Chapter 9 - The Boy in the Red Sneakers
I scrambled out of the tub faster than my bruised ribs allowed.
"Caleb!"
Roman quickly wrapped me in a thick, dry terrycloth robe and fastened the belt
around my waist.
"Easy," he cautioned, catching my shoulder. "You're still weak."
"I need to see him," I insisted.
Roman didn't argue.
He scooped me up into his arms again.
I leaned against his chest as he carried me down the grand winding staircase of
the manor.
At the foot of the stairs, standing in the center of the vast marble foyer, was
a small, skinny boy.
His red sneakers were scuffed at the toes.
His oversized blue jacket hung down past his knees.
Tucked tightly under his left arm was his dented metal box, covered in faded
baseball stickers.
"Nora!" he yelled.
The sound of his voice hit my heart like sunlight breaking through winter ice.
Roman set me down gently on the bottom step.
Caleb sprinted across the polished floor and collided with me.
He threw his arms around my neck, burying his face into my shoulder.
His small frame was shaking with tears.
"You didn't come home," he cried, his little fingers gripping my robe.
"Mrs. Adler said you were lost! I thought the bad men took you away forever!"
I sank to my knees on the cold marble, wrapping my bandaged arms around him.
I kissed his messy brown hair, his forehead, his tear-streaked cheeks.
"I'm here, baby," I sobbed. "I'm right here. I will never leave you. Never."
He pulled back, his wide hazel eyes scanning my face.
He saw the white gauze over my eyebrow and the bruises on my neck.
His lower lip trembled.
"Did they hurt you?"
"I'm okay," I lied, smiling through my tears. "Just a little clumsy."
Caleb looked up, noticing the giant of a man standing right behind me.
He looked at Roman Calder with suspicious, protective eyes.
He tucked his tin box tighter under his arm and stepped slightly in front of me.
"Are you the boss?" Caleb asked, trying to make his nine-year-old voice sound
brave.
Roman looked down at the boy.
The feared harbor titan slowly lowered himself onto one knee, meeting Caleb at
eye level.
"I am," Roman said quietly.
"Did you protect my sister?" Caleb demanded.
Roman looked at me, then back at Caleb.
"I tried," Roman said honestly. "I was too late to stop the bruises. But no one
will ever touch her again. I give you my word."
Caleb studied Roman's face with that brutal honesty only children have.
Slowly, the tension left his shoulders.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his plastic inhaler.
He took a quick puff, his breathing rattling slightly in his chest.
Roman frowned.
"How long has his cough sounded like that?" Roman asked me.
"He needs his evening nebulizer treatment," I said, worry rushing back.
"It's back in our flat in Highlandtown—"
"Marco," Roman called out without standing up.
"Call Dr. Chen back. Have a pediatric respiratory unit installed in the west
guest suite within the hour."
"Mr. Calder, no," I protested. "That's too much—"
Roman stood up and met my gaze with undeniable authority.
May you like
"You and Caleb are not setting foot in that apartment again."
"This is your home now."
