Temporary Nanny

“My mom didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, either. She was just surprised is all.” The boy’s voice cut cleanly through the door, straight into Royce’s soul. The kid seemed to understand that Royce’s heart hurt much more than his bruised foot.

Almost against his will, Royce stood and walked over to the door.

Another knock. The boy’s voice again. “Mister, we’re not gonna leave till we know you’re okay.”

Slowly, Royce opened the door.

CHAPTER THREE

KATY CONCENTRATED on the man’s deep- brown eyes, where pain and a hint of anger lurked. It kept her from staring at his arm.

“I’m Katy Garner and this is my son, Jake. I’m very sorry for, um, stomping on your foot and being…rude.”

His eyes narrowed, as if he had another word for her behavior. But he didn’t say it. Instead, he crossed his arms and leaned on the doorjamb.

“Royce McIntyre. Apology accepted.”

Katy hesitated. What now? He’d accepted her apology. But what about the pain she’d caused? Could she really erase it with an apology?”

“Thanks for the Rice Krispies Treats,” Jake said. “They were really good.”

“No problem.”

Jake grinned his big, toothy grin. “You’re the first adult who’s ever gotten my message.”

The man shrugged. “Simple Morse code.”

“Yeah, but nobody else seems to get it.”

Katy interrupted their mutual appreciation. “I guess I overreacted when you shoved your foot in the door. There’ve been some break-ins in the area lately. I’m still a little uncomfortable with the way you met my son. Jake isn’t normally allowed to talk to strangers.”

“Hey, he’s the one who initiated contact. And how could I know for sure he was a kid?”

“Ask?”

He opened his mouth, then shut it. Shrugging, there was a hint of humor in his eyes. “I guess there’s that. I’m not very up on approaching kids, which should come as a great relief to you. Now that you mention it, I see your point about caution.” His eyes narrowed. “And yet you allow him to be home alone?”

Katy swallowed hard at the thought of Jake being alone and all the things that could have happened. They’d been fortunate that Royce McIntyre, on second inspection, seemed fairly decent.

Blinking back her frustration, Katy longed for the good old days when situations like this hadn’t been a problem. The days when her friend, Karen, had lived across the hall and could pinch-hit during emergencies. But Karen had moved in with her boyfriend across town, leaving a void not easily filled, both as a friend and a backup system.

“We had a communication problem with the sitter and he was alone part of the afternoon this week. I assure you it won’t happen again. Thank you for, um, entertaining him.”

“Turns out I needed to be entertained, too.” He pushed away from the jamb and extended his right hand. “Thanks, Jake. You really had me going.”

Jake shook his hand, his eyes as big as silver dollars when they traveled to his left arm. “Were you hurt in the war?”

The man stiffened. “No. A mining accident.”

“Jake, that’s not a nice thing to ask.” Katy’s face warmed. As if the man needed to be reminded of what had to be a traumatic event. From the looks of the tender, pink skin at his wrist, it had been recent trauma. “I’m sorry if he put you on the spot. And I’m sorry I wasn’t…more welcoming.”

“He has an honest curiosity. Nothing wrong with that. It’s better than being ignored…or worse.”

Like being stomped on and having the door slammed in his face.

There had to be a way to make this better. To somehow undo the hurt she’d caused. Katy shifted, uncomfortable with the solution that came to mind. “Do you like cheese enchiladas?”

He hesitated.

“It’s not a trick question. A simple yes or no will do.”

His lips twitched. “Yeah, I do.”

“Good. I’m making a batch and there’s way too much for just two people. I can bring down a…”

The wariness was back in his eyes. As if he thought she was too uncomfortable with his injury to sit across a dinner table from him. How could she tell the man it had nothing to do with him?

“It’s okay. I’m good.” He started to close the door.

Katy took a deep breath. She had to get past this. If not for her own sake, then for Jake’s. She didn’t want him to grow up being afraid of every shadow. Cautious yes, afraid no.

She stuck her foot in the gap. “Please come to dinner tonight?”

“It’s okay. Really.”

“No, it’s not okay.” She managed a small smile. “Please allow me to do this. We’ll eat in, say, forty-five minutes?”

“Goodbye.” He nudged her shoe out of the opening with his toe and quietly closed the door.

