A Texas Child

by Linda Warren

Evidently, he was talking to Valerie and she should tiptoe away and let him have his privacy. She didn’t understand why she couldn’t make her feet move.

  “I’m at Myra Delgado’s, guarding her and the baby.”

  A long pause.

  “No. That’s not part of my job. Why are you grilling me?”

  Another long pause.

  “Yes, I dated Myra years ago, but now we’re just acquaintances trying to help a good friend and his daughter. That’s all it is. You have no reason to be jealous.”

  This time the silence lasted so long she thought he’d ended the call.

  “I’ll be home soon and we’ll have a really long weekend....What? Where am I sleeping? Come on, Val. You’re not that paranoid.”

  Finally, good manners and common sense chimed in. She went back to her room, pulled back the comforter and sheet and crawled in. Acquaintances? They were acquaintances. It took her a moment to digest that, but after all they’d been through, she supposed it was a good description. Two acquaintances who had loved deeply, created a child together and parted badly. There was no way to resurrect all those feelings that had torn them apart. Nor did she want to.

  Thinking that, she had to surmise her feelings for Levi were now a result of guilt. Guilt she couldn’t shake. Guilt kept her company at the oddest of times. And guilt that she’d made all the wrong choices for all the right reasons. How did she shake the annoying guilt?

  Seeing Levi again hadn’t done it. Talking to him hadn’t accomplished it and baring her soul had only deepened the guilt. So where did she go from here? Levi had moved on and she had to do the same.

  In the past seven years, she’d dated, but no one came close to touching her heart like Levi had. How did she forget his smile? His touch? His love? She flipped over and buried her face in her pillow. Maybe she was destined to love him forever. While he loved someone else.

  Oh, please, she wasn’t that neurotic. She was just feeling lonely, an emotion that seemed to be a part of her. That’s why she worked so many long hours—to avoid the loneliness of coming home to an empty apartment. Coming home to nothing but thoughts of him.

  She flipped back over. “Pity party over.” The situation with Natalie was making her overly sensitive. Tomorrow was a new day and Natalie would get better. She had to.

  There was still the matter of Marco coming after her and Daniel. She had to concentrate on their safety and forget about all those old feelings Levi had awakened.

  How did she do that?

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  DANIEL WOKE UP twice during the night, crying. Levi picked him up, gave him his pacifier and cuddled him for a minute and he went right back to sleep. The little guy’s whole world had been turned upside down and it would take time for him to get back into a normal routine.

  Levi was up at five and made coffee. Then he put clothes in to wash. He wasn’t going one more day without clean underwear or socks. By the time Myra came down, he and Daniel were dressed and he had the baby fed. His breakfast was leftover pizza. He had no idea what kind of mood she would be in this morning. Last night was a whole new Myra to him.

  The woman he’d known was confident and strong, and insecurity was an ugly word to her. But the cracks in her facade were very visible. It was nice to see her vulnerability, but not so nice when she took her frustrations out on him.

  “Daniel’s dressed,” she commented.

  He glanced over to her. She was dressed as she normally would for work in heels, a black skirt that came demurely above her knees and a tan blouse that had some kind of frilly ruffles on the front.

  “Yes,” he replied. “I even washed my clothes and some of Daniel’s.” He rested his hands on his hips. “Superdude and all, you know.”

  “I’m sorry about...” She glanced at Daniel to avoid looking at Levi. “I was a little stressed out last night.”

  “A little?”

  Her eyes swung back to him. “I’m worried about Natalie and today and Marco and everything else. It’s just a little too much.”

  “It’s good to know you have some limits.”

  Before she could retort, Daniel pulled up in the Pack ’N Play and held out his arms to her. “Mmm. Mmm. Mmm,” he mumbled.

  Levi couldn’t figure out the expression on Myra’s face. She appeared surprised that Daniel wanted her to hold him. She couldn’t be that insecure.

  “Good morning,” she murmured to Daniel, picking him up. “How did he sleep?” she asked Levi.

