“Millicent is four years old. She doesn’t understand what’s happening or that her mother is not coming back. Her world has not fallen apart yet. She will need someone to take charge and care for her, get her through losing her mother.”
“What happens now?”
“That is entirely up to you. We’ve run a thorough criminal background check on you and have nothing major causing red flags, except for your near death experience after losing your brother. We didn’t have to search hard for the singular incident. It was posted everywhere. In the event you don’t feel equipped to take on guardianship of your niece, she’ll go into state care and end up in a foster home until she turns eighteen. When that happens she’ll be thrust out of the system and on her own.”
Jimmy swallowed a knot in his throat. “I don’t know anything about taking care of a kid.”
“Son, there’s no manual, it’s learn by trial and error. I have four boys and one girl. My princess. In my years of parenting, I’ve found they need unconditional love, food, shelter, clothing, a firm hand, but most of all patience.”
Jimmy laughed. “I’m not sure I’m capable of loving, I wasn’t loved.” He looked out the window.
“Wait until you meet her. We have a few boxes of her things from her mom’s at the daycare. The provider, Mrs. Lula Bell, was friends with Reggie and gathered some items your niece may want. The rest is still in the rental house.”
“Has my niece’s mother been buried? Was there at least a funeral?”
“No. This happened seventy-two hours ago. The body was released for cremation yesterday. The city doesn’t have the funds to bury those without insurance or a family member to take over and claim the body. If you don’t take her ashes she’ll be buried in an unnamed city owned lot.”
“Excuse me for saying this, but this is a lot to take in. What you’re asking of me is a lot. Sending my brother’s daughter to a foster home is unacceptable.” He ran a hand through his hair. The thought of his mother finding out about Millicent turned his stomach. “When we arrive in Valley, I’ll organize packers to clear the entire house and ship all contents to mine while I’m on tour. Did Reggie have any wishes in regards to her remains?”
“Not stated on the living will. My suggestion is to talk with Mrs. Bell and find out what Reggie was like, that may give you some suggestions to either bury or spread her ashes.”
“I need to process. I’m now wishing I hadn’t pushed you for answers.” Jimmy craned his neck to clear the fog in his mind. The scenery wasn’t much to look at, though. What on earth was he going to do with a small child? Better yet, how could he finish the tour?
“Why wasn’t my mother on that list of relatives?”
“There was an addendum about your mother and father not being allowed visitation with Millicent or be selected for possible custody. Seems like Reggie knew a lot about your family to include that as an addendum.”
“Yeah.” Jimmy’s mind raced. His heart hurt for the little girl who’d lost two parents. What was Miles thinking leaving Reggie who seemed like a good woman for him? His mother of course came to mind, no doubt if she knew he was happy, she’d ruin that by forcing a future with Sam on his brother. Still, he couldn’t believe the strong man his brother was came home to do what their mom demanded. He found some peace knowing Miles wasn’t with Sam during this period in his life and wondered if his brother knew he had a child, he’d have chosen to leave his dangerous job, then brushed it off. His brother lived and breathed fighting for the cause. He’d never give up on his band of brothers, his external family. His brother, until his last drawn breath, lived to protect, to change that would kill him as surely as not living and breathing music would kill Jimmy.
The car came to a sudden stop, jarring Jimmy. He woke to look out the window, noticing they’d parked in the driveway of a house.
“I thought I’d let you sleep the rest of the way,” the officer spoke.
Jimmy dug in his pack for his eye drops, wanting to clear what felt like sand grains paining him and sighed as the saline drops took the irritation away. Shoving the bottle back in the pocket, he found his gum and stuffed a piece in his mouth, not wanting to offend anyone with bad breath. On the way back, he’d stop off for a toothbrush. “It’s go time.”
The outside of the home held curb appeal, warm yellow paint made the sight a welcoming one. He climbed out and stretched his legs, noticing an official car ease up the drive. A woman in a suit and skirt exited with a briefcase. Instead of heading to the door, he waited. The tall African American woman joined him.
