Page 45 of Justice II

She covered her mouth, staring at Storie.

“I don't know.”

That answer nearly sent me over the edge. I wanted to put my fist through something. I kept my hand on my daughter's back instead.

“It's cold as shit outside. She's a baby. What were you thinking?”

“I wasn't thinking.” Tears ran down her face. “Justice, I'm exhausted.”

“You can't be so exhausted you forget where our child is.”

“I know that. You think I don't know that?” She reached toward Storie. “Let me see her.”

I turned enough for her to touch the baby's face. Storie was still crying, and Monica started crying harder.

“I'm sorry, baby. Mommy's so sorry.”

I looked down at my daughter. Her eyes were open now, staring up at me while she cried.

“We're getting her checked. She might have hypothermia.” I said. “Go put your shoes on.”

Monica nodded but didn't move.

“I need help, Justice.”

“I hear you.”

“No, you don't. I tell you I'm tired, and you tell me to get some sleep. I tell you I need you home, and there's always something you have to do.”

I opened my mouth, then looked at the purse I'd emptied onto the table.

I'd come in ready to change clothes and leave again. I had already told Monica I wouldn't be home for dinner.

She wiped her face with both hands.

“I don't even remember lying down. I came upstairs to change, and I sat on the bed. That's the last thing I remember.”

I was still pissed. I kept checking Storie’s body for signs of hypothermia while Monica talked.

“All right,” I said. “Get your shoes. We can talk about the rest after we get her checked.”

She went upstairs while I stayed by the door with Storie. I held her a little closer and pulled out my phone to cancel the rest of my day.

I was going to have to be home more. I needed to know what her days looked like and what Monica was dealing with after I left. If Storie needed somebody in the middle of the night, I could get my ass up, too.

I pressed my mouth to the top of her head while the phone rang.

“Daddy!”

I looked up from the picture on my desk as Storie rushed into my office.

“What?”

“Dream fell.”

I was out of the chair before she finished.

“Where?”