Well, baby, she cooed to Adam, I said I wanted adventure. Guess I should be careful what I wish for, huh?
Adam laughed and made a grab for her earring. She was glad he was too young to understand, too young to share the insidious fear that had crept into every cell of her body.
Broke, homeless, jobless and with a child to support. What a mess shed gotten herself into.
Chapter Three
Luke watched from a distance, lurking in the shadows at the marina behind a houseboat. Hed heard a rumor that Cindy and Adam were living here on her parents old boat, but he had to see for himself.
Sure enough, the canvas cover had been removed from the old cuddy, which was called the Cindy-LouCindys childhood nickname. It looked as if someone had cleaned the worst of the grime off the boat. Carlo Bruno, the marina manager, had told Luke the boat had been docked here for years, with only the lightest routine maintenance to keep it from sinking.
He saw no other signs of life. He decided it was his official duty to check on Cindy again and to keep checking on her until he was sure she was okay. Shed been in a fragile state when hed seen her a few days ago.
He remembered a time when his own mother had been in a similar fix. Hed been about four at the time, and his mom had been evicted from her grungy apartment in Tyler. Theyd been forced to live in the car for a while. He remembered a highway-patrol officer shining a flashlight into the car, where theyd been parked in a parking lot trying to sleep, bundled up in blankets. And this upstanding law-enforcement officer, sworn to serve and protect, had told them without an ounce of concern that they would have to move on, that it was illegal to sleep there.
He wished someone had tried to help his mother back then, when she hadnt yet been beyond help.
At any rate, he wasnt going to be like that state trooper.
He stepped on board and knocked on the hatch. It suddenly occurred to him hed spent a lot of his life knocking on doors, waiting for Cindy. Even when shed been in love with him, shed always kept him waiting.
Eventually the hatch opened. He was gratified to see that Cindy looked much better than she had a few days ago. No puffy eyes. Her hair was sparkling clean and pulled back in a loose braid, and she wore jeans and a pale pink T-shirt, the V-neck showing just a hint of cleavage. Shed put on a little weight, he noticed. And it was in all the right places.
What are you doing here? she asked suspiciously.
I heard you and Adam were living here. I just wanted to see how you were doing.
Im fine. Everythings fine. You can tell that to all the town gossips. Man, they must be having a field day with this.
Cindy, if you think your friends and neighbors are getting enjoyment out of your bad luck, youre wrong. Everyone who knows you is worried. Can I come in?
With a careless shrug, she retreated down the short staircase and he followed. The boat wasnt as bad as hed feared. Shed obviously been cleaning, because the whole place smelled like oranges.
You want some coffee? she offered grudgingly. Its instant, not like what I serve at the café, but the caffeine still works.
Sure, Ill have some. Wheres Adam?
Still asleep. Weve been busy the last couple of days trying to get settled in here.
She moved into the tiny galley, which was only a couple of steps away. In fact, nothing was more than two steps away. It was a cute and cozy boat, hed give it that. The carpeting and upholstery all looked new, the paint surprisingly fresh. Everything was tidy and efficientexcept for the stack of boxes shoved to one side of the living room.
Moments later, Cindy handed him a steaming cup of black coffee.
What, no biscuit with honey?
You know, a few days ago I was complaining about all the biscuits I had to bake. Now Id give anything to be back in that stifling kitchen with flour all over my hands.
Maybe you can get it back.
How? I dont even know where to start.
To start, you need to talk with Sonya and Brenna.
You mean theyre still here?
Theyre trying to pick up as much information as they can about Marvin, but they dont have much without you.
Im not sure what the point is. She sank onto one of the miniature built-in sofas opposite him and sipped on her own coffee. Everything I know about him is a lie, apparently.
But maybe not. Con men often use bits and pieces of the truth to make themselves sound more authentic. You might know more than you think. For instance, his car. You spent a lot of time in it. Do you recall the license plate or any distinguishing features like dents or scratches? We might be able to trace him that way.
Cindys brow furrowed. It all seems like a blur. But Ill try to remember.
Talk to the ladies.
Oh, all right.