  “He was awake twice, but went back down easily.”

  Daniel twisted his head and smiled at Levi, holding out his arms.

  Myra’s expression changed. This time she looked hurt. A lot was going on with her and they didn’t have time to get into it now. They had to go to the hospital.

  “I didn’t pack his diaper bag or his food.”

  “I’ll do it.” She walked into the kitchen and Levi stared after her, perplexed by her behavior.

  “We have time if you want to eat something,” he said.

  “I couldn’t eat a thing,” she replied, filling Daniel’s bag with diapers and food from the box they’d brought from Natalie’s.

  Levi’s cell buzzed and he shifted Daniel in his arms to answer it. It was Tom about the schedule for the day. He talked for a minute and clicked off.

  “I told Tom we were getting ready to leave.”

  “I heard you.”

  Damn, she was still in a testy mood. It was like dial-a-mood with her these days.

  “I’ll take Daniel to the car and strap him in first. We don’t want to stand out in the open too long.”

  “Okay,” she replied without any fuss.

  They got in the car and headed for the hospital. Levi drove and Myra seemed lost within herself. Clearly, conversation was not welcome. He really hoped this day went well for Myra and the Stevens family.

  Tom had arranged for them to go in the back way and it was relatively easy and out of sight. He got Daniel’s stroller out of the trunk, which was easier for Daniel, too.

  There were two guards and Levi recognized them immediately. Since he was in the business, he could pick them out without a problem. One went up with them in the elevator. They didn’t speak. There was no need. He was there to guard them. Another stood in the hall as they got off the elevator.

  Stu and his orderly waited for them in a room. The hospital administration was aware of the danger, so they were taking special measures to keep everyone safe. Stu was very pale, almost gasping for breath. The morning would be rough on him, too. Levi pushed Daniel to his grandfather and the baby babbled, slapping the front of the stroller.

  “Hey, son,” Stu said, leaning over to ruffle the baby’s hair.

  “Have you heard anything?” Myra asked, sitting next to Stu.

  “No. We just got here.”

  “I can go check,” Levi offered, but before he could move, a doctor came into the room. Levi pushed the stroller out of the way.

  The doctor shook hands with everyone. “I’m sorry, Dr. Grossman has an emergency in the E.R. so we’ll be delayed about an hour.”

  “Dr. March, how’s my girl this morning?” Stu asked.

  “As I told you before, Mr. Stevens, your daughter took quite a beating to her head and to her chest. Problems could pop up at any time. But we’re being positive. She’s young and will heal quickly. Her tests are improving as are her brain functions. That’s the reason for removing the ventilator. Say a prayer and hope for the best.”

  “Thank you. We’ll keep waiting.”

  Stu turned to the orderly. “Colin, see if the cafeteria has coffee and sweet rolls or something.” Stu handed him some bills out of his pocket.

  “I won’t be long,” Colin said.

  The waiting was the hardest thing and t
he hour dragged. Daniel grew fussy and Myra extended the back of the stroller to make a bed. She gave him a bottle and some baby food and he went to sleep. Everyone was nervous and Levi was beginning to think they’d forgotten about them when Dr. March entered the room again.

  “Okay. We’re ready to remove the ventilator. I think it would be best if you waited outside her cubicle. These things aren’t easy to watch.”

  “That’s fine,” Stu said. “Myra and I’ll go with you.” Stu glanced at Levi. “Take care of the baby, and if Natalie asks for him, you can bring him in.”

  “Got it. Good luck.”

  Sensing that something wasn’t right, Daniel woke up crying. Levi changed his diaper and got him out of the stroller. He held him and Daniel laid his face against his chest as they waited. Levi felt a heaviness around his heart. This little boy needed his mother.

  Myra came back in, her face flushed with excitement. “She’s breathing on her own. It’s wonderful.”

  He gave her a quick hug and she held on to him a little longer. That tantalizing scent he associated with her wafted around him. Whenever he smelled gardenias, he thought of her, delicate and sensual.

