“So they’re trying to kill you?” Marduke scooped up the puppy and then eyed her carrying Miguel, who sucked on his thumb.

Uh-oh.

“Hand him over.”

“It’s okay. I’ve got him. Besides, I think the puppy is heavier.”

“I can carry both,” he grumbled, tucking the dog back into an inner pocket. He then reached again.

She wanted to huff that she could do it, but Miguel was stiff as a board and a lot heavier at this age than was easy to carry.

“Baby,” she murmured. “Can Marduke carry you so we can walk faster?” She wanted to be far away before the cops arrived with their many questions.

Miguel turned his head. He and Marduke exchanged a glance that saw her boy leaving her arms. A relief because she could now walk better, but guilt filled her, too. As if she’d failed.

Their pace quickened, but that didn’t stop Marduke from suddenly turning loquacious. “You weren’t surprised by the attack. Why?”

“Because bad people don’t give up. We should go.” She needed to get home and pack for a stealthy move. The third one since last Christmas. Santa must have known she’d be between homes. Hence why he sent the puppy early!

The jolly man truly was all knowing.

“What’s happening to you, pita? Who are those pricks?”

“No one you need to worry about.” She wondered why he called her a breaded pocket.

“Never said I was worried. More like curious about the cowards. In my day, we fought face to face.”

Judging by his slightly crooked nose, he told the truth. “At your size, I’m sure fighting is a great answer, but I have Miguel to think of. I won’t have him in harm’s way. Now ixnay on the shooters.”

“Ix what?”

“It means shut it. Miguel doesn’t need to hear it.”

“He didn’t. I muted our conversation.”

The most inane thing for him to say. He obviously wasn’t a parent. Kids heard everything.

“The shooting wasn’t random. You’re in danger.”

“Everyone is in danger from the moment they’re conceived. Life is hard. We just have to keep on chugging along best we can,” she enthused.

“Are you always this full of shit? It’s like you’re determined to be deliberately obtuse when it comes to reality.”

“More like I won’t give in to the negativity. Life is as hard as we make it. I am choosing to enjoy mine.”

“You’d enjoy more if you punched something I’ll bet.”

Remembering her earlier poke into rock, she didn’t hit him. “I’ll take Miguel and the puppy back now. We’re almost there. It’s been lovely meeting you. Thanks for the dog. Really appreciate it.”