Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,86

jarring, but I don’t pull away. The comfort he’s offering is welcoming, especially in light of the circumstances.

“Mommy!” Lizzie proclaims, as she meets me at the front door.

I step inside and throw my arms around my little girl. “Are you okay?” I whisper, holding her so tight, I’m not sure either of us can breathe.

“Yep! Some powicemen came and took Walk for a wide! Can I dough for a wide too?” she asks, her eyes alive with excitement and energy.

Her innocent question brings sudden tears to my eyes. “Not today, sweetie.”

“Hey, Lizard, why don’t you go finish that picture you’re coloring for Walker? This way, when he gets done with his meeting, it’ll be ready for him.”

She nods eagerly before taking off to the kitchen just around the corner.

Jameson helps me stand and guides me to the couch.

“I’m going to meet up with Newton and see what’s going on,” Jasper says, heading for the door. “You okay here?” I hear him ask the question, but know it’s not directed at me. I’m grateful when Jameson replies in confirmation. “I got them. Keep me posted,” he says right before the door shuts.

I glance up and watch as Jameson heads toward me. “You good, Mal?”

“What happened?” I ask, ignoring his question.

He sighs and drops onto the couch beside me. Jameson looks toward the kitchen, as if making sure little ears aren’t nearby. “Walker called me around noon, told me to get over to his place fast. Apparently, the county and city police showed up with a warrant to search the premises. They wouldn’t tell him anything. He and Lizzie had to go out and stand on the front lawn while they executed their search.”

He takes a deep breath and continues, “I just pulled up when officers walked out the front door with bags of shit. Drugs. Not a lot, but more than someone who used recreationally would have in their possession. They placed him under arrest right there, but I was able to walk away with Lizzie. We went down the sidewalk looking for grasshoppers, so she wouldn’t see.

“Isaac pulled up then and sort of took over. He started making calls before they even had Walker in the back of the squad. I told Lizzie he was just going for a ride, so she wouldn’t be scared, and Isaac talked to the lieutenant in charge about releasing her to me. He agreed, as long as I took her straight to you.”

I suck in a deep breath, not realizing I wasn’t even breathing. It’s like history repeating itself.

My brain tries to process but is struggling to keep up. All I can focus on is the fact Walker had drugs in his possession and he was taking care of my daughter. Even after everything I told him about Devon, he still risked Lizzie. For what? A high? Money?

I jump up and start pacing the living room. “I need to go.”

“Where?”

“Home. To my apartment,” I state, turning and heading for the kitchen. “Come on, Lizzie. We’re going to go back home.”

“To Walk’s?” she asks.

“No, to our apartment,” I reply, gathering up the crayons and coloring books.

“But, I made dis for Walk,” she says, holding up the hand-drawn photo. “It’s me and Daddy Walk.”

I freeze and gaze down at the drawing. It’s a picture of a tall person with really long arms and legs and he’s clearly holding the hand of a much smaller girl. They’re both smiling with bright red lips and too-big teeth. The image blurs before my eyes as the tears fall fast.

“It’s a beautiful picture, Lizard. I’m sure Walker will love it as much as the other ones in his office,” Jameson says, squatting in front of her and taking the drawing.

“It’s for his house. He can put it on duh fwidge.”

My hands shake as I try to swipe away the tears, but it’s no use. The moment I sweep them away, more fall in their place.

“It’s going to be his favorite drawing ever,” Jameson assures her. “We’ll give it to him soon, okay?”

“Otay,” she replies quickly. Then she turns to me and asks, “Mommy, can Walk be my daddy?”

My heart crawls up into my throat and lodges firmly in place. “I don’t know, baby girl.”

“Izzy says she has a daddy, and I want one too. I want Walk to be my daddy.”

Realizing I can’t speak, Jameson steps in. “Let’s gather up your stuff, Lizard, and I’ll drive you back to your apartment.” He turns to me and adds, “I was able