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Alex tossed out options. “Missing child databases? Hospitals?”
Paco’s brow pinched. “What am I? An amateur?” Paco’s flapped his hands, dumbfounded. “I’ve dedicated an entire team scouring every school record from here to Timbuk-fucking-tu. The kid is a ghost.”
I know, I was. At fifteen, when Alex left home, he never looked back. It was a past he always denied. One that haunted him to this day.
Alex shook off the past and rejoined the conversation. “If he can break into our iron-clad computer systems, he can certainly wipe himself from the digital world’s existence.”
“Well, if so, we’re fucked. Unless he talks, we’ll never know who he is.”
Alex held up a finger. “So either he’s some madman’s clone or…” He held up a second finger, “He’s my son.”
“More like your angel’s share,” Paco said, his tone bittersweet, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.
The phrase hung in the air.The angel’s share. That elusive essence of whiskey that evaporates before your very eyes, leaving nothing but a lingering trace and thirst for something more.
Firm and resolute, Alex countered, “He’s real.”
“Fine. Let’s imagine for one fraction of a second he might be your son…” Paco looked over his shoulder, ensuring they were alone. His expression turned sick. “Is there a chance he could be yours and—” he swallowed, “—Jordan’s?”
“Why?” Alex smirked. “Did you find three six’s on his head?”
“I’m serious.”
Alex blinked. “It’s one thing for a father not to know their child, but a mother?” Chuckling, he clasped his hands. “And in case you didn’t notice the way she prowled up to him, trust me, wasn’t exactly maternal.”
“Then, Alex Drake, you tell me. If this kid is the fruit of your loins, who’s the lucky pie maker?”
Alex blew out a breath. “I don’t know. Condoms are supposed to work. That’s their job. Their only job.”
Paco sat up, and faced Alex, head on. “Is there any chance you’ll listen to reason and walk away? At least until we positively identify him?”
Alex met his eyes with a fierce gaze. “Not on your life.”
“You know, despite his looks and attitude and ridiculous smarts, this kid may not be yours.”
The reality of it tasted bitter on his tongue. “I know. But, I’m not leaving without him. And I’ll need a few things in the car for the drive home.”
“Fine.” Paco grabbed a pen and pad of paper, scrawling on it. He slid the note to Alex. “If you want to play papa bear to the man child in there, be my guest.”
Perplexed, Alex stared at the scrap of paper with the dollar sign and too many zeros. “What’s this?”
“Repair costs for junior scratching my Lambo.” Paco stood. “And a few tidbits. His stomach is bottomless, hearing is selective, and fingers are sticky when it comes to car keys and credit cards.” He patted Alex swiftly on the back. “Welcome to fatherhood.”
CHAPTER10
ALEX
Alex sat in the backseat of the car, his eyes fixed on the young boy sitting next to him. Jordan, whose eyes were glued to the rear-view mirror, expertly maneuvered through the city streets as their conversation began.
“So, uh, what’s your favorite subject in school?” Alex asked, attempting to break the ice.
The boy shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know. Probably lunch,” he replied with small grin.
Smart ass.
Determined to crack through the boy’s tough exterior, Alex chuckled. “Come on, you must have a favorite class. Math? Science?”
“Nope,” the boy replied, his tone dismissive. “I prefer the fine art of avoiding homework and perfecting my Fortnite skills.”
