“It’s go time? What is this, a football game?”
The nurse assistant let out a giggle.
Doctor Endicott cut her short with his eyes. He was an older gentleman with hawking good looks. He went about his business with humility and confidence. “Just keep pushing. The little fella doesn’t need to come to a stop in the birth canal.”
Sid groaned. “I should have done a C-section. I feel like I’m giving birth to a horse.”
“Well, we won’t know for certain until you push the baby out. Now push!”
Teeth clenched, she pushed through the blinding pain. She used her anger to give her strength. She was mad. Mad at Smoke. He should be here for this. She’d never imagined him not being by her side when something this important was happening. It left a pit in her. She couldn’t do Lamaze class. She didn’t have a coach. She didn’t have him to share the ultrasound pictures with.
“Push, Sid! The head is crowning.”
“I am!”
Even with the baby, she’d never felt so lonely in all her life. She’d been abandoned, but at the same time, she was wracked with guilt. It wasn’t Smoke’s fault that he wasn’t here. It was the Drake’s, the likes of Kane and Allison. They had taken Smoke away from her. Busted up her family. If she ever got the opportunity, she would make them pay.
“Keep pushing, Sid! Keep pushing!”
“Gaaaah-ugh!”
The pain shooting through every inch of her body peaked then fell. A draft of cool air washed over her.
“Waaaaaah!”
Catching her breath, she said, “Is that my baby?”
Doctor Endicott held the baby boy in his arms. He stared at the child with silent admiration. He gave a gentle nod, handed the little baby over to the nurse, and said, “He’s a gusty little one. A big one too. I’m guessing he’s about nine pounds and three ounces. Congratulations, Sidney. Welcome to motherhood.”
The nurse assistant cleaned up the baby boy and weighed him. “You’re right, Doctor Endicott, nine pounds, three ounces. I don’t know how you do it.” She swaddled the baby in blankets and brought him over to Sid. “Here you go, Mommy.”
Sid cradled the baby in her arms. The little boy had a headful of jet-black hair. She smelled and kissed his head. “Oh, you’re so beautiful.”
Doctor Endicott took off his mask and gloves. With a caring smile, he said, “You’ll be a fine mother. I’ll check in with you later.” He checked his watch and said to the nurse, “That’s five of them today, right, Mona?”
“We’ve been busy.”
“I’m starving. I’m heading down to the commissary, if anyone needs me. I’ve got a hankering for a hamburger and a milkshake. See you later, Sid.” He winked at her. “Enjoy that baby.”
Starstruck, Sid didn’t even see the doctor leave. She snuggled the tiny boy.
“Do you want me to notify your family? But I can only allow two.”
“Uh, yeah, sure. Please go ahead and send my parents in.”
CHAPTER 24
Being a mother was more hard work than Sid had imagined. The nights were long and sleepless half the time. She catnapped with the baby boy when she could during the day. She called him John, the name Smoke had requested. She gave him her father’s name, Keith, as a middle name. John Keith Smoke. She liked it. They all did.
Without having seen any of Smoke’s baby pictures, she thought their son looked like his father. Baby John helped fill the gap inside of Sid. Her time was consumed, and she allowed it. Even so, it was hard—and sometimes when she wanted to be alone, her friends and family wouldn’t leave her be.
Sam and Guppy would stop by to help. She took long visits to her parents’ place. When Sally wasn’t showering the baby with love, she was trying to talk Sid into moving down to Florida. Sid considered it but didn’t let on. The pattern continued like this for weeks. Weeks that took months. Before she realized it, a year had gone by since she’d last seen Smoke.
She took John out of the backseat of her car—nestled in his baby seat and hidden by the blankets—and made her way into the grocery store. She latched the portable baby seat to the cart and wheeled it inside. Heading down the baby supplies aisle, she heard a familiar voice and found a familiar face.
“Hello, Sid. How are you and the baby doing?” It was Doctor Endicott. He carried a handbasket of groceries that included a carton of eggs, a box of pancake mix, some fruit, a bottle of wine, and a six-pack of sodas. He stood out among the crowd in a very nice gray suit. “Can I take a look?”
