Familiar Lullaby

“I don’t think he’ll expect you to go to Europe,” Lily said.

“You’re probably right about that.” But Susie’s voice belied the words she spoke. “Do you think we could call and check on David?”

It was the question Lily had been dreading. “I think it would be best if we didn’t.”

“You could say you were working on a story. I don’t want to talk to the Johnsons. I just want…”

“I know, Susie. You just want to make the connection, to know again that David is safe.” How was she ever going to help Susie let go of the child? “He is. I’m sure of it. And you have to be too.”

“I didn’t think it would be so hard.” She brushed fresh tears away. “How can I do this?”

Lily went to her and put her hands on her shoulders. “How can you not? What would happen if you went and got David? Where would you go? A single woman, you have a chance of escaping. Your husband will be looking for a pregnant woman or a woman with a child.” She didn’t bother to point out that Susie was going to have a hard time keeping herself together in a new life. The baby was far better off with the Johnsons. Susie knew it, too.

“Everything you say is true. It’s just that—this isn’t right.”

“Your other option is to press charges against your husband.” It was something they’d already discussed.

“And find myself declared an unfit mother. Or dead.”

Susie had made no bones about the fact that Wayman could destroy her reputation or even have her killed, and in such a way that he’d never be prosecuted for the crime. He had that kind of power. Susie wasn’t exaggerating.

“Your flight is at four.” Lily picked up the paperwork. “It’s all arranged. You’ll be fine. I know it.”

She almost dropped the sheaf of papers when she heard the knock on the door. It was so unexpected. She jumped to her feet as Susie scurried into the bedroom.

“Who’s there?” Lily asked.

“Mel Haskin.”

She closed her eyes to give herself a few seconds to think. What was he doing at her door? And what was she going to do? Quickly she tucked the passport and paperwork into a drawer. “I’m coming.”

She glanced around the room to make certain that no sign of Susie had been left in the room, then she opened the door.

“This better be good,” she warned him. She was caught unaware by the excitement she suddenly felt as their eyes connected.

“I’m curious about some things,” Mel said, striking a casual pose against the doorway.

“I’m busy,” she replied. “Maybe later on in the week I’ll have time for your curiosity.” She started to close the door, but his hand halted her.

“You purchased a basket from Annie’s Boutique. A very nice basket. Strangely enough, exactly like the basket that the baby was left at the Johnson house in.”

Lily did everything she could to hide the sudden fear that swept over her. She’d paid cash for the basket. Susie had insisted on buying it—David had to be left in something wonderful, something that would let his new parents understand he was a special child, a wanted child. Now Lily regretted that she hadn’t held firm in her objections. But it was too late for hindsight.

“Don’t bother denying it. The boutique owner positively identified you.”

“Bully for her,” Lily said, taking the tack of tough reporter.

“Lily, I don’t think I have to tell you that you’re playing a dangerous game.”

Lily suddenly remembered that Susie could overhear every word they said. She stepped into the hallway. She almost tripped over a black cat that shot through the open door and into her apartment.

“Hey!” she yelled, as a second cat darted inside.

“Those look exactly like the cats from the Johnsons. And the boutique.” Mel craned his head around Lily for a better view. “I’ll help you catch them.” He started inside.

Lily slammed the door shut behind her. “They’re mine. Leave them alone.”

Mel’s brow was furrowed. “I could swear those are the same cats.”

Lily gave him a long look. “So cats are following you around, are they? That gives a lot of credence to your detective work.”

“Are you denying you bought the basket?”

“I bought a basket. A gift for a friend. So what about it? Is there a law against buying baskets?” She stepped closer and caught the scent of his cologne. “I think you’re about to step across the line, Detective Haskin. You’ve obviously got it in for me for some reason, and you’re trying real hard to tie me into something that I’m not involved in.”

“Oh, you’re involved. I just don’t know how.” He stared directly into her eyes.

“Let me ask you something. I saw that baby. He was well tended. He’s been taken in by a family who wants him. Why are you so determined to make a case out of this?”

Mel didn’t answer instantly. His gaze held hers, and for a moment she thought she saw a flicker of pain. Then it was gone, replaced by a hardness that made her want to step away from him.

“I don’t like women who shirk their responsibilities by dumping babies on doorsteps.”

“That’s a mighty big assumption on your part.”

“Not so big. The baby was abandoned. It was left like a ham or a basket of tomatoes—something that someone might want. But there were no guarantees. What if no one had gone out on that veranda for a day or two? The baby would have starved to death.”

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