Page 28 of Renard's Deliverance

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An hour later, she was browsing the shelves at the local home improvement store. It was a family-run store, like all the stores in Haven. The local town council didn’t allow any franchises or big chain stores to take up residence in town.

Pliers. That was what she needed.

But first, she had to get a replacement security light. The last thing she wanted to do was call Alec and tell him about the light. He might use it as an excuse to pull her out of her house and back to the Malone compound.

Not happening.

“Here is what we’re looking for, Onion.”

Shit. She recognized that voice.

She froze. Should she leave? Sneak out?

Do not be a coward, Opal.

Besides, it was too late. He was coming around the corner of the aisle, so there was no escaping now.

Renard spotted her immediately, his gaze narrowing as he strode down the aisle toward her. “What are you doing here?”

Lord, he was rude.

She placed her hands on her hips. “And good morning to you, too.”

A cooing sound came from his chest and her gaze dropped to the baby he had cradled to his chest.

“Why do you have a baby strapped to you?” she asked.

“She’s my human shield. In case anyone decides to take me out. Figure they’ll hesitate to shoot a baby.”

“What?” She gaped at him, aghast.

“Jesus, girl. I’m babysitting.”

“You’re babysitting?” she asked.

This was a weird town with very weird people.

But honestly, this was one of the weirdest things she’d heard to date.

“Nope. I stole this baby. Her parents have no idea that I’ve got her.”

Okay. He was joking.

He had to be joking. Eyeing him, though, she wasn’t so sure.

“What’s her name?”

“Carrot,” he replied.

“What? Her name can’t be carrot!” she exclaimed.

“Why not? Does she not look like a carrot? Hmm, you might be right. Maybe Potato or Chip.”

What was happening right now? And why was he looking at the same security lights that she’d been studying?

“Chip? Chip is a boy’s name, isn’t it?” she asked.

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