“Mr. O’Riley, I’m Sarah Stevens, the social worker for Millicent O’Riley. Shall we?” She headed up the driveway to Officer Creighten. “It’s good to see you again. Thanks for getting him here so quick.”
Jimmy ambled up next to them. The rapport they exhibited went way back. Instead of probing, he waited to be included in their conversation, while waiting for the caregiver to open the front door. The officer rang the bell a second time. Jimmy heard the clicking of heels and braced himself. An older woman opened the door and moved to the side. “Good morning. Come in, come in.”
What the fuck. He’d assumed the caregiver was a younger woman like the mother of his niece, not a woman in what appeared to be mid-forties with a face full of sunshine and exuberant life.
“I’m Mrs. Bell, but call me Lula. Officer Creighton, Ms. Stevens, so glad to see you again, though wish it was under better circumstances.”
Jimmy followed the others into the main room. His eyes took in the family photos on the wall, the smell of fresh apple pie baking and the homey décor. Mrs. Bell led them to the sitting room. Legos, toy cars, Barbies and doll house accessories littered the floor.
“Please excuse the mess. Millie is not having a good morning. She isn’t the best sharer today. She and Kalen have had a rough time getting along, been watching them two since infancy.”
“That’s understandable. I’m Jimmy, her uncle.” He offered his hand. The woman moved around the table and hugged him. Taken aback, he awkwardly hugged her back. He’d never get used to Southern charm.
“Boy, you act like you’ve never been hugged by a mama,” she admonished, flashing a smile.
“It’s been a long time.” He offered a weak smile and took a seat. His mother never hugged him, the first time Garrick’s ma did his skin felt all crawly, now he was used to affection from people he knew.
“Why don’t we let Millicent meet her uncle? I’ll grab the tray of muffins and bring out some juice. You must be starving after all this traveling, and call me Lula, boy, we’re family. I’ve cared for your Millie since she was a few weeks old.”
“I appreciate all you’ve done.” He waited for the first glimpse. What if she doesn’t like me?
Lula returned a few minutes later. Jimmy’s eyes trailed over the little person squeezing her hand hard. He noticed her cork screw curls, big blue eyes and cleft in her chin as she half hid behind the woman’s legs.
“Child, come on out, meet your Uncle Jimmy.”
“Hi.” She peeked out and tucked herself back against Lula.
“That’s a pretty dress you have on. I like blue. Is it your favorite color?” He crouched down and smiled at his niece.
“Millie, remember when someone asks a question you answer it.”
“I like blue. I like Frozen. Can I play with the Barbies now?” She tugged on Lula’s hand.
“Did you apologize to Kalen?”
Jimmy noticed the little boy straggling into the room wearing a big frown.
“Her didn’t apologize, Mrs. Lula.”
“I’m sorries, Kalen. You can play with me now.” The two children dropped to the floor of toys and began to quietly play. Jimmy couldn’t tear his eyes away from Millicent, the spitting image of his brother, down to the deep dimples showing when she smiled. He felt like a Mack truck ran over him. Then he heard her giggle and his heart swelled. How could he not take this little girl and cherish her? Right then he promised
God he’d raise her right, treat her like a princess and as long as he drew breath in his body, no harm would befall her.
“We have some papers for you to sign, Mr. O’Riley.” Mrs. Stevens withdrew a stack of papers from her briefcase. “I took the liberty of getting the court orders signed, giving you guardianship. This packet contains her birth certificate, social security card, immunization record, current pediatrician, and history of health. ”
“There are two sets of orders.”
“Of course. You’ll sign both, keep one and we’ll keep the other. We’ll expect to follow up with you for the first six months. Nothing too formal, a phone call, whatever, we know you’re a busy man, but we have to ensure her safety and well being.”
Jimmy signed both sheets and kept the one with the other papers. In the corner of his eye, he saw his niece watching him. “What has she been told about her mother?”
“I’ve been telling her, her mama’s in Heaven with her Daddy now. Unfortunately, she keeps asking when she’ll be back from Heaven.” Mrs. Lula sighed. “I miss that woman, she was a great mother.”