He hesitated to press her further, but there were questions he had to ask. Cindy, what are you going to do? You cant live here.
Why not? I have a kitchen. She pointed to the one-burner stove, a single cabinet and about one square foot of counter space. I have a bathroom. She indicated a closed door marked Head, which probably housed only a marine toilet and sinkno bathing facilities.
Where do you sleep?
Theres a compartment in the bow. You can see for yourself.
I dont want to wake Adam if hes
Its really time he got up.
Luke put down his coffee and worked his way to the front of the boat. He had to stoop slightlyhe couldnt even stand upright, the ceiling was so low. He pushed open a couple of louvered doors and found himself in the bedrooma tiny triangular area with sheets and blankets spread out over oddly shaped cushions. Adam was already awake, sitting up in bed, looking out the porthole. Most babies he knew of started screaming the instant they awoke. But from what hed seen of Adam, he was an easygoing kid.
Hey, there, sport, he said softly. Adam turned and studied Luke, appearing neither scared nor pleased to see him. More curious. I bet youre ready for some breakfast.
Do you mind bringing him out? Cindy asked.
If hell let me. But when Luke reached for Adam, the baby held his arms out, perfectly accepting. Not that Luke was a complete stranger. But the baby had seen him up close maybe half a dozen times in his young life. Luke wrapped his arms securely around Adams warm body, dressed snugly in Carters pajamas. Adam babbled happily and snuggled against Luke.
Luke felt an odd sensation holding that baby. If things had gone the way hed once hoped, Cindys child would also be his child. Theyd have had a houseful by now.
Theres my little man, Cindy said with a dopey, maternal smile, holding out her arms. Bet you need a diaper change. She glanced at Luke as she took the baby. Dont worry, Ill open some portholes first.
He laughed. Im not worried. You want me to get you a diaper?
She pointed to a box of disposables and a container of baby wipes, and she proceeded to efficiently change Adams diaper.
Where do you bathe? Luke blurted out. Though it sounded as if he was being nosy, this really was his business, he told himself.
The marina has a very nice bathroom with showers and everything.
So Adams a shower man.
Hes learning. We shower together.
Luke didnt want to dwell on the image that popped into his mind.
Cindyyou cant stay here.
Why not? Were managing just fine. Anyway, its only temporary, just until I figure out what to do.
Does this place have any heat?
No. But the weathers very mild right now.
Its October. You know the weather can change in a heartbeat.
Ill deal with that problem when I come to it.
They were saved from further argument by another knock on the hatch. For a moment, Cindy had a look on her face that reminded Luke of a scared rabbit.
You want me to get that?
Would you, please? She was just snapping up Adams pajamas. And if its those women, tell them Ill talk to them when Im ready, not before, she added crossly.
Luke climbed the steps and unfastened the barrel bolt. He pushed the hatch outward and found himself staring into the round, brown eyes of an attractive African-American woman wearing a worn sweaterdress, white stockings and scuffed black pumps. Not exactly boating clothes.
She smiled uncertainly. Hi, Im Beverly Hicks. Im looking for a Cindy Lefler?
Alarm bells went off in Lukes head. The womans appearance and demeanor screamed one thing to himgovernment employee. Required to dress up for work but not paid enough to look slick or stylish. Polite demeanor with just a hint of authority.
Youve got the right place, Luke said. Keeping her out wasnt going to help Cindy in the long run.
How can I help you? Cindy said coolly.
Im from Social Services. Ive had a report that youre living with a baby on this boat. Beverly Hicks looked pointedly at Adam, then at the stack of boxes.
Damn. The social worker had picked the worst possible time to show upwhen the boat was redolent with a used Huggie. Luke grabbed the plastic bag that held the old diaper. Ill take care of this. Hed seen a trash barrel on the dock and he exited the boat in search of it.
When he returned, Beverly was going through the same list of questions Luke had just asked Cindybathroom facilities, sleeping arrangements, heating and cooling. And she apparently didnt like the answers she was getting, judging from the frown and the decisive way she scribbled on a form attached to a clipboard.
