Page 66 of Luci’s Lullaby

I make fast work at the grocery store, picking up the essentials for a quick meal. “I hope they like chicken.” I place the bags in the trunk and get back behind the wheel.

Five minutes later, I turn into his community. As I come around the corner, I see his truck but there are no other cars around. “Please don’t let her be here.”

I park and get the groceries from the back. “This is crazy. He’s gonna think you’re a Def-con five stalker.”

I stop in front of his door and whirl around, ready to leave. “Don’t be a chicken, cook the chicken.” I spin back around to find another woman knocking on the door.

I turn to leave and hear Alden call my name. “Charlee?”

I pivot, smiling as I do. “Hey, just come to check in, but I didn’t realize you had company coming.”

“That makes two of us.” His eyes flicker to the woman.

“Mister Beck, this makes the second time I’ve been called out here. The first time, you evaded all of my questions. If I have to come back, I’ll bring the police and we’ll take the child. After that, you’ll answer my questions.” She cocks her hip, and I’m ready to roll her ass.

I interrupt. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some food that needs to be refrigerated.”

“Sure, you know where it’s at.” Alden forces a smile as I brush past him.

“As I was saying, the infant has still been heard crying continuously. I need to do a well-check to see if she’s being taken care of properly.” This lady’s tone is crawling up my spine.

“Do you have a court order or is this voluntary?” he asks as I find a path through the place.

I survey the damage as I go. It’s even worse once I’m in the kitchen. “What is he thinking? They’ll take her for sure if she does come in here.”

“I apologize, but as I told you before, Luci’s milk wasn’t agreeing with her and we had to have it changed. She’s had a tough time lately,” Alden explains, but the hitch in his voice is what gets my attention.

“You used the milk as an excuse last time. Why is she having a hard time? Where’s the mother?” Miss Snooty Ass is pissing me off.

Alden shuffles his feet as I walk up behind him. “She died in a car accident.”

I gasp.

“And you’re the father?” She presses him as she writes in a notebook.

He shakes his head and swallows hard. “No.”

I stand beside him, shock written on my face. “I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I,” Miss Nosy says.

His eyes glisten with unshed tears, prompting me to take his hand. “Miss Moffit, my brother is Luci’s father. He passed with his wife a few weeks ago in Raleigh from injuries in a car accident. I’m her legal guardian until we get a court hearing and the Will is read.”

My chest tightens as he latches onto my hand. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”

He glances at me, lifting his mouth in a half smile. “You couldn’t have known.”

“Cid was amazing, I know you’re heartbroken.”

Miss Moffitt assesses our exchange and then addresses me. “Who are you?”

“I’m the babysitter, I’m also going to help with the house cleaning. Just until he gets the swing of things.”

“He better be getting it fast or the next time I come back, no one will like me.” She leers.

I step between her and Alden. “Surely, you’re not threatening a man who is trying to mourn the loss of his brother, his sister-in-law, and to take care of their child? I think an adjustment period is more than fair considering he’s never been a father and he’s grieving. Not to mention, this child and what she must be going through.”

“Excuse me? Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?” She gets in my face.