“He’s out with his friends, Warren and Kwame. They’re older boys. I wouldn’t let Willie go with them. Because I’m—”

I cut her off and say the line for her. “I know…because you’re a very reliable caregiver.”

She ignores that. No laughing. No smiling. No comment.

“When did this baby eat last?” Sabryna asks.

“I fed her just before I left GUH. Her belly’s full.”

“Yeah,” says Sabryna. “She fell asleep the second she was in my arms. She must be real tired…after her day with all that traveling.”

I’m not going for the bait. Then suddenly Sabryna speaks fairly loudly, a note of alarm in her voice. “Sweet Jesus! What’s this red mark on her poor little foot?”

I look. I know exactly what Sabryna has seen. It’s a minuscule dot where the GUH nurse took a drop of blood for testing.

“I don’t see anything,” I say.

I’ve got to get out of here. I cannot keep up this lying any longer. This is not my talent. I’m going to crack.

I suddenly remember that there’s a small bandage on the back of my neck from the bad fall I took at the playground sprinkler. I check with my hand to make sure my hair is covering it.

“Anyway,” I say, “I’m going to go upstairs, see how Willie’s doing. Then I need to get some sleep. I’m exhausted.”

“And I’ll put this little one down,” says Sabryna.

“Listen,” I say. “I’m sorry I caused you so much worry.”

“And I’m sorry that I went off at you,” she says.

“Thanks,” I say, and I give Sabryna and Tyonna each a gentle kiss.

“But just so you know,” Sabryna says, “I know there’s more to today’s story than what you’re telling me. I’ll get it out of you.”

“I’m sure you will.” And I really am sure she will.

Chapter 58

Chapter 58

I CLIMB THE STAIRS to my apartment, where The Duke barely opens his eyes to greet me. Of course the first thing I do is check on Willie.

All is well. He has fallen asleep with his Nintendo Switch console. I once told him that he should just have that damned thing surgically attached to his hand. He actually said that was a “great idea.” I think he was joking.

I take a shower and wash my hair. I think about putting moisturizer on my face. I think about emptying the dishwasher. I think about…Who the hell am I kidding? I’m just too damned exhausted to do anything but go to bed.