“Of course you can. After all, you delivered him.” She smiled at him and stepped aside. The cologne he wore stirred her. Doctor Endicott did everything with grace and refinement. His long finger tickled baby John’s chin. The infant giggled.
“He seems happy. It looks like the two of you are doing well together.”
“Thank you, Doctor Endicott.”
“Please, call me Steve.” His dark eyes were smiling. “Say, Sidney, I’ve actually given you some thought, and if you don’t mind me asking, has Mister Smoke stepped back into the picture?”
“Uh.” She paused and scratched her head. “I, well, no.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“No, you didn’t.” She bit her lip. “I mean, you caught me off guard, but it’s a fair question.”
“Actually, it was probably unfair. I just, well”—he made an uneasy smile—“I was hoping you might consider joining me for dinner sometime. You can even bring John along if you have trouble finding a sitter. I just feel like I would enjoy your company.”
Sid’s heart started to race. She felt drawn to the man. There had always been something about him that she liked, ever since the first time she met him. Everything he did or had was impeccable, from his hair to his clothing. “I, uh, well, I appreciate the invitation, but I’m just not ready to move on yet.”
“I understand. But when the time comes—and I hope it does—you know how to reach me. Take care, Sid.” He wiggled his fingers at John. “Goodbye, little fella.”
Doctor Endicott disappeared around the end of the aisle. Sid closed her mouth that was hanging open. I don’t know if I should be ashamed or delighted. He’s a good-looking man, and I’ve been without a man too long. She threw some diapers and wet wipes into the cart. Flushed, she checked out.
John Keith fell asleep on the way home. Sid swam through a current of emotions. It was starting to look like Smoke wasn’t going to return at all. She was going to have to move on. Smoke would understand. He’d want that. Wouldn’t he? It just didn’t seem possible that a man so alive could be dead. Lord help me.
Back home, she parked the car in the garage. She unloaded the groceries and placed them on the kitchen island. Flipping the light switch, she went back into the garage and took out John Keith. “How’s my little JK doing? Are you still sleeping? Good.”
She turned the dial up on the heat. Then she set JK, portable baby seat and all, on the bed. JK slept well in the baby seat most of the time. Over at the computer, she logged in. She went to YouTube and played Mozart with a background of rain at 432 megahertz. It was one of her favorite selections. Yawning, she slipped off her tennis shoes and hung up her jacket.
A soft knocking sounded at the front door.
I didn’t hear anyone pull up. She drew her Glock. It was late in the day, with the sun falling. She looked outside. A white sedan was parked in the driveway but not up close. It was a Tesla. No wonder I didn’t hear it. The knocking started again.
“Who is it?” she said, clearly but not loudly.
“It’s your sweet sister, Allison. I have a gift for my nephew.”
Sid flung open the door and stuck the barrel of the gun in Allison’s face. “And I’ve got a present for you. Goodbye.”
“Oh please, pull the trigger and make your son an orphan.” Allison rolled her eyes. “Just let me in. I have information you need.”
“All you have is a mouthful of lies.”
&nb
sp; Allison held up a small white gift box with a black ribbon tied around it. “You don’t have to accept it, but you might need to sell it for money one day.” She pushed up her curly locks of platinum-blond hair. “By the looks of things, you’ll need it.”
“Are you alone?”
“I am all by myself. You should feel honored. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve driven?”
“Who cares?” Sid double-checked the outside and closed the door.
Allison made her way over to the bed and sat down.
“Where have you been? It’s not like you to stay away so long and be so quiet.”
Allison peeked at JK. “That bothers you, doesn’t it.”
“Where’s Smoke, Allison?”
“Ah. Well, I wish I’d come with more than just a gift, but I’m afraid I have some unfortunate news to share. Kane tried to transform your husband. Smoke didn’t make it.”