  Last night, when Valerie had asked where he was sleeping, he hadn’t answered the question, not that he would lie, but old memories were as tempting as the gardenia scent. Memories of the little cooing sounds Myra made when she slept. Memories of her soft skin. Memories of the feel of her body against his. Memories he should have forgotten. Why hadn’t he?

  He quickly brought his thoughts under control. “That’s great. Is she awake?”

  “No.” She drew back. “I came to get Daniel.”

  Levi handed her the baby and she walked out of the room. Thank God. Everything was going to work out. He sat down and took a long breath. Now they just had to worry about Marco.

  Suddenly, he heard loud voices, someone screamed and running feet pounded against the tile. What was going on?

  Myra came back into the room with Daniel. Her skin was white and she was visibly trembling. He jumped to his feet.

  “What happened?”

  Daniel held out his arms and he took him because he had a feeling Myra was about to drop him.

  Myra gulped a breath. “Natalie...died.”

  “What?”

  “She had some kind of seizure. Her body was shaking and then she just stopped. Everything stopped. She’s...gone.”

  He took her arm and guided her to a chair. She sat there, staring off into space. Levi didn’t know what to do. She’d retreated into a place where he couldn’t reach her.

  He gave Daniel his Binky and put him into the stroller with some Cheerios on his tray. Then he went to Myra.

  What did he say? He’d told her to face facts; reminding her of that now would be cruel. He put his arm around her shoulders and she rested her head on his chest, much like Daniel had, needing comfort.

  “She’s gone, Levi, just like that. I...I...”

  “Where’s Stu?”

  “He wanted to sit with her for a while and the doctor allowed it.” She straightened up and Levi could see she was gathering her courage, which had been scattered to the far corners of her mind. “She had too many internal injuries. I...I don’t know what to do now.”

  “We’ll do whatever we have to and I’ll be here for you.”

  She looked at him. “Do you mean that?”

  “Of course. You’re going to need help with Daniel. Stu is going to need help. I wouldn’t abandon you or Stu.”

  Myra looked at Daniel stuffing Cheerios into his mouth. “Oh, Daniel. He just lost his mother. How do we tell him that?”

  “We don’t. That’s Stu’s job.” He rubbed her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Myra. I know you were good friends and I know this hurts.”

  “Yes,” she replied quietly. “I did everything I could and...”

  “Shh.”

  Colin wheeled Stu back into the room. The man’s eyes were red as he gulped in oxygen. “That bastard killed my girl, my baby. I want him dead, Levi.”

  “I know you do, Stu, but that’s up to the authorities now. I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you. But it doesn’t ease this hole in my gut. I want Marco Mortez dead in the worst way.”

  At the rough voice, Daniel let out a wail and then several more. Levi took him out of the stroller and tried to calm him. After a couple of hiccups, he settled down.

  “Sorry, Danny boy, Grandpa’s a little upset.”

  Myra stood by Stu. “We all are.”

  Stu squeezed Myra’s hand. “Thanks, kid, for all you did. I’ll never forget it.”

  Myra hugged Stu. “You would have done the same for me.”

  Stu ran a hand over his face and took a couple of deep breaths of oxygen. “I should have been the first to go. She had her whole life ahead of her and that monster destroyed it.”

  Silence filled the room with waves of sadness that no one could avoid.

  A nurse came in. “We need someone to fill out papers.”

  Stu looked at Myra. “Would you mind?”

  “No, of course not.”

  Daniel revved up with more cries, rubbing his eyes with his fists. Levi tried to soothe him, but nothing worked.

  “Levi, why don’t you take him back to Myra’s where he’ll be more comfortable until we can make better arrangements.”

  “Sure, Stu. No problem.”

  Daniel laid his head on Levi’s shoulder.

  “The little guy has made a connection with you.”

  “Yeah. We seem to speak the same language.”

  Stu nodded. “I trust you with my grandson.”

