Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Ms. Jans looked at her daughter, then back at me. I could see the internal struggle playing across her face, pride warring with desperation, caution battling with the need for an ally.
“Yes,” she said finally, the word barely audible. “I’d appreciate the help.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of her tentative trust. As I dialed Lana’s number, I glanced at Lily, who smiled at me from her hospital bed. The stuffed rabbit sat between us on the edge of her blanket, a small bridge across a widening gap of uncertainty. I winked at her which made the child smile wider.
“Thank you,” Ms. Jans whispered as the phone began to ring. “I’m Eliza, by the way. Eliza Jans.”
“Johnny Kingston,” I replied, offering my real name instead of my road name for once.
As I spoke with Lana on the phone, setting up a meeting with Eliza to discuss her situation further, Eliza sat by Lily’s bedside, her expression a mix of relief and apprehension. She watched her daughter with love and a fierce protectiveness.
Lily, in turn, clutched Mr. Flopsy close to her chest, her eyes still shining with the innocent belief a simple stuffed rabbit could bring courage to those in need. As Lana confirmed she was on her way, I caught Eliza’s gaze and offered her a reassuring smile. It was a small gesture, but I could see the gratitude in her eyes.
After ending the call, I turned to Eliza, who was now holding Lily’s hand, the connection between them palpable. “Lana’s on her way. Give everything to her straight, and she’ll do everything she can to help.”
Eliza nodded, her gratitude evident. “Thank you, Cash.”
I gave them both a lopsided grin I knew charmed women all over Nashville. “Thank you, Lily, for being so kind and sharing Mr. Flopsy with me.”
As I prepared to leave, Eliza stood up, her demeanor more determined now, her resolve steeled by the prospect of having someone by her side in the challenges ahead. “Thank you for this,” she said, her voice steady. “I won’t forget your kindness, Cash.”
I took out a card with Haven’s number on it. “This is the number to New Beginnings Women’s Shelter. We call it Haven, but New Beginnings is how it’s listed.” I cleared my throat. “If you need to get a hold of me or Lana, you can call the number on the card and they’ll take care of everything.” I wanted to give her my number but didn’t think I should yet. Didn’t matter. I’d tell Knight to make sure the guys knew to send me if she needed anything.
With a nod and a smile, I left. As I walked down the sterile hallway, the feeling my life was about to change grew even stronger. Because, as I stowed my mop cart before pressing the elevator button, I knew in my heart my life would forever be twined with Eliza and Lily Jans.
Chapter Three
Eliza
I sat beside Lily’s hospital bed, watching the gentle rise and fall of her small chest. The room felt too quiet after the storm of the social worker’s visit. My mind raced with all the ways our world might fall apart after today. The bright pink cast on Lily’s arm seemed to glow in the dim hospital lighting, a neon sign broadcasting my failure to protect her. I had no proof she had something wrong with her to make her prone to injuries, but I knew no one abused her. Certainly not me.
Cash had left nearly forty minutes ago, promising help would come. I wanted to believe the stranger, but hope was a luxury I could rarely afford. Too many promises had evaporated over the years, disappearing like morning mist under the harsh sun of reality.
Movement in the hallway caught my attention. A woman in a tailored charcoal suit strode purposefully toward Lily’s room, her heels clicking against the linoleum with authority. I stiffened instinctively, my arms folding across my chest as if I could physically shield myself from more accusations from another social worker. I damn sure didn’t want to talk to someone from administration coming to discuss the mounting bills I couldn’t pay.
The woman paused in the doorway, her gaze finding mine immediately. Unlike Ms. Winters, whose gaze had been cold and judgmental, this woman’s eyes were sharp but not unkind. She carried a leather portfolio tucked under one arm, her red hair cut in a sleek, professional style framing her face.
“Ms. Jans,” she said, her voice low enough not to disturb Lily. “I’m Lana Thompson. I specialize in family law and work with New Beginnings. Johnny Kingston called me about your situation.”
Johnny. It took me a moment to realize she meant Cash. I nodded, keeping my expression guarded as she stepped into the room. Her shoes were expensive, I noticed. So was her watch. This was no overworked public defender or court-appointed advocate.