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He exhaled, his patience still back in that apartment. “It’s Killian. I need you to give me everything you can find on June Harris, twenty-eight, and her kid, Killian Harris.”
“Killian? There something I should know?”
“Just get me the details. This needs to take priority,” Killian said.
“I’ll see what I can pull up. Should I send it to the same account?”
“Yeah. Thanks, Maurice.” He hung up the phone, not in the mood to chitchat or to explain the shitty situation he’d gotten himself in. It was embarrassing. He wasn’t a fucking deadbeat. He’d never planned on having any kids, but knowing he had a little boy changed everything.
He crashed back on the bed, the springs whining. How many miles had been put on this mattress? The ceiling had leak stains, and he tried to discover patterns in the yellow blotches. He closed his eyes, taking calming breaths.
When June said she’d had no one all these years, it tore him apart. He knew what if felt like to have no one and nothing. His roots were humble to say the least, but his harsh childhood had formed him into the man he was today. The only regret he really had was not being able to save his mother—that would fuck with his head until the day he died.
His phone vibrated.
He logged into his private server and opened Maurice’s email. The man was a god behind a computer, and had saved his ass more times than he could count. There were pages of information, overloading his head with guilt and anger. Everything June had told him was the truth. She also hadn’t married or had any common law relationships. He expected lies from everyone because that’s what he usually fell back on. Killian had started his white lies in public school, telling his friends about his fine home in the country, and the parents who loved and spoiled him. The truth had always been a bastard he wanted no part of.
The information on his son was more disturbing. He’d been involved with the cops, petty stealing, fights at school, and running away. The little fucker must have put June through the same hell he’d put his own mother through. He needed a father to set him straight, and in this case that responsibility fell on him.
Tomorrow he’d visit June with a level head. Tonight he needed a pub to forget absolutely everything.
****
June began her usual chores around the house, doing the dishes from last night, gathering up the laundry to bring to the laundromat tomorrow, and wiping down the dinette from breakfast. She moved like a robot, her heart still racing. She couldn’t think about this now, think about him. Tears were a luxury she learned to hold back for the sake of her son. She refused to let him see how broken she was most nights, wanting nothing more than to cry herself to sleep. But they shared
the only bedroom and she had to ensure his happiness.
She didn’t know what she’d tell Killian Junior when he finished his homework. And he’d ask. That boy was smart, and he’d know something wasn’t right.
Tonight she’d taken an extra shift at one of the local pubs, so a babysitter was coming once Killian was in bed. She hated paying for childcare, but she had no choice. The little money she’d clear was still better than nothing, and tips on closing shift were usually the best.
June began putting the clean dishes away. Her body, mind, and soul were tired. She’d imagined Killian coming back for her, like her knight in shining armor. He’d love her, take care of her, and they’d live happily ever after like in the fairytales. But June had given up on dreams so many years ago. She’d given up on Killian returning.
When she first saw him, she knew it was her lost love. She’d never forget his face.
Although she’d recognize him anywhere, he’d roughened around the edges. He looked damn good, and it pissed her off that she was even more attracted to him now than over a decade ago. He had a five o’clock shadow, his dirty-blond hair shaved at the sides and long at the top. Those intense blue eyes still made her knees weak.
“Mom?”
She gasped, pulled from her thoughts. June turned to face her son. “Yes?”
“That man knew you. Who was he?”
“Just an old friend, sweetheart.”
He tilted his head to the side. “A boyfriend?”
She shook her head. “Never you mind that,” she said, changing the subject. “I’m going to prepare dinner, so help me set the table. I have a lot to get done before work.”
“You just got home from work.”
June sighed, squatting down to Killian’s level. God, he looked like his father. She kept her emotions in check. “We’ve been through this. I need to work extra for a few months, but you won’t even notice I’m gone. Melissa will be here while you’re asleep, but I’ll be here when you wake up.” She kissed his forehead.
“Don’t you need to sleep, Mom?”
She winked. “Mommies don’t need sleep. We’re like superheroes.” June chuckled as she shuffled Killian off to do his chores. Tonight she’d make some macaroni and cheese. It would fill them up enough for the night.
By the time Melissa showed up at her door, Killian was tucked into their bed. June hoped he’d stay there. In the past six months he’d tried to run away twice when he had a babysitter. She knew he was rebelling because her time with him was spread thin, and it pissed her off she couldn’t be there for him like she wanted.