Was that a yes or a no? She’d assume yes.

“Good. We’ll see you in forty-five minutes,” she called through the closed door.

ROYCE PAUSED OUTSIDE the Garners’ place, a bottle of wine cradled on his left arm.

What in the hell was he doing here?

He was tempted to return to his apartment. Nobody had to ever know he’d been here.

But what would he do? Eat another bowl of cold cereal? Then maybe leave another voice mail for Michael? The thought left him feeling so hollow, he knocked on the door before he could change his mind.

The door opened almost instantly.

“Hi, Royce. C’mon in.” Jake’s hair was plastered damply against his head.

A pang of regret made Royce hesitate. Michael had adopted a similar hairstyle at about the same age. And now his son was a grown man, forging a career in stock-car racing, too busy to return calls from his old man. Or too alienated.

Royce was acutely aware of the passage of time. Funny, but when he’d worked out of the country, he’d sometimes felt as if the rest of the world went on hold until he got back. Children shouldn’t grow, parents shouldn’t age, ex-wives shouldn’t remarry.

Royce suppressed the thought as he followed Jake inside.

Katy hurried into the room, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

“Right on time.” There was relief in her voice, but her smile was strained.

He handed her the bottle of wine. “I, um, figured it might be okay with enchiladas. But if you don’t drink, that’s okay, I won’t be offended.”

“This looks perfect. I’ll get wineglasses and you can pour, if that’s okay?”

Royce almost broke out into a cold sweat until he remembered the bottle had a twist- off top. By bracing the bottle between his left arm and chest, he could manage. A corkscrew might have required more dexterity than he could currently claim.

Jake watched, his dark eyes solemn. Finally, he asked, “Does it hurt?”

Royce cleared his throat. He wasn’t sure how graphic he should be. “Yeah, sometimes. But the weird part is that my left hand itches like crazy. I go to scratch it and realize it’s not there anymore.”

Jake wrinkled his nose.

Royce glanced at Katy, checking her reaction. No obvious signs of disgust. She seemed to be absorbed in cooking. Her gaze met his, then slid away.

“Did they let you keep it?” the boy asked.

“Keep what?” He turned his attention to Jake. “My hand? Nope. It was blown to smithereens.” So much for not getting too graphic. But the kid had asked.

Jake seemed to digest that information. “Oh.”

“Jake, would you please set the table?” Katy handed him three colorful stoneware plates. “Silverware for everyone, then a soda for you. Special occasion.”

The kid’s whoop of excitement made Royce smile. “It takes so little to make them happy at that age.”

“He won’t be so excited when I remind him he’s grounded for his part in this escapade. He disobeyed the rules.”

“I’m sorry I got him in trouble.”

“He’s usually a good boy, but there are moments when he’s a handful. Do you have kids?” She held up a hand. “No, don’t answer that. Jake’s grilled you enough already.”

Royce smiled. “I don’t mind. I have a grown son, Michael. We’re not close, but I thought I’d reconnect with him while I’m stateside.”

“Stateside?”

“Yeah, I was working in Russia when the accident happened. People tend to assume it was something cloak-and-dagger with the Russian Mafia. Truth is, I was welding and there was a propane leak. Sparks from a welder don’t mix well with combustibles.”

She made a face. “How horrible.”

“It wasn’t fun. I thought I was dead, so waking up in a German hospital was a real bonus.”

“And probably every day after that.”

“Not quite…but it’s getting better. Jake’s been a welcome distraction.”

She hesitated. “Why did you answer him? I mean, it’s a little unusual for a grown man to play spy with a boy.”

“Hey, you don’t think I’m some sort of weirdo, do you?”

“No, not at all,” she quickly assured him. Almost too quickly.

“In case you have any lingering doubts, I have both Russian and U.S. government clearance for my work abroad. I bet I’m the safest guy on the block, maybe even the state.”

“That’s good to know.” She wiped down the kitchen counter. “Does your son live in Phoenix?”

“Michael’s based out of Charlotte. He’s busy becoming the next phenomenon of the racing world.”

“Wait, you said your name is McIntyre? Is your son the Michael McIntyre?”

“Yes. You’ve heard of him?” Though his voice rang with pride, Royce knew he couldn’t take credit for Michael’s accomplishments. Tess deserved that.

