Page 72 of Code Name: Michelangelo

She appeared panicked.

“Don’t worry, if you didn’t want his help, I would’ve come up with some story about having to run over to my mother’s. He can’t stand her, so he would’ve offered to catch up with me later.” That was at least partially true. Brand and my mother were like oil and water.

“You don’t seem fazed by any of this,” she said, studying me.

“Julie—”

“My name is DeDe.”

The first time we met, I’d suspected she might be using a fake name, although I couldn’t explain why. It was just a gut reaction.

“DeDe, then. While I don’t know much about your situation, I have a friend who went through something similar. Two friends, actually.” This and a lot more. I didn’t have time to think about all the trouble the tribe got into when we were teenagers.

“Again, I’m sorry.”

I shook my head. “I told you before, don’t apologize. I’ll go pick up Brand. It won’t take more than five minutes. Then, we’ll figure out whether your mom can make it into the city or if we have to take her to a hospital here.”

When she nodded, I walked toward the market’s entrance and found Brand waiting outside.

“Her mother appears very sick,” I said. “I don’t think she can make it to the car on her own. Julie, I mean DeDe, has to carry the baby.”

“DeDe?”

“I’ll explain later. We need to get her mom to a hospital, but she’s afraid to stay here in Patchogue.”

“Understood.”

“DeDe and her mom still have a place in the same building as my apartment in the city. There’s a hospital a couple of blocks away.”

“You have an apartment in the city? Along with your town house?”

I shrugged. “My dad owns the building, so there was no reason to let it go.”

“Why haven’t you said?”

“I didn’t want you to suggest you stay there instead of with me.” I winked, and he smiled.

He and I walked in the back door of the market five minutes later, as promised. “Take the baby to the car. Brand will stay with you until you’re settled, then he’ll come help me with your mom.”

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Your art. My gallery,” I said, winking at her like I had to Brand.

When he returned after helping DeDe, we tried to wake her mother. She responded but was very out of it.

“Do you think it’s wise to wait until we’re in the city? She’s burning up.”

“She’s terrified, Brand. I think we have to try.”

Rather than both of us attempting to brace her between us, he picked the woman up and carried her.

“Thank you for doing this,” I said to him.

“I would do anything for you, Butterfly.”

22

MICHELANGELO

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