Page 2 of Property of Spike

Riley

As I hide in the shadows of the local park, I don’t know whether to scream, cry, or just give up.

Who am I kidding? Giving up isn’t an option. Not anymore.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” I whisper, clutching the small bundle tighter against my chest. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

The words feel hollow, even to me. Can I really keep that promise? My mind spins as I try to figure out my next move.

A motel? It’s risky. They might find me there. A homeless shelter? Maybe they wouldn’t think to look for me there, but that comes with its own dangers. Someone could steal the little cash I have, and I can’t afford that.

The hospital. The thought lingers, tempting. It’s the only place that feels remotely safe. I just had a baby less than forty-eight hours ago, and they might let me stay overnight. But would they look for me there? Is it too obvious?

I sigh, glancing down at Asher. The soft rise and fall of his breathing is the only thing grounding me right now. At least the hospital has security. I just hope there won’t be any police officers around tonight. But do the security guards work with the police department? It’s a risk I’m going to have to take.

Decision made, I adjust the carrier around my chest and start the long walk back to Palm Valley Medical Center.

***

The hospital’s emergency department waiting room is bright, sterile, and quiet.

“How can I help you?” the receptionist asks, her tone polite but distracted.

“I need to check into pediatrics, please,” I say, doing my best to sound calm.

She slides a clipboard across the counter. “Just fill this out, and someone will call you back shortly.”

Nodding, I take the clipboard and find a seat. Asher stirs in my arms, making those little noises that tell me he’ll be awake soon. Hungry. I need to be somewhere safe before that happens.

But then my eyes land on the first line of the form: Name.

My stomach drops. If I check in, they’ll know exactly where I am. Why didn’t I think of that before? Could I lie and put some random name? Would the staff on the pediatric floor remember me and know that I lied?

Panic rises, tightening my chest. I force myself to stay calm, plastering on a polite smile as I stand and return the clipboard.

“I left my purse in the car,” I lie smoothly. “I’ll be right back.”

The receptionist nods without question, and I turn away, my heart pounding.

Once outside, I pause on the sidewalk, staring into the darkness.

Now what?

The cool night air wraps around me, and the weight of the night presses harder on my shoulders. Asher’s head moves, a soft whimper escaping his tiny lips. He’s waking up. I bounce him gently, whispering soothing words, but my mind is racing.

The parking lot is nearly empty, just a handful of cars scattered under dim streetlights. I scan my surroundings, looking for anyone who might seem out of place. My heart beats faster when I spot a man leaning against a lamppost across the street.

He’s too still. Too focused.

My breath catches in my throat, and I clutch Asher tighter, trying to convince myself it’s nothing. Just a guy waiting for someone. That’s all. I’m just being paranoid.

Don’t panic. Keep moving.

I wrap my arms around the carrier and start walking down the sidewalk. Not too fast. Running would only draw attention. My eyes stay forward, but I feel his gaze on me like a weight.

He moves.

A quick glance confirms that he’s stepping away from the lamppost, his movements slow and deliberate. My stomach twists, and my grip on Asher tightens.

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