“Who hasn’t? But I’m a Ryan Pearce fan myself. I grew up around cars. My dad was a ringman at car shows and I followed in his footsteps. I help keep track of the bids and bidders and I occasionally do the calling when the auctioneer needs a break.”

“I imagine that takes a special talent.”

“Talking really, really fast.” Laughter transformed her face and made her eyes crinkle at the corners. Combined with her upturned nose, she looked a bit like a mischievous elf. “Seriously, I love what I do, both as ringman and backup auctioneer. It requires a working knowledge of classic cars and the ability to read people, work a crowd, anticipate eventualities. I’ve heard some people refer to it as a gift.”

“I bet.”

“The only drawback is the long hours leading up to an auction and the occasional out-of-town event. At first, there weren’t many of those. But since we’ve expanded, I’m spending one, maybe two weekends a month on the road. That makes child-care arrangements tricky. And I hate being away from Jake.”

Royce opened his mouth to urge her to make the most of her time with her son, to move heaven and earth to be with him every moment she could. Otherwise, she’d wake up and Jake would be grown and gone. But he didn’t usually give unsolicited advice.

“I guess that makes life complex,” he said instead.

She nodded. “I have a part-time nanny who coordinates with my mom. I’m lucky I was able to work something out between the two of them. Otherwise it would cost me an arm and a leg.”

“No doubt.” He’d never really thought about child care. But he bet Tess sure had. More and more, he realized how much he owed her. And thought she had more to show for her life than all his adventures in foreign lands. She’d raised a terrific son, while Royce had let go of everything that mattered.

“Are you okay?” Katy asked.

“Yes, fine.” He smiled, trying to chase away his regrets.

Katy got pot holders from a drawer and removed the enchiladas from the oven.

Inhaling, Royce said, “Man, I haven’t smelled anything that good in a long time.”

Katy grinned. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“In a platonic way.”

“Too bad. The other way’s a lot more fun.” Flirtations had always been a handy distraction in the past.

But Katy didn’t seem to think so, he could tell. Her posture was wary.

“Sorry, I was out of line.” Royce hurried to reassure her. “I’ve forgotten what it’s like outside the ex-pat world.”

Her stance relaxed. “I can always use another friend. Romance is out of the question.”

Royce opened his mouth to ask her why, then shut it. It was none of his business. And it was time he faced his problems instead of trying to lose himself in the closest woman who smelled nice.

“Dinner’s ready. Would you mind getting the salad out of the fridge, Royce?”

“Sure.” He liked that she treated him like anyone else. It made it easier to pretend he was like anyone else. Removing a green salad from the refrigerator, he placed it on the table next to the pan of enchiladas. There were already steaming bowls of Mexican- style rice and refried beans out.

“Jake, dinner’s ready,” she called. Turning to Royce, she said, “We’re pretty informal. Serve yourself and have a seat.”

Jake walked into the kitchen, then stood, waiting patiently. Either Mexican food wasn’t the kid’s favorite or Katy had done a good job teaching him manners.

Royce’s stomach growled as he loaded his plate. “You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this. There isn’t much good Mexican food in Russia.”

“You’ve been to Russia? What’s it like? Is it freezing all the time? Are there really babushkas?” Jake paused to take a breath.

Katy frowned as they sat at the homey table. “Whoa, Jake, give the man a chance to sit down. One question at a time.”

Royce’s brain ached from the effort of crafting answers that would satisfy the boy. “Yes, I lived in Russia for several years. It’s pretty darn cold all over, but particularly in Siberia. And there are babushkas. In the larger cities, the less fortunate ones beg.”

“Beg for what?”

“Money, food, whatever they can get.”

“Wow.” Jake’s eyes were wide as he processed the information. “I want to go there someday.”

“The people are warm and practical. They’ve lived through some rough times, but they keep plugging along.”

“I’d miss my mom if I went that far away. Did you miss your mom?”

Royce cleared his throat. “No, my mom died when I was about your age.”

“I’m sorry,” Katy murmured.

“Who raised you?” Jake asked.

“Jake—”

“It’s okay,” Royce said. “My dad raised me and my younger sister. I missed my mom a lot at first, but after a while I got used to it.”

“I bet your dad played catch with you. Do you like sports?” Jake asked.