  The weight of the tragedy weighed heavily on Levi. It wasn’t a responsibility he wanted, but he wouldn’t let his friend down. Stu was dealing with enough and Levi knew Daniel’s future was uppermost in his mind.

  Levi strapped a whimpering Daniel into the stroller. “Myra, I’ll come back and pick you up when you’re through helping Stu.”

  “There’s no need.” Tom walked into the room “We’ll get her back to her apartment. Keeping Daniel out of sight is the best thing.”

  Levi looked into Myra’s dark eyes and all he saw was pain. “Are you okay with that?”

  “Yes. I’m fine.” The words sounded hollow and forced.

  Levi didn’t feel good about leaving her, but Daniel was crying so he had no choice. And Stu needed someone.

  Back at the apartment, Daniel crawled around and played. Levi paced. He would have made something to eat but there was no food besides yogurt. Even though he’d told Myra to be prepared, he found that he wasn’t, either. He hadn’t planned to stay in Houston this long. Now he had to make the best of it, especially since Marco and his men would be coming for Daniel and possibly harm Myra, too.

  Finally, he fed and bathed Daniel. The baby played in the water and smiled at him, showing off his two bottom teeth, oblivious to what had happened today. He was just a baby, but years down the road, he would wonder about his mother. Who would tell him about her? Stu’s days were numbered. It was a sad fact, but it was true. And Levi had to wonder what Stu’s plans were for Daniel now.

  Would Myra offer to raise him? Nah. She seemed almost afraid of the baby. Yet, she was so different in Mexico, loving and caring. Now she was as stressed as he’d ever seen her. And considering her stance on having children, the likelihood of her taking Daniel was nil.

  So where did that leave this little boy? Maybe Stu had some relatives who would be interested in keeping him. All of this would be dealt with later. Right now, Stu needed their help to get through the loss of his daughter.

  He was putting Daniel’s jammies on him when he heard Myra’s key in the door. She came in with two bags. “I brought dinner and supplies for Daniel.”

 
Levi put Daniel in his bed and gave him his bottle. “Did you go into a store?” he asked as he followed her into the kitchen, not liking that she was taking risks.

  “No.” She put items in the refrigerator. “I called a girl from the office and I gave her a list of things we needed. She picked up a salad for me and a chicken fried steak for you. I’ll just go upstairs and change. It won’t take long.”

  “Myra,” he called before she could leave the room. “How did things go with Stu?”

  “Fine. We made the funeral arrangements and it will be as soon as possible.”

  Looking at her, he was puzzled by her cool demeanor, so different from the emotional woman earlier in the day. “You’re talking like this is some case you’re preparing. Your friend just died. It’s okay to be sad, to show emotion.”

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” she said, as if he hadn’t spoken.

  He shook his head. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t acting normal. But then again, maybe she was. Myra had always been closed off with her emotions in public, but never with him. He had a feeling she was headed in a bad direction. She had to talk and soon or she was going to explode from all the feelings she was holding inside.

  He found silverware and napkins, poured two glasses of wine and waited for her at the kitchen island.

  She slid onto the bar stool next to him in shorts and a tank top. The scent of gardenias played with his senses like a cat with a mouse. He took a deep breath and opened his container of food.

  “How’s Stu?”

  “Tired and sad,” she replied, pouring dressing onto her salad. “He was asleep when I left and I hope he gets some rest.”

  “With his breathing problem, I don’t think he sleeps much.”

  “Yeah.” She picked at her food.

  “You need some rest, too.”

  “I’m not very hungry.” She pushed the salad aside. “Think I’ll go to bed. I want to be at Stu’s first thing in the morning.”

  “Sure. I’ll clean up down here.”

  She slid off the bar stool and looked at him, her eyes dark and sad. Tears weren’t far away and she was fighting it. His gut curled into a knot. One thing he remembered about Myra—she never cried. He always thought that was odd. But now he could see the floodgates were about to open.