That’s nobody’s business, but mine. However, I absolutely will not harbor cop killers. Or even potential cop killers. How’s your man up there? Is he going to make it?”
Isaac shook his head. How was it possible to be both repulsed by and respectful of the same man?
“Yes, sir, he is. But the doctor called it a minor miracle.”
“That’s fine. I’m glad to hear it.”
Jenkins sounded sincere, and Isaac wondered if he’d feel the same if he knew that Pete was Puerto Rican. Or maybe the only color this man saw was blue. It was all such a mystery to Isaac.
“Well, your suspects will be waiting in my jail. It’s the only one in Washbo, so you can’t miss us.”
“Thank you so much, Sheriff. I do appreciate it.”
“Uh huh.”
The line went dead and Isaac hung up the phone. Then he called down to Patrol and requested a two man car for the overnight assignment. When that was done and the two patrolmen — one Asian, one Latino — were in the office, Isaac called detectives Jack Runyan and Lonnie Spencer to the office as well.
“What’s up, Sarge?” Runyan asked when they came in. He eyed the two patrolmen and Isaac could see the curiosity on all their faces.
“I’ve got an assignment for the four of you. I just got a call from a Sheriff Harold Jenkins in Washbo, Virginia. Our two hate crime co-conspirators are lying low in his town, and he’s willing to pick them up and hold them for transport. I need you to go get them.”
He looked each of them in the eyes and when he didn’t see any pushback he continued.
“It’s a sixteen hour drive round trip, and with these two men — who are considered armed and very dangerous — I wouldn’t make too many stops on the way back if I was you. Two cars means you can transport them separately, which is probably the safest option. Cuff them behind their backs for transport. That is an order, do not deviate from it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir,” Spencer said.
“Sure thing, Sarge,” Runyan chimed in.
“Yes, Sergeant,” both patrolmen answered.
“One more thing.” Isaac glanced at each of them. The only white one of the bunch was Jack Runyan. “Sheriff Jenkins suggested that I send all white guys for this transport. That should tell you something about the town you’re going to. Huong and Suárez, I did not request you for this assignment, but I also did not specify that I wanted white guys. Runyan and Spencer, I chose you because I know that you’re not currently working on anything pressing. But if any of you would prefer not to be put in this situation, you can speak up now and I will find someone else. No questions asked, no marks against your record.”
Lonnie Spencer shrugged his shoulders. “I’m half white. Does that count?”
Isaac grinned. “I don’t think so, Spence.”
Lonnie smiled and shrugged again like it was no big deal.
Isaac met each man’s gaze. “Anyone?”
Huong and Suárez exchanged a look.
“We’re in, Sergeant,” Huong spoke for both of them. “Might be fun showing a town full of racists that we’re not going anywhere.”
Isaac held up a hand. “Now don’t go in there looking for a fight. I want you all to be professional and above board in your dealings on this trip.”
“Don’t worry, Sarge,” Runyan spoke up. “We all understand the assignment. We will conduct ourselves in a professional manner, and we’ll have each other’s backs the entire time.”
“Yeah, we’ve got this, sir,” Spencer said.
Huong and Suárez nodding their agreement.
“All right.” Isaac looked at his watch. “It’s coming up on shift change in an hour anyway, so I want you all to get out of here and get ready. I want you on the road in one hour. Runyan, you’re the point man on this mission. I want to know when you hit the road and I want you to check in with me once you get to Washbo. Then again when you get on the road to head back home.”
“You got it, Sarge.”
They all cleared out of the office and Isaac went back to his paperwork wishing he could be on this detail making the transport run himself. And that got him wondering if Lt. Hayes ever felt that way, wishing he could be on the street again instead of behind the desk.
“Hey, Ike?”
Isaac looked up and saw Lt. John Barton standing in the doorway.
“John. Come on in.”
He held up what looked like a flash drive as he walked toward the desk.
“I was able to enhance that grainy door cam footage we discussed this morning. It’s still pretty dark, but I think we got a good enough still of the perp coming out of the Buckley house with the little boy.” He put the drive on the desk along with a picture. “I printed this out for you.”
Isaac took the printout and studied it. Turns out the perp wasn’t wearing a ski mask, as they’d first thought. But he was a dark-skinned Black man and his features were now easily distinguishable.