“Sure. Basketball, soccer, hockey…”

“Baseball?”

“Of course. Who doesn’t?”

“It’s fun. But I get picked last for the teams at school.”

“That sucks.” Royce was trying hard to relate. Most things had come easily to him as a kid, baseball being no different.

“Yeah, it does suck. I’m picked last because I throw like a girl and don’t know how to bat.”

Katy patted his hand. “I’ll play catch with you tomorrow. We can work on that throwing.”

Jake wrinkled his nose. “You throw like a girl, too.” He turned to Royce. “Will you teach me?”

“Sorry, kid, I don’t play catch these days.” He raised his left arm. “Kind of hard one-handed.”

“It only takes one hand.”

“I’m sorry.” Royce shifted in his chair. A few Rice Krispies Treats were one thing, regular outings another. There was no way he wanted the kid depending on him like that. “I’m just not the guy for the job.”

Never had been, never would be.

CHAPTER FOUR

ROYCE RESOLUTELY IGNORED the tapping on his ceiling. It had been over a week since he’d had dinner with Katy and Jake; he had no intention of becoming Jake’s substitute daddy.

Not that Katy had given any indication she would endorse such a plan. On the contrary, he’d gotten the impression she’d been nearly as uncomfortable as he. And whenever they met up in the elevator, conversation had been polite, nothing more.

More tapping.

R-O-Y-C-E.

Not gonna bite. The kid was wasting his time.

R-O-Y-C-E.

Surely Katy wasn’t encouraging Jake? Maybe she didn’t know. How could she not know? Unless she wasn’t home. What in the heck was the kid doing home at two o’clock on a school day?

There was a thud from upstairs.

Royce stood, grabbing the broom from beside the couch. He refused to think about why he still had it handy.

He tapped out a quick message.

U O-K?

Nothing. No footsteps, no thumps or bumps. And certainly no responding code.

He waited a few moments and tried again. When he didn’t get a response, he dropped the broom and headed out the door.

Jake opened the door to apartment 472 almost before Royce was done knocking. His smile was wide. “Took you long enough.”

“What the hell?”

Jake shrugged. “You wouldn’t answer and I’m not supposed to leave the apartment alone.”

That’s when Royce noticed the baseball glove and ball. “Uh-uh. No way, Jake. I already told you. Besides, aren’t you grounded?”

The boy stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him, using a key dangling from a lanyard to lock it. “Not anymore. Come on, let’s go.”

“You’re not listening. I’m not your baseball buddy. Now that I know you’re safe, I’m heading home.”

Jake stopped and eyed him. “I guess I’ll go by myself then. That’ll make my mom mad and I’ll probably get grounded again.” He sighed heavily. “But a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do.”

Royce could remember many activities he’d missed because his dad was at work. “Look, I was a kid once, too. I can understand you wanting to get out and play while the weather’s great. But—”

“I bet you got to play baseball when you were a kid. And didn’t have to stay in the stinking apartment every day.”

“Most of the time, as long as I behaved myself. It’s different these days.”

“No stranger’s gonna steal me. I’ll kick him hard in the privates if he even tries. You don’t have to worry about me. See ya later.”

Oh, great, now he’d have the specter of Jake being kidnapped by a pedophile hanging over his head.

“Why don’t you wait till your mom gets home? She’ll be here soon, won’t she?”

Jake shrugged. “Yeah. Pretty soon. You know, she won’t mind if I’m with you, ’cause you got all that government spy clearance and stuff.”

“Not spy clearance. Just a background check.”

“See ya.”

The boy trudged toward the elevator.

Royce wondered why he was allowing a ten-year-old boy to best him. Sighing, he realized it didn’t matter. He couldn’t stand the thought of something happening because he didn’t want to get involved. What if it had been Michael?

He trotted to catch up with Jake. “Just today. That’s it. You left your mom a note, didn’t you?”

“Sure.”

KATY GLANCED at her watch as she answered her cell. She really didn’t need the interruption from her mother now. If she kept her nose to the grindstone, she just might finish work in time to pick up Jake from school.

“Hi, Mom, I’m right in the middle of something, can I call you back?”

“I’m so sorry, honey. Jake emptied his backpack at my house last week and apparently a notice slipped under the couch. I know they probably sent a second flyer home, but I just wanted to be sure you knew about his early release.”