Cindy wasnt exactly helping matters with her confrontational attitude, either.
Ms. Hicks, does this baby look neglected or abused to you?
Adam, at that moment, was bouncing on Cindys knee, laughing as if this were the greatest entertainment in the world. Anyone could see he was happy, plump and healthy, dressed in clean clothes that fit him well.
No, he looks very happy, Beverly agreed. But I have to follow the guidelines, she added, not without sympathy. Someone made a complaint about you.
Who? Cindy shot back. Who complained?
I have to keep that information confidential. But I have to ascertain that certain criteria are being met. And clearly they arent. The baby doesnt even have his own bed.
He sleeps with me. Lots of parents let their little ones sleep in their bed.
But the rules state the child has to have his own bed. And a place to bathe. And heat.
Oh, boy, Luke thought. He didnt like the sounds of this.
This is only temporary, Luke put in. He extended his hand to the social worker. Im Deputy Sheriff Luke Rheems. I can vouch for Cindyshes a really great mother.
Beverly shook his hand, silently appraising him. Im sure Ms. Lefler does the very best she can. Still, these arrangements arent satisfactory. Adam is ambulatory. He could wake up, walk outside, fall off the boat and drown.
That would never happen! Cindy objected.
Nevertheless, Im afraid Ill have to take temporary custody of Adam. Well put him in foster care until you can make other living arrangements that meet the states requirements.
Cindy looked horrified. She wrapped her arms around Adam. You are not taking my baby. No. No way.
Beverly looked at Luke, pleading for understanding. Youre in law enforcement. You understand how these laws work, dont you?
Unfortunately he did. But he agreed totally with Cindy. No way was Adam going into foster care. The mere thought of what could happen to a baby dropped into the hands of supposedly caring, qualified strangers made that instant coffee hed drunk churn bitterly in his stomach.
There must be some other way to deal with this, Cindy said, obviously struggling not to lose her cool completely.
Well, if theres a qualified relative he could stay with, Beverly said. What about the father? Is he in the picture?
Cindy opened her mouth to answer, no doubt about to inform Beverly that the father was deceased. But Luke beat her to the punch.
Actually, Im Adams father, he said. Cindy and I were just discussing the possibility of Adam coming to live with me for a while until she can pull things together. He hadnt planned to tell such a whopper. It had just come out of his mouth, naturally as could be.
Cindys jaw dropped, a denial ready, but Beverly smiled, obviously relieved. Oh. Well, why didnt you say so? Thats a different situation altogether. You two are on amicable terms, then?
Oh, yes, Luke answered quickly to keep Beverlys attention on him. Cindy was still gaping in shock, but so far she hadnt objected aloud.
Do you have experience caring for a baby? Beverly asked suspiciously, obviously doubting that this big, strapping lawman knew the difference between a diaper and a pacifier.
Oh, yes, maam. I grew up in a foster home with lots of kids. I got real good at the diaper changing and bottle warming. As if to emphasize the point, he picked up Adam and cuddled him, knowing he would look perfectly natural and comfortable with the babyand that Adam wouldnt object.
Beverly nodded. What sort of child-care arrangements could you make while youre working? she asked, taking notes now.
My motherwell, shes my foster motherlives nearby. Shes retired and I know shed love taking care of Adam while Im at work.
Beverly looked expectantly at Cindy, who had managed to school her face. Is this arrangement satisfactory to you?
Its not ideal, she said. But Id rather that than foster care.
Beverlys eyes flickered with worry. Do you have concerns about Deputy Rheemss ability to adequately care for Adam?
Cindy shook her head. No. Hes very responsible. Its justoh, never mind. Its fine.
Beverly smiled. Very good, then. Ill get some information from you, then Ill check back in a day or two to make sure everythings A-OK.
Thank you, Luke said, meaning it. Beverly took down some pertinent information about himaddress, phone, work schedule, his foster mothers name and address. Then she turned her attention back to Cindy.
Now, then. Is there anything I can do to help you? Do you need food? Diapers?
Im not some welfare mother, Cindy said indignantly. Ive always paid my own way and Ill continue to do so.