CHAPTER 25
“I’ll believe it when I see the body,” Sid said. A nest of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “Couldn’t you be honest for just one day? You want John alive as much as anybody.”
“I had my fun with him. He was blessed with a great deal of prowess. It takes a lot to impress a woman like me.” Allison made some baby sounds. “But alas, the good ones always perish.”
Sid marched over to the bed and pulled JK away from Allison. “Keep it down. I don’t want him waking up and facing a witch.”
“You’re so clever, sister. I could never keep up with your wit. But for all of your skills, you won’t be getting Smokey back. He’s gone, and with him gone, I wanted to let you know it’s best that you move on. Have you given dating any consideration? I bet you have. You aren’t so different than me. You can’t go too long without a man.”
“Shut up, Allison.”
“I would, but you know you were all too eager to hear what I said. Your husband is gone, and truthfully, we are very sorry for that. Even Kane’s disappointed. He had such high hopes for Smoke.” Allison opened up a small handbag and applied moisturizer to her lips. “I did too, but sometimes these things don’t work out and you have to start all over again. The Drake calls it the Quiet Time.”
“And here you are yapping away.”
“Sister Sidney, get on with your life. Take care of yourself and have more babies. You’ve been given a free pass. I suggest you stop nosing around and take it.”
“So you’ve been keeping tabs on me?”
“Sid, we know everything. We might have had a setback, but we are a far cry from crippled. The Drake will be back on top once the changes settle.” Allison got up, but she left the present on the bed. Showing the coldness in her blue eyes, she said, “He might not have a father, but at least he has his grandfather. That’s more than many children can say.”
“And what about Megan? Where is she?”
“She’s in private school, where she excels, thank you. She’s looking forward to meeting her little cousin. I told her we’d arrange it once you were ready.”
“I’m ready now. Go get her.”
“I think I’ll wait until Thanksgiving. Perhaps we can all sit down and have dinner together.”
“We as in who? Me, you, Mom, and Dad? Or did you have something else in mind?”
“Shifters don’t celebrate the holidays. I’ll be in touch. Soon.” Allison made her way to the door. “I’m sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to meet the right guy. Well, actually I’m not that sorry. I just wish he would have made it.”
“I don’t believe you. You’d have a body.”
“I don’t need a body when I’ve brought you ample proof. It’s in little John’s present. I don’t suppose he can open it, but you can do it for him.”
Sid scowled. Glaring at her sister, she said, “I can’t figure you out. Are you a shifter or not?”
“I am, the same as the others.”
“I’m curious what kind of monster you turn into. You’re scary enough already.”
“Perhaps I don’t change. After all, this body and face are already perfection.” Allison opened the door. “See you around, Sidney.”
Sid sat down on the bed. She picked up the gift box. I should throw it away. It’s just another game. She palmed the box, lifting it up and down. It’s got some heft to it. Screw it. She loosened up the ribbon and pulled the lid off. A black satin bag was inside. It clinked with metal as she removed it from the box. She loosened the neck of the bag and poured out the contents. “Whoa!”
Ancient gold doubloons glittered on the bed. She ran her fingers over the cold metal. The way it felt and shined sent a thrill through her fingers. “Well, that should cover college and then some.” Her eyes spotted another object that didn’t fit in. Her fingers trembled when she picked it up. It was Smoke’s wedding band.
CHAPTER 26
Arlington Cemetery. Sidney stood in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watching the Marines stand firm in the stiff wind. She was dressed in black and holding hands with Sam, who was dressed the same. Guppy was on the end of them, wearing a suit and tie. With her free arm, Sid held JK.
Sam sniffed and dabbed her eye with a handkerchief. The memorial was lonely and cold. The ground was wet from a recent rain. “I guess my brother would like this, considering that we don’t have any remains.”
