Page 11 of Renegade

“Have I ever told you you’re a treasure?” Miguel asked. “It smells just like home in here.”

She reached up and patted his cheek. “It’s fun cooking for two big, strong men. You two make me feel like a young bride all over again.”

“You’re still young!” I protested.

“Honey, I’m approaching my Social Security age, that’s what I am. Now, off with you two to say hi to her. Today has been tiring for her, so I’d like to put her to sleep early if that’s okay.”

I frowned a bit, leaning back on the counter and crossing my feet at the ankle. “Is she okay?”

“We went to the doctor as you know.”

I nodded. Lately, my nana’s health had been iffy, so it was a good thing she was on a better diet, something I should have taken the time to change up long ago. While our new office space was being renovated, I’d taken her to see her regular doctor as well as her heart specialist. The cardiologist put her on a new medication and today marked four weeks since the regime had begun. “How’d it go?” I asked, slightly worried.

“Doctor Novy went over the labs she had done last week, and he said they’re better. He promised to send the report over to you. I gave him your work email. The trip to the doctor tuckered Angelica out. She slept most of the afternoon. She’ll growaccustomed to it, Raven. It’ll just take some time. No use frettin’ about it. Now, go see her, darlin’.”

I nodded, exchanged a glance with Miguel, and we headed back to lock up our weapons in the gun safe which I’d purchased shortly after Miguel moved in. It was tucked into a locked master bathroom closet where it would be out of the way of anyone stumbling into the bathroom. At the same time, it was at hand for easy access if necessary.

We changed into comfortable clothes and went in to coax Nana out of the bedroom. She was lying prone in bed with her AirPods in, only opening her eyes when Stanley lifted his head and greeted us with a loud meow the minute he saw us. He was curled up next to her in bed, where he’d begun sleeping each and every night. Just like I’d hoped, she’d taken to him, adopting the kitten almost the minute he moved in. It was a good thing because the cat had claimed her the second he met her.

“Raven,” Nana said, lowering her blanket as she sat up with a little effort.

I moved quickly to her and Miguel followed. I sat on the edge of the bed and took her bony hand, kissing it before letting go. She looked so tired. “Hi, Nana. Good book?”

“Very nice.” She looked past me with unseeing eyes as she removed her AirPods and stored them in the case, knowing where they were on the table by touch alone. “Hello, Miguel.” She held out her hand. “Come here, sweetheart.”

Miguel walked over from where he’d stopped in the doorway. “Hi, Angelica. You’re looking pretty today.” He took the hand she offered, bending to peck her on the cheek. She leaned into his lips.

“You’re a silver-tongued flatterer, Miguel,” she said, chuckling before sniffing the air. “Something smells lovely.”

“Dolly made you some albondigas. Will you come out and have a bowl with me and Miguel or do you want her to bring you some?”

“You know how much I love eating with you and Miguel, but I just don’t know if I’m up to it tonight, Raven.” She patted Stanley’s little head. “Stanley knows. He’s been with me all day.”

I worried my bottom lip, exchanging a glance with Miguel. He was frowning almost as deeply as I was. I couldn’t help feeling like she was slipping further away from me and the feeling of powerlessness to do anything about her disease almost killed me. I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her wrinkled forehead. “I’ll have her bring you a bowl, Nana.”

“Thank you, Raven. Enjoy your own meals. Dolly is a wonderful cook.”

I smiled. “Yes, she is. Let me set up your TV tray.” I retrieved it from the closet and set it up as Miguel helped her stand and then arrange herself in the inviting easy chair. Once she was comfortable, we wished her good night, situating her tray in front of her before turning on her favorite music. Miguel took my hand as we walked down the hall toward the front room where I could hear Dolly watching a game show.

“I can’t help but feel like I’m losing her, Miguel,” I said, choking back tears as I stopped him in the hallway, halfway to the living room.

“She looks better than she did a month ago. Maybe the new medication will help get her straightened out, Raven. The doctor said it would help but it could take as long as a month for her to really start showing improvement, right?”

I nodded, feeling like I wanted to cry. I hated feeling that way in front of Miguel and yet, I couldn’t imagine going through this without him at my side. “He said a few weeks but I feel like Ishould be helping…doing something. I almost wish—” I stopped, not able to say what I wanted to say.

“What? Tell me, Raven. If it’s in my power to give it to you, I’ll do it.” He canted his head back toward the bedroom, before looking back at me. “That goes for Angelica too. Tell me how I can help. I’ll do anything.”

“I want to take her home. After this case, I want to take her home for a little while. Let her see the medicine man.”

“Home to Arizona?” Miguel asked.

I stared into his eyes. He wasn’t mocking. He never judged me. That’s how I knew he loved me. I couldn’t imagine meeting some guy and then realizing he was taking care of an elderly woman in failing health. No one I knew would put up with that. Miguel was different, though. He had honor, so it felt right to trust him with this as in all things.

“Yes. As soon as we finish up with this pigeon’s blood ruby case and put it to bed, I want to take her back. I don’t know how much more time she has and if I don’t and—” I felt tears in my eyes. “I just don’t think I’d know how to live with her death on my conscience if I hadn’t done everything in my power to give her the best quality of life I could.”

He pulled me into his strong arms and held me close, kissing the side of my face. “Will you let me come with you?”

I leaned back so I could look into his eyes. “Do you want to?” I sounded almost needy but I wanted him by my side…always.

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