“This is excellent work, John. Thank you so much.”
John’s smile was big. “Just doing my job. Helping you do yours, buddy.”
“Couldn’t pull it off without you.” Isaac smiled at him. Once saving his life had broken the ice between them, all John seemed to need to maintain their new friendship was a kind word of appreciation. Isaac liked that about him.
An hour later, Isaac was in the pit when Sasha Palmer and Lynn Driscoll strolled in to begin their shift.
“Just the detectives I was waiting on,” Isaac said as he met them at their desks.
“Hey, Sarge,” Lynn smiled at him.
“What you got for us, sir?” Sasha asked.
“IT was able to enhance that door cam footage.” He pointed to the flash drive he’d set on Sasha’s desk along with the still. “And this is a picture Barton printed out from the footage. This is our man. ID him and find his ass.”
28
Sidney turned off the oven and sighed.
How was it possible that taking care of such a little boy could be so exhausting? She’d never been so tired in her life as she had been these past two days, and she hadn’t even left the house.
But she also had never felt so needed or so filled with purpose. Not even once she got the job at the shelter and started helping other abused women to get away from their abusers.
Is this what motherhood felt like? Extreme purpose?
She was contemplating that question when she heard the front door open.
Meow.
Alfred Hitchcock ran to the door to greet his favorite friend.
“Well hello there to you too, Mr. Hitchcock. How was your day today? Did you spend any quality time with our houseguest?”
Sidney understood the question.
She’d told Isaac how surprised she was to find the cat cuddled up to little Greer yesterday afternoon. The two seemed to be fast friends.
Sidney came into the living room just in time to see Isaac carry in what looked like a folded high chair. Greer got up from the floor where he’d been sitting and toddled over to her, attempting to avoid the small commotion. Sidney picked him up.
Isaac carried in a car seat and a small bag and set them both on the couch.
“Baby, what is all of this?” Sidney looked around at everything, and Ike walked over and kissed her lips.
“Well, I got word from the CSU today that they were done with the Buckley house, so when I left work, I went by there and collected a few things. The all-important high chair,” he pointed over to it. “And the car seat, which I got from the back of one of the vehicles in the garage. And I found these in the middle of the floor in BG’s room, so I thought they might be something he played with a lot.”
He pulled a set of soft, colorful blocks from the bag and held one out to Greer. The boy took it and smiled. Ike tossed the others to the floor. Then he pulled out a couple of stuffed dinosaurs and a picture book of dinosaurs.
“These were all lying on the bed. And by the way, his room had a lot of these stuffed dinosaurs in there and a dinosaur blanket, so I think he might be into those.”
Sidney took one of the dinosaurs and looked down at Greer. “Do you like dinosaurs, Baby Greer?”
The boy looked at her and then nodded.
“Yeah? Can you tell me what a dinosaur says?”
Greer seemed to think about that for a second.
“Rawr.” His little voice was unsure.
“Rawr!” Sidney roared loudly and tickled him.
Greer giggled and hid his face.
Ike chuckled. “Oh, I also found these on the dresser. Thought they might come in handy.”
He pulled out a tiny pair of tennis shoes that made Sidney want to squeal like Heather. But she held it in and reached for them.
“They’re so cute.”
“I’ll set up the high chair at the table. Something smells awfully good.”
“Dinner is ready whenever you are.”
“Just give me a few minutes.”
He set up the high chair and then went to put away his gun and get out of his work clothes. When he returned, Sidney had dinner on the table and Greer settled into his high chair.
“Wow.” Isaac sat down in his usual spot and Greer was positioned between them. “You made dinner.”
Sidney grinned. She understood his surprise. She was shocked she’d been able to pull it off herself.
“Chicken and rice casserole. Taking Bree’s advice, I discovered the time to get things done is while he’s sleeping. So during his nap today I threw the casserole together and put it in the fridge until time to bake it. Then I made the salad. After a quick fifteen-minute nap of my own, of course.” She put a few goldfish crackers onto the tray of BG’s highchair. “I think I might finally be getting the hang of this thing.”
Ike smiled at her and filled his plate with some of the casserole and a couple of warm dinner rolls. Sidney could feel his gaze on her as she put some of the cooled casserole into BG’s bowl and handed the child the spoon.
