Page 4

CHAPTER 4

Willow

“No. No, I’ve got to leave. Oh god, I have to get away.” He’s got his arm around my back and is leading me down a side street. They’ve found me.

“We’ve got you. We’ll keep you safe. Do you know what that was about?”

It’s too dark to see his expression, but somehow, I feel his concern. “No. I—I don’t know. Look, I need to go, I—I’ll be late. But I’ll need to see your driver’s license to make sure you are who you say. Then I’ll let you take Eizlee.”

“We’re almost at my car.” Another block and he stops in front of a sleek SUV.

The other man puts Eizlee’s bag in the cargo area then opens the back door. A car seat is already secured in the middle, with a pink elephant stuffy in the seat.

Tears run down my cheeks. It’s going to be okay. He’s going to take care of my little love. She’ll be safer with him. My heart is breaking. This is it. I’ll never see her again.

He pulls out his wallet and hands me his driver’s license using the flashlight on his phone so I can see. His picture is without the beard he’s sporting now, but his eyes. The eyes are the same. As if guessing my concern, he pulls out his military Id that shows him with the beard.

I nod. “Thank you. I just want to make sure she’s going to be safe.”

“Are you the babysitter? Were you watching Eizlee Jane the night my sister was killed? Do you know what really happened?”

“I—I can’t. I’ve got to go.”

“Please tell me what you know. For Eizlee Jane’s sake.”

I shake my head. The less he knows... “You don’t live here. Just take her away. She’ll be safe with you.”

“What’s your name?”

“Get in the car both of you. We’ve got company.” The big man comes up behind me and ushers me toward the open door, Eizlee still in my arms. I stumble inside, landing sideways on the seat. He slams the door behind me and climbs behind the wheel.

Diesel, circles the car, jumping in the front passenger seat as the big man starts pulling away.

I glance out the blackened window I see six men running down the block toward where we’d been. Two of them are carrying what look like pipes.

“Get her in the car seat. I want both of you strapped in if we need to make quick maneuvers,” Diesel says.

Eizlee starts to cry harder as I fasten her in. “It’s okay, sweetie. You’re fine. Look at the new stuffy. Oh, so cuddly, just like you. You want sippy, too?”

Snuffling, she nods and reaches for the toy as I rifle thought her bag for her drink.

“Wan’ Mama.”

“I know sweetheart. I know.” Once she’s settled, I glance up. That’s when I realize there’s now a glass separating the back from the front like in a limousine.

Vicky never told me much about her brother other than he was a good guy, in the military and would take care of Eizlee Jane if something happened to her. His lips are moving, then he turns his head and glances back at us before looking at his friend. A few seconds later the divider slides down.

“You two okay?”

“Yes. Where are we? Can you drop me off…” Oh hell they’ll be watching bus stations, and I don’t have anything to disguise myself. Where can I even have them drop me?

“I think it’s best if you stay with us for a little while. Those men were looking for you and about to grab the two of you. Until we know why, I don’t think either of you are safe. I could also use some advice and instruction on Eizlee. I saw her at Christmas, but I’ve been told things change so quickly at this age. Please, give me just a little help, a little time.”

His sincerity wins me over. Maybe letting things die down for a couple hours would be a good idea. I nod.

It feels like we drive forever before we pull into a private garage under a high-rise. Diesel grabs Eizlee’s bag and my backpack, I carry her, and we all follow the big guy to the elevator. He swipes a fob and then keys in a code. The elevator ride is so smooth you don’t even feel the motion or the pause when it stops, and the doors slide open revealing another door across a wide hall. He uses his palm print and a code. The door swings open to reveal a large room.

I gasp, struck by the captivating view of the city from the wall of windows. Crossing the room, I look out at the city in a way I’ve never seen it before. This is the beautiful part you don’t see on the street.

Diesel comes to stand behind me, both of us and Eizlee are reflected in the glass. Like a family. Never for me , I remind myself and turn away. “It looks so beautiful from up here.”

He scowls, “Yeah, until you look under the glitter and see all the grime.”

“Not a fan?” I can’t help but ask.

“Couldn’t wait to get out of here.”

Turning I glance around at what I can see of the very opulent apartment. “Where are we?”

The big guy looks up. “This is my place. Company uses it for a safe house when we need. It’s secure. The three of you will be staying here for…” he glances at Diesel, “as long as you need.”

He walks closer and holds out his hand. “I’m Diego by the way. And you are?”

“Willow,” taking his extended hand, I respond without thinking. Damn. I was going to use a fake name.

“Diesel’s already been staying here, and we have a bed set up for Eizlee,” Diego continues. “Why don’t you two get her settled, then the three of us can talk.”

Diesel grabs Eizlee’s bag and I follow him down the hall. There are three doors on each side. He taps the first door on the left. “This is my room.”

Next is a bathroom, followed by another bedroom. He turns on the light before placing the bag next to a small bed. There’s a crib with the front bars gone, a changing table, dresser, and a rocker.

“I wasn’t sure if Vicky had transitioned Eizlee to a youth bed yet,” he explains. “She’d been talking about it at Christmas when I stayed with her. We took off the front panel of Eizlee’s crib because she’d been trying to climb out so I did the same here. He points to a box of diapers. “Hope those will fit.”

“They will. I packed all the things I had at my place for you. A few diapers, clothes, shoes, bowls, sippy cups and such. There’s some treats and stuff like cereal. I kept a journal so Vicky would know what I’d fed her. That’s in the bag, too.”

He takes Eizlee from me and snuggles her. “How’s my big girl?”

She grabs his beard and tugs. “Wan’ Mama.”

“Me too, sweetheart. Me too.” His voice sounds choked.

I watch as he changes her, talking softly the whole time. Her eyes are drooping, but she’s fighting sleep. Once done, he dims the light and cuddles her and the new stuffy while swaying from side to side. Soon she’s out and he lays her in the crib with a bumper pillow on the outside so she can’t accidentally roll off the bed, although the one-foot drop would not harm her.

Whether it’s intentional or not, he’s showing me that he does have her best interest at heart. I hope it’s true, my judgement with men hasn’t always been the best.

Back in the hall he motions to the next door. “There’s another bedroom and bath on the other side of Eizlee. Why don’t I put your bag in there for now.”

Diego is on the phone when we return to the kitchen area and hangs up as we approach. He nods to cups on the counter and a plate of cheese, crackers and fruit.

“This guy can mainline coffee all day,” he nods to Diesel, “but I wasn’t sure if you’d prefer tea or juice,” he says looking at me. “So the kettle is also warmed.”

“I should be going.”

“You have to be exhausted. Take a few minutes to rest, maybe refuel. It won’t hurt. You should stay the night and start fresh in the morning.”

“I have a few questions if you don’t mind,” Diesel says pouring himself a coffee.