Page 67 of Fierce Hope
The absence of one Deke Williams.
But today, she and DJ had their normal afterschool session. And now, she waited for a glimpse of his father’s truck pulling into the church lot.
She stood at the edge of the multipurpose room, a damp rag in one hand, a half-filled spray bottle in the other. The place smelled of tempera paint, crayons, and leftover apple juice from the little kids’ afterschool program. Across the room, Sarah stood at the large sink, rinsing paint cups while a couple of volunteers stacked chairs against the wall.
Outside, she spotted DJ pacing beneath the overcast sky, a restless figure in his oversized ski jacket. Even zipped only halfway, it seemed enough for him; the snow-dusted courtyard and flurries didn’t faze him. She sighed, thinking that under normal circumstances, he’d be home by now—or at least somewhere warmer.
Where was Deke?
She tossed the rag into a bin of dirty linens, then turned to Sarah. “I’m going to see if DJ wants to come inside while I call his dad. It’s too cold out there.”
Sarah nodded, offering Jade a small, grateful smile. “Thanks for helping out. The kids were extra wild today, but at least they had fun.”
“Glitter plus six-year-olds equals permanent chaos,” Jade joked, forcing a half-smile. Though her heart felt heavier than usual—Deke’s last-minute departure clashed painfully with everything they’d sorted out. Or failed to sort out.
Sarah let out a laugh. “Exactly right—permanent chaos.”
Jade headed for the glass doors, phone in hand. DJ kicked at a slushy pile of snow, shoulders hunched. She couldn’t blame him for looking restless, given the circumstances. She tapped her phone, intending to dial Deke’s number, but it lit up with his name before she could. Her breath snagged in her throat.
She answered immediately. “Deke?”
His tone was tense. “Hey, sorry I’m late. Emergency job. We’re wheels up in under an hour. Listen, can you drop DJ at Izzy’s? He can bunk with Mrs. Reyes until I’m back. I texted him, but I’m not sure if he’s seen it.”
Jade looked out at DJ again. He’d just glanced her way, his expression guarded but hopeful. She felt that familiar protective tug in her chest—something she’d noticed more intensely since she’d confessed her old life to Deke days ago. Despite everything, he still trusted her enough to protect DJ. That thought warmed and unsettled her in equal measure.
Deke added, “We might be gone a week, maybe more. I’m sorry to drop this on you last minute.”
“It’s no trouble,” Jade said automatically. She was about to hang up when the heavy door swung open. A swirl of frigid air followed DJ inside, snow clinging to his hair. He caught sightof her on the phone, and his eyes flicked between her and the device.
“Can I stay with you?” he asked suddenly, voice earnest but carrying a hint of teenage bravado. “For the week or ... however long, I guess.”
Jade’s brows lifted. She knew he’d been to her condo only briefly, sleeping on the couch once or twice when Deke worked late. He must remember how tiny the space was. “DJ,” she said, muffling the phone’s mic. “Are you sure? I’ve only got one bedroom. You’d be on the couch.”
He shrugged, looking simultaneously shy and resolute. “That’s fine. Better than Izzy’s. Mrs. Reyes is awesome, and I love Chantal, but she’s?—”
“Six,” Jade finished, letting herself laugh softly. “She’d rope you into playing mermaid dress-up or something.”
He managed a wry grin. “Exactly. I’d go crazy in two days.”
The phone crackled, reminding Jade that Deke was on the line. She lifted it again. “He’s asking to stay with me. Says he’d rather not deal with Chantal’s endless energy.” A fond smile tugged at her lips. “I’m fine with it if you are.”
A pause, then Deke’s sigh came through clearly. “I’m not sure. You work full-time—you have your own schedule.”
Jade’s voice firmed up, surprising even her. “He’s fifteen, Deke. He can walk to my condo after school. We’ll coordinate groceries, chores, whatever. You know I’ll keep an eye on him.” She tried not to dwell on how complicated it felt, given the new knowledge Deke had of her criminal upbringing. Still, he’d trusted her enough so far.
“Dad,” DJ called, stepping closer so Deke could hear him. “I’ll be okay. Promise.”
Another pause. Jade imagined Deke at the hangar, wearing that protective frown. Eventually, he relented. “Alright, if you’resure. And if you need anything—rides, help from Kelli or Mrs. Reyes—don’t hesitate to call them. Or me.”
Jade’s heart fluttered with relief. Despite everything, he wasn’t rescinding her caretaker role. “Got it. We’ll manage just fine. Good luck with your assignment, Deke.”
“Thanks,” he muttered. Then more softly, “I owe you. Big time.”
She let out a small chuckle, though her chest tightened at the reminder of all they still hadn’t resolved. “Consider it a tiny downpayment for all the Knight Tactical heroics. Pretty sure the ledger’s still in your favor.”
They disconnected. For a moment, Jade held the phone in her hand, emotions swirling. She cast a glance at DJ, who stood there waiting, eyes bright with a quiet hope. A flicker of gratitude rose in her that Deke’s acceptance of her past extended to letting DJ stay under her roof. If Deke had truly doubted her, he wouldn’t have agreed so easily. The thought made her chest ache in a conflicted way.
“So,” DJ ventured, “it’s cool?”
