Page 19 of The Consequences of Love and Vengeance

DUDE!! Throw a dog a bone?

Me

Some bitch left her baby at the station. It’s a long story and one I don’t have time to get into over text.

Connie

So call me, bitch.

Me

Can’t. I’m with Alana.

I promise to fill you in later.

Connie

I hate you.

Me

You love me!

Connie

Not right now, I don’t.

Me

See ya, Monday.

I smile when the last text pops up with an emoji flipping me the bird.

“We’re here.” Alana’s voice breaks my distraction, so I stuff my phone away.

I look out the window as Alana pulls into the parking lot of the retail store. A packed one at that, with cars and trucks tucked in most of the respected parking spots. A couple of cars—assholes—I see are taking up two spots. Alana parks in the back, and I decide to leave the conversation alone... for now.

CHAPTER FOUR

Ihave an alarm clock, but I’m usually awake and up at least ten to fifteen minutes prior to it going off. This morning, however, I was up at four—over an hour before I’m usually getting out of bed. I didn’t need an internal alarm clock or the one on my cell phone today; I had Gabe.

Yes, he’s “Gabe” now, courtesy of Alana. She started calling him that onSaturday and by nightfall so was I.

It’s cute. I like it. It fits him.

What I didn’t like, but had no say in, was all the crap Alana bought for him. The formula I was cool with. She got several different types, and I think I’ve finally narrowed it down to the gentle one. He doesn’t puke nearly as much as he was doing a fewnights ago.

Thank God!

The clothes,more bottles, two blankets, a new diaper bag, baby toys, anda brand-new car seat were overkill in my opinion.Alana disagreed and wasn’t going tolet Gabe remain being toted around in the carrier his mother brought him into the station in.

The trip to the store two days ago was ridiculous. Especially since I won’t have him after today. I reckon when he goes into protective custody, they’ll have all they need for him. My mind can rest somewhat knowing he won’t need any materialistic things.

My chest tightens a little at the thought of him leaving my care, but I quickly shove it away.

It’s my day off, but I’m here in Deputy Chief Ramirez’s office waiting for him to arrive on Monday morning. I’m only off today because I was on-call last week. My typical work schedule is Monday through Friday.

Bringing Gabe here with me wasn’t ideal, but I didn’t have anyone to leave him with, and there wouldn’t have been any reason to even if I had. I’ll need to make arrangements to hand him off to the right people once I talk to Tom.

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