“Do you know why we were never told about Millie? My brother would’ve moved heaven and earth if he knew he had a kid.”
“Reggie was complex. She showed me pictures of her and Miles when he was out here. You know once they get a call they disappear for an untold amount of time. She wanted to be with him but couldn’t handle life not knowing. She got pregnant right before the third time he went away, and he was gone for nine months. She had Millie and told him there was nothing for him to return to. She didn’t want to be that woman hoping her man would come home, or wonder how long his assignment would last, one year, two or if he’d die in action. The not knowing was more than she could handle.”
“I know how life can be hard. I always wondered where he was and what he was up to. I finally quit worrying, figuring, I’d know the moment something bad happened. I don’t blame her for locking us out of her and Millicent’s lives. She was doing what was best to protect her daughter from the possible pain of losing her father.”
“Jimmy, Officer Creighton and I are leaving. You have our contact information if you need anything. A private car will bring you back to the airport. Good luck.” They both shook his hand. As they retreated, Jimmy grabbed a loaded blueberry muffin and drank a cup of juice.
“Life is full of surprises, young man. You and my Millie will be just fine. I feel it in my bones. Knew so the moment I laid eyes on you. You are what this little girl needs, more than me.”
“Ma’am, I’m glad you have that much confidence in me.” He sure as shit didn’t.
“It’s Lula. I’ll leave you to watch them for a few and make your calls. I picked up Reggie’s urn today. She’d want to be buried by the one she loved.”
“Miles. I will make sure to give her her last wish.” He pulled out his cell phone and dialed Trish.
“Finally, I’ve barely slept worrying about you.”
Her pissy voice brought a chuckle from him. “I need a discrete moving company to pack up the items at 109 East Harbor in Valley, Alabama. Hire a security team to unload it all in my guest house. And Trish, I’m going to need a second tour bus and Carlie to fly out to the next show.”
“What? I don’t understand, what do you need a bus for yourself for?”
“I’m bringing company with me. A four-year-old little girl. My niece who is now under my guardianship.”
“No. You with a child? No wonder they were so cryptic. Bet they thought you wouldn’t show up, but they don’t know you like we do.”
“Yeah. Her ma died, my brother is dead. Where else she going to go?” He snorted a bit in offense. So maybe he partied too hard and womanized in the past. Didn’t mean he’d bow out of responsibility. He paid his own bills, maintained two residences. The fact he didn’t have a college education like the rest shouldn’t matter.
“This is crazy. We’re on tour.”
“I know, at least it’s only for a few weeks. I can’t send her home with Carlie and the girls. She’s lost the only person she knew and is about to leave the only maternal-like grandma she’s ever known. And Trish, make sure you deck the bus out in every four-year-old girl’s dream.”
“We have to think about press. How do you plan on sneaking a little girl onto a bus and what about at the venues?”
“I’ll work that out when we get there. She looks just like him Trish. It’s like looking at a tiny Miles, but a little girl. This is huge, a lot to take in.” Emotion choked him up. He clenched his jaw to gain some composure.
“Okay, I’ll order the bus on your dime and have it filled with what you want to the best of my ability. Just email me a list of food and drinks to get her and I’ll fly Carlie out here right now. Do you want to tell the band members and Sam?”
“Not yet. I have to fly home to Kansas City first. Tomorrow’s show is where?”
“Allentown, PA.”
“See you tomorrow night. Might be easier to fly Carlie to Allentown now. She can rent the bus and fill it with everything needed. That will give me time to fly home and then to Philly. You can send a car for me. Later.”
“I couldn’t help but overhear part of your conversation. I’ve made a list of what Millie likes and hates to help you navigate easier. Organic is always good. Natural sugar is the best, no added sugar, no high fruit corn syrup. Fast food places are a treat, don’t let her take advantage of you. Say no, it won’t kill her. Exercise is important, limiting TV is important. Millie loves parks and swimming. She’s had lessons for the last three summers.” Lula advised him in her matronly tone.
Jimmy typed everything Lula stated and sent it to Trish to send to Carlie. “Thank you so much.”