They all ate in silence for a few minutes, and Sidney thought about how to broach the subject she knew they needed to discuss.
“Ike?”
“Mmm hmm,” he mumbled around a mouthful.
“We need to talk about…” She paused and tried to decide what to say. “Well, about what happens next. With Greer, I mean.”
Isaac stared into her eyes in a way that made Sidney’s tummy quiver with nerves. What would he think of her stance on their situation?
He set his fork down, his intense grey gaze still boring into hers. “I’m actually glad you brought this up because I wanted to talk about it too.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. Sid… first, let me just say that I have never had a vision of the future haunt me for an entire year the way this one did.”
“I know that, baby.”
“I feel like that vision came to me so early because it was meant to be significant, you know? Like it was meant to stick with me for a good long while for a reason.” His words were rushed, like he had to get them out in a hurry or they wouldn’t make sense.
Sidney nodded. “And you think that reason is because Greer was meant to come into our lives.”
It was more of a statement than a question, but Isaac was shaking his head.
“No, I don’t want to say that. I mean, that implies that his parents were meant to die, and I don’t want to believe that. As a cop, I can’t believe that. But maybe it’s more like…” Ike paused, and Sidney thought maybe he was searching for the best way to describe what he was feeling. “I don’t know. Like maybe you and I were meant to come into his life at just the right time.”
That notion made Sidney smile. “The same way you were meant to come into my life exactly when I needed you.”
He smiled at her, his deep dimples connecting with her heart. Then he reached out and took her hand. “You were meant just for me, Sid. You know how truly I believe that.”
“Then maybe we were meant for him?” Her gaze flitted over to Greer, who was concentrating on putting a goldfish onto the spoon on top of his rice, and completely oblivious that they were discussing his future.
“Maybe so,” Ike answered. “I talked to Grandad about him.”
Sidney’s gaze snapped back to him. “You did? When?”
“I went to see him yesterday at lunchtime. He explained that I’m the one who created this empathic, psychic connection with Greer. He said that I somehow reached out to him on a metaphysical level or something and made a connection. Similar to what happened when I first spoke with you on the phone.”
“With me? During our wrong number calls?”
Isaac nodded.
“I remember always talking about the weird connection we felt when we first got together.” Sidney couldn’t help but smile again, and she could hear the whisper of astonishment in her own voice. “I felt so drawn to you back then. I still do.”
Still holding her hand, Isaac gave it a light squeeze. “I told Grandad once how I could almost feel your voice rumbling around inside my chest after that very first conversation we had. He said that was me forming a psychic connection with you.”
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
Greer apparently found that funny. He giggled at them, still stuffing tiny bites of chicken and rice into his mouth.
“Was that funny?” Sidney asked him.
“You like that, little man?” Isaac kissed Sidney’s hand once more, this time making a loud smacking noise.
They were rewarded with an even louder laugh.
The hand kissing went on for a few more seconds, until Greer was laughing out loud with food on his chin.
That laughter sounded like music to Sidney, and she found herself wiping a few tears. It was the first genuinely lighthearted moment they’d seen Greer experience.
Sidney looked into Isaac’s eyes. “So then, we’re on the same page here? If Irene Willis is serious about not being able to take Greer in, and there’s no one else—”
“Then we want him to stay with us,” Ike nodded. “Yes. I’m game if you are.”
Their gazes met and held for a long moment, as if they wanted to make absolutely certain that they were both serious about the step they were considering taking.
“I’ll call Ms. Hunter in the morning. See what we have to do to get Greer placed with us permanently.”
“Are we really doing this?” A tremor of terror-laced excitement rippled through her belly, and she smiled at him.
“I think we are, darlin’. We’re growing up.”
Sidney laughed, but she knew it was part nervousness. “Are we ready for that?”
“Ready or not. Here it comes.”
“And what is it exactly?”
“Parenthood?”
Isaac didn’t seem too sure of that response, and Sidney couldn’t blame him. She wasn’t sure either. But was anyone ever sure about taking the leap into parenthood?
29
The next morning, Isaac sat at the computer in the home office catching up on some of his course work while Sidney took a shower. Across the hall in the guest room, Greer slept soundly.