Sid swallowed the lump in her throat. She’d struggled for days with whether or not she should move on. The wedding ring had gotten to her though, like a nail in the coffin. It was time to move on. She had to, for her sanity. She didn’t want to make an event out of it though. There wouldn’t be a grave nor a marker. She couldn’t do that. Not without a body. A ceremony would have to do. Smoke was an unknown soldier. An ex-Navy SEAL. A man who had perished in combat with remains that had not been discovered. Without dishonoring any fellow soldiers, she felt Arlington was the best place to honor Smoke’s life. Quietly.
With the wind nipping at her chin, she stood with tears freezing on her face, reflecting on the times they had. Watching the Marines, she gave thanks to all of the brave men and women who had made the ultimate sacrifice. All gave some. Some gave all. Smoke had given his life to save hers and their son’s. She’d have to learn to accept it. With a quiet nod, she said, “Let’s go.”
Guppy led the way back to where the car was parked. He opened the back door of a black Cadillac Escalade. Sid loaded JK into his car seat and climbed in the back. Sam and Guppy closed themselves inside the front, and out of the parking lot and down the road they went. The ride was quiet. Rain started to splatter on the windows.
Sam blew her nose. “So, Sid, are we taking you home?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Do you want to go somewhere and grab something to eat?”
“Just drive.”
“We can watch JK if you need some time alone. It won’t be a problem. You know how much we love him.”
“I know. We’ll see. We’ve still got a drive ahead of us. Just head back my way.” She fished Smoke’s ring out of her pocket. The metal was warm. She slipped it over her thumb, but it was way too big.
“Maybe you should wear it around your neck?”
“I’ve thought about that.” Sid gave a little shrug. “I don’t know.”
“Sid, I’m not going to hold it against you for moving on. Smoke wouldn’t either. I know him. He’d understand.”
“I know. I keep asking myself if I’d be okay with that if I was in the same situation. What if I were gone? Would he move on?”
Sam shook her head. “The difference is that Smoke was never looking for somebody. He was a loner. Chances are that he’d just do what he normally did. You know, he’s quirky but pragmatic.”
“So, you don’t think he’d date or marry again?”
“I just don’t think he’d be looking. I never thought he’d meet anyone, and I was thrilled when he found you.”
“Me too,” Guppy said.
“And now, Smoke has a legacy, you and his son. But he’d want him to
have a father. A good one of course. He was an orphan, you know. Having a dad would have meant a lot to him.”
Sid didn’t have any idea what the days ahead had in store for her. She was a bounty hunter, but that part of her life seemed to be closed for now. She needed steadier if not safer work now that she had JK to look out for. Something to dig into. With all of the changes going on at the FBI, now might be a good time to go back and start with a clean slate. She looked out the window, noticing one of the diners she and Smoke had frequented. The restaurant was practically empty. A man sitting in the window slouched over the table caught her eye. She lost sight of him as they passed. “Hey, let’s get something to eat.”
“Now?” Guppy said, looking at her in the rearview mirror. “Sure thing, then. Where do you want to go?”
“That diner would be nice.”
Guppy shrugged, got off at the next exit, and turned the car around. The three of them rushed into the diner as a downpour of rain started. Inside, they eyed one of the many empty booths. The man Sid had seen slouched over the table was gone, but his dishes were still there. Syrup coated the plate, and three tall soda cups were empty.
Sam gave Sid a push. “Let’s take a seat at a clean one.” She sneered a little. “If we can find one. You know I don’t like these places where I can catch those secondhand carbs.”
“You’ll live.” Sid found a booth, still eyeing the other table. She set JK and his car seat in the booth first.
The waitress came by, wearing a peach uniform and apron. The plump woman offered to get them some coffee with a smile.
Sid asked her, “What happened to the man who was sitting over there?”
The waitress looked around. Sticking her pen in her mouth, she said, “I don’t know. He was just here a moment ago.” She hollered into the kitchen. “Archie, it looks like we got another dine and dasher. Geez, he was a handsome fella too.” A door squeaked in the back. A tall man emerged from the bathrooms in the back. “Oh, never mind. There he is.”
The Supernatural Bounty Hunter Files Collector's Set: Books 1-10: Urban Fantasy Shifter Series Page 113
