“Hannahismy business. She’s my stepdaughter and I only want what’s best for her.”
For the sake of her sister, Evangeline swallowed down the string of poignant words perched to fly off her tongue.
“What’s new with you, Charlene?” Hannah asked.
While Evangeline was ready to go mano a mano with the witch, she respected that her sister would do whatever necessary to diffuse the tension. In true form, Charlene prattled on about a formal function she was organizing, along with some charity gala. “I’m lending my name to yet another event, all for the betterment of those less fortunate.”
She needs to take a vow of silence…for the next thirty years.
Robert started fussing and Charlene blurted, “Take him away.” Like dismissing an attendant at one of her private parties, she couldn’t hand the child over fast enough. Then, she rinsed her hands in the sink.
“Isn’t it about time for you to go?” Evangeline asked as she cradled her nephew.
On a sneer, Charlene said, “I bought him a playpen and one of those saucer things. I’ll stop by and drop them off. When are you leaving?”
“Any time now,” Hannah replied.
Charlene slipped into her fur. “Are you going home or staying with your mother?”
“Home.”
“Good.” She peered down at the sleeping infant. “He’s absolutely perfect.” And with that, she left in a whoosh of mammal skins.
“She’s a peach,” Evangeline said, passing Robert back to his mama.
“She’s trying.” Hannah smiled down at her son. “She’s just not the mothering type.”
Again, Evangeline chose silence. Why get into it with Hannah and upset her? Knowing Joey was still out there was cause enough for concern.
The nurse breezed in with discharge papers. “Who’s ready to go home?”
It was just before five in the evening when Evangeline and Hannah entered Hannah’s townhouse. After flipping the dead bolt into place, Evangeline set the baby carrier down in the living room and stared at her tiny nephew, nestled beneath a blue blanket. “He’s very precious.”
“I love him so much, I can’t even believe it.” Hannah dropped her coat on the sofa and with tender fingers, uncovered and unbuckled the sleeping child. “I just want to hold him and keep him safe,” she said, cradling him in her arms. “I read that you’re supposed to put them in their crib right away.” She made a disapproving face. “He’s one day old. This little one needs to feel my love.”
Despite the anxiety that churned in her gut, Evangeline smiled. Hannah was going to be a great mom.
Hannah tapped the remote and the TV in the living room popped on. “I want Robert to get used to sounds so I don’t have to tiptoe around while he naps.”
When the baby woke, Hannah sat on the sofa to breastfeed.
“You’re a natural,” Evangeline said.
“He’s doing all the work,” Hannah said and laughed.
Evangeline wasn’t hungry, but she went into the kitchen to make them supper. Hannah hadn’t eaten much at the hospital and she wanted to make sure her sister kept up her energy.
“Evangeline, come in here.” Hannah’s voice was tight. “Hurry.”
Fearing something had happened to the baby, Evangeline bolted into the room. Hannah’s eyes were glued on the television.
“Sinclair Develin, D.C.’s wealthy power player and business entrepreneur known as The Fixer, has died suddenly at the age of thirty-five,” said the news anchor. “In addition to the statement issued by his business partner, Jacoby Jones, his brother, Maverick Hott, released a statement, and I quote, ‘The family is devastated over the loss of our beloved Sinclair. We ask for privacy during this difficult time’. The cause of death is presently unknown. We will update you as we learn more.”
Unable to catch her breath, Evangeline dropped into the chair. “Oh, my God, no.” She began shaking.
“I’m so sorry,” Hannah murmured.
Pain slashed her heart as it pounded out of her chest, but she refused to lose it in front of her sister. No one but Sin knew the depth of her feelings and it was pointless to reveal them now. Forcing herself to her feet, she muttered, “I left the soup on,” and returned to the kitchen on rubber legs. She went through the motions of making turkey sandwiches. But she couldn’t stop the tears, so she gave herself a moment and surrendered to the sorrow.