Page 36 of Gator's Gambit
For a long while it doesn’t seem the little boy’s going to answer but then, in a small voice, with a shy smile, he says, “Andrew.” He has the cutest little lisp.
“Hey Andrew. Are you lost, angel?” Slowly, he nods.
“Oh no. That’s not nice –” Before Fancy can say more, I watch in astonishment, as Andrew climbs into her lap, wraps his little arms around her neck, and buries his face in her neck with a sob. “Oh, my sweet angel, it’s okay.” Fancy rubs a soothing hand up and down his little back, rocking him gently.
I get to my feet and scout the area around us to see if I can find anyone looking frantic, but no one in particular jumps out. To ensure no one runs into them, I stand protectively close to Fancy and Andrew, while continuing to watch for potential parents. I hear her murmur quietly to the boy, while he cries into her neck.
“Bean, maybe we should find security and see about finding Andrew’s parents. Maybe they can make an announcement over the PA system.”
I’m about to answer her when a tall blonde moves into my field of sight. Her head whips back and forth as if she’s searchingfor someone. Then I hear her call “Andrew,” her voice cracking at the end of his name.
“Over here,” I call, waving and arm about my head. I watch as she scans the crowd, trying to locate the voice. “To your left,” I call out again, and watch as her head swings in my direction. It takes a moment, but then she spots me and dashes over my way. I move to meet her.
“Are you calling me?” she asks, anxiety clear in her voice.
“Yes, ma’am. Do you have a son, Andrew? I heard you calling for an Andrew.”
“Yes. We were waiting for his dad, and I let go of his hand for only a second to answer my phone. God, he moved so quickly.” The woman swallows hard, battling back tears. “Why do you ask?”
“We found a little boy who’s lost, and he said his name is Andrew.”
“Where is he?”
“Over here.” I point in Fancy’s direction. “He’s scared and overwhelmed, so my girlfriend’s comforting him.”
I lead her over to where she’s still holding the distraught child, rocking him and singing softly to him.
“Oh my God, Andrew.” She drops to her knees.
“Mama’s here, Andrew. Look,” Fancy says.
He peers over his shoulder, arms still firmly wrapped around her neck. When he spots his mother, the child throws himself at her.
“Baby, you scared me. I thought I’d lost you. Please don’t do that again. Mama’s heart can’t take it.” Sobs are her only answer as he clings to her.
When the boy finally calms, she turns to Fancy and me. “I don’t know how to thank you both. I shudder to think what would have happened if Andrew hadn’t found you.” She reachesout and pulls Fancy into a hug, the child sandwiched between them.
“Thank you for what you did for my little boy. You obviously have a gentle spirit because Andrew doesn’t go toanyone. He’s normally very aloof with strangers. Then again, my late Mama always believed that children and animals are the best judges of character.”
“You’re very welcome. I’m just glad we were able to help.”
“I guess I should get going. I’m sure my husband’s landed by now. He’ll be wondering where we are. Thanks again.”
She’d only gone a short distance when Andrew wriggled to get down. Running as fast as his little legs would carry him, he throws himself at Fancy’s legs, giving them a quick hug, before racing back to his mother.
They disappear into the milling crowd, and I turn to Fancy. “You ready to g—” My words stumble to a halt as the bare yearning etched on her face. “Baby, you okay?”
“Um, yeah. Yeah, I’m good.”
I study her for a moment but decide to let it go. Our current surroundings are definitely not where I want to have any kind of personal discussion. So, I take her bag and guide her out into the warm Californian day and over to my SUV.
“This is far more you than Em’s little car.” She laughs. “Much more what I pictured for you.”
“Yeah, the tin can is okay for short visits home. But definitely not long term.”
“So, where are you taking me?”
“I thought we could go for a bit of a drive. I can show you around town, and then we could grab a bite somewhere before heading for home.”