“Will you allow me to be in her life?”
Jimmy couldn’t believe the woman thought otherwise. “Of course. You’re welcome anytime you want. Just call me and we’ll get you to her or her to you. This is going to be hard on everyone, but Millie is going to one day need stories about her ma, that I can’t provide. You can give her that history, and I can give her my brother’s.”
A tear streaked Millie careened into the room. “Mrs. Lula, Kalen bit me.” She sobbed, holding out her injured index finger.
“Kalen, we don’t bite. Do you need time out again?” Lula picked up Millie and deposited her in Jimmy’s lap.
“Mrs. Lula. She put her finger in my mouth. I only bit her ‘cuz she wouldn’t remove it.”
Lula laughed. “Well, don’t bite again, okay? Just move her finger out of your mouth.”
The little boy nodded and dashed off to play some more.
“My finger hurts, will you kiss it for me?” She stuck her finger out. Jimmy bent his head forward and kissed the tip.
“Thank you.” She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him.
“You’re welcome.” His heart warmed and he fell even more head over heels in love with the tiny girl in his arms. “You probably shouldn’t put your finger in someone’s mouth though, unless you want to get bit, okay?”
“Umkay. Do you want to watch Frozen with me?”
Jimmy grinned. “Why don’t I go pack your things in the car and we can watch it on the way to the airport.”
“We’re going on a trip?”
“Yes.” Jimmy kissed the top of her head and lifted her off his lap.
“Everything is in the garage. Kalen, watch your cartoon. I’m showing Mr. O’Riley where his things are.”
“We have the same name.” Millie took his hand in hers and led him to the garage. “I have toys here. See.”
“Yes, we do, beautiful. Why don’t we leave your toys here. I’m sure you’ll want stuff to play with when you visit Mrs. Lula.”
Jimmy walked the boxes to the trunk of the car, and the set of suitcases. “Millie, for a little girl you sure do have enough for a grown woman.” The little girl shrugged and hopped around.
“Here’s her backpack and a bag full of other stuff you may need. Shampoo, hair detan
gler, soap, her toothbrush, brush, comb, hair bows and prettys, toothpaste and of course crayons and an activity book to keep her occupied. She is not a big napper, but if she does don’t let her sleep past two in the afternoon or she won’t sleep at night and she’ll be super crabby. Come give me a hug, baby. I love you, smart pretty girl. It’s time to go with your Uncle Jimmy now. I will see you later.” Lula enveloped Millicent in a big hug. “Bye, Jimmy. Keep in touch.”
“Promise.” He took Millie’s hand in his and opened the door, buckling her into her child seat and took a seat next to her. Previews for Frozen played across the screen in the back of the seats.
He handed her a juice pouch and apple slices from her bag and leaned back to watch the latest Disney crave with her. Halfway through she fell asleep and he watched her slumber. So sweet, innocent and good. He reaffirmed his vow to make sure no one caused her an ounce of pain or they’d have to answer to him.
In the quite car, he placed a call to the cemetery Miles rested in peace at, and ordered a small section next to him to be dug for his arrival and a headstone for Reggie Johansen beloved friend, and beloved mother. The cemetery promised to put a rush on it and use a temporary headstone in the meantime. He called Sameera but received her voicemail. “Hey Sam, calling to check in. I’ll be back tomorrow. Give me a call when you have time.”
Four hours later, they pulled up to Royal Oakes Cemetery.
“Millie, I have to get something out of the trunk.” The driver popped the trunk as he exited the car and went around to grab the urn out of the box. After tucking the urn under his arm, he let Millie out, and walked her over to the fresh spot next to her father.
“Baby, your father, Miles, will watch over your ma in Heaven. We’re going to put her in the hole now and then the people who work here will fill it with dirt.” He handed the urn over and knelt to tuck Millie’s body into his.
“Lord, I don’t think I’ve ever prayed before. Please watch over Reggie in Heaven. Reunite her with my brother, Miles. I promise I’ll take care of Millicent and make sure she knows how wonderful they both were, how sacrificing. Amen.
Kiss Me Deadly Page 14