The world around her seemed to come to a screeching halt.

“Today?”

“Yes, the teachers had some special workshop to attend.”

Katy swallowed hard. “What time does school get out?”

“It let out at one o’clock.”

“That was nearly two hours ago!”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. I—I’m sure Jake took the bus home and is watching TV.”

“Mom, I’ve got to call home.”

“Okay.”

Katy hit the speed dial button. The phone rang and rang, then finally went into voice mail.

She left a message telling Jake she’d be right there, just in case he’d been in the bathroom or totally engrossed in a video game. Then she grabbed her purse and keys and headed for the door, explaining to her boss on the way.

When Katy entered the apartment, she sighed in relief at the sight of Jake’s backpack. He was home. She’d been frantic for nothing.

“Jake?” she called. No answer. And the TV was off. Not the norm when her son was home.

She glanced in his bedroom. It looked the same as when he’d left this morning—the bed slightly rumpled but basically tidy. The bathroom door stood open.

Panic threatened to return.

Where could he be?

What if someone had come to the door and Jake had let him in? He could be halfway to Mexico by now. Or worse.

“Calm down,” she murmured. There was probably some reasonable explanation. No need to jump to conclusions. Jake was probably at a friend’s house and had forgotten to call. It had happened once before. Fortunately, Brandon’s mother had called that time to let her know Jake was there.

Katy removed her PalmPilot from her purse and ran through her address book. She called Brandon’s house—no Jake. Now that she thought about it, Katy couldn’t recall her son playing with Brandon recently.

Where could Jake be?

Her gaze lit on the bottle of wine, two- thirds gone, leftover from the dinner with Royce.

She grabbed her purse and headed out the door, taking the stairs because they were quicker. She was nearly out of breath when she reached Royce’s door.

Katy pounded on the door a little harder than necessary. But he didn’t answer. Her hand shook as she knocked one last time.

Should she call the police? Have them issue an Amber Alert?

Katy blinked away tears of frustration.

Royce cursed under his breath as he chased the ball. “Sorry, kid, I don’t catch so well one-handed.”

“That’s okay, I don’t throw so good one- handed.”

Royce picked up the ball and laughed. The sun was warm on his back and he recalled just how good it felt to be outdoors and playing. “I don’t think of it that way. You’re getting better, though.”

“Yeah, so are you.” Mischief lurked in Jake’s eyes.

Royce tossed the ball to him and it bounced off the tip of his glove.

“Got to get under it.”

“It was too high.”

“Then move. Your feet aren’t stuck to the ground.” Royce demonstrated getting under the ball. Unfortunately, it bounced off his bare hand and he had to chase it again.

“It didn’t help you.”

“Yeah, well I’m the exception. Try it.” He tossed the ball high.

Jake scampered back a few feet. He smiled as the ball fell into the pocket of his glove. “Cool. You got a trick like that for throwing?”

“Just keep focused on where you want it to go and follow through. Like this.”

“Jake Allan Garner.” The frosty words came from behind Royce.

Jake’s eyes widened. He stammered, “Um, Mom, you weren’t supposed to be home yet.”

Royce turned to see Katy standing a few yards away, hands on hips, her eyes flashing.

“Why didn’t you tell me there was early release today? Do you know how worried I’ve been?”

Jake opened his mouth, but Katy kept going. “I’ve called your friends, stopped by the school. I was about to call the police and have them issue an Amber Alert.”

Royce stepped forward. “Didn’t you get Jake’s note?”

“There was no note.” She enunciated clearly.

He turned. “Jake, you said you left a note.”

The boy kicked a clod of dirt with his shoe. “I, um, forgot.”

“It seems to me you deliberately disobeyed me. And pretty much orchestrated this whole thing. You knew I’d have Sally come stay with you for early release, didn’t you?”

Jake studied his shoes. “I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do know. I’m beginning to think the notice got shoved under Grandma’s couch on purpose. There’s usually a second notice. I’m assuming that one got lost, too?”

The boy’s face flushed. Royce had a pretty good idea Katy had hit the nail on the head.

“Hey, kid, it’s not good going behind your mother’s back.” Royce turned to Katy. “I’m sorry, I should have known better.”