The Baby Assignment. Christy Barritt

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СКАЧАТЬ But what other choice had she had? If she’d seen his eyes, she would have changed her mind, and she couldn’t do that.

      “Her name is Addie,” Tanner said. “She was left at the FBI office.”

      The FBI. She should have known. It had always been Tanner’s dream to work there. The most important thing he could achieve. His highest goal in life.

      More important than anything, including Macy.

      She forced herself to remain focused and not let that familiar old bitterness creep into her psyche. “There was no clue about who she is?”

      “Addie’s mom told the security guard at the gates to our field office that the baby needed protection and that she had no one else to turn to. She also said that if she kept Addie with her, they’d kill her.”

      The words chilled Macy. “That’s it? No idea of who ‘they’ would be?”

      Tanner shook his head. “No idea. Not a lot to go on, right?”

      “Not at all. Any belongings?”

      “A diaper bag. That’s where we found your name. It was scribbled on a piece of paper we located in one of the pockets.”

      She sucked in a breath, uncertain if she’d heard correctly. “My name?”

      Tanner nodded and showed her a grainy black-and-white photo of a woman wearing a baseball cap and oversize sweatshirt. The woman’s head remained down. “Recognize her?”

      She studied the photo, searching her thoughts for a clue to this woman’s identity. The picture didn’t give her any leads. It was too hard to clearly identify any of her features.

      “I can’t say I do,” Macy said. “Not from this photo, at least. I have an average of thirty clients a week. Some I see once a week, some every other week, some once a month.”

      “I understand.”

      Macy shook her head again and glanced at the picture once more. “I wish I had some answers for you, Tanner. I really do.”

      “So do we.”

      Macy shifted, processing what he’d told her. “Despite the fact that my name was found in the diaper bag, I’m fairly confident I don’t know this woman. I’d certainly remember Addie.”

      “She’s my latest assignment.”

      A hint of amusement sparked in Macy’s gaze as she remembered the time she and Tanner had babysat her niece and nephew for a day. Tanner had started strong, but had ended frazzled and exhausted. The big tough guy could do a lot of things, but chasing children and changing diapers wasn’t his forte.

      “Really?” She licked her lips and kept her tone neutral.

      Humor lingered in his gaze, but only for a moment. “You don’t have to pretend that this scenario is ideal. I know I’m not a natural.”

      “A lot could have changed in five years. Maybe you have a whole gaggle of children at home now.” Remorse pounded at her temples. She still mourned for the loss of their relationship, and part of her didn’t want to know if her guess was the truth.

      Something unreadable flickered in Tanner’s gaze. “I don’t.”

      Macy wished the proclamation didn’t bring her a touch of delight. Thinking of him being happy with someone else twisted her gut in ways it shouldn’t. He was no longer hers, and he never would be.

      Tanner shifted, looking ill at ease—something that he rarely ever was. “We’re all aware that this case is obviously bigger than we understand. We need your help figuring out who the mother is. The sooner we learn her identity, the sooner we can find some answers. Maybe you’ll recall something.”

      “I don’t know, Tanner...” She swallowed hard, the words burning a hole in her gut. The thought of working with Tanner was almost more than she could stomach. Instinctively, she reached forward and stroked Addie’s hand again. “I really don’t know how I can help.”

      “Go through your clients. Both here and in Oklahoma. See if anyone matches. Talk to your colleagues.”

      “Of course. I can do that.” Relief washed through her. She could do that alone—without Tanner. She could handle that much more easily than having to interact face-to-face with Tanner. “When do you need my response?”

      “Now.”

      “Now?” She let out a laugh, all her momentary relief disappearing. “I have an appointment in an hour and two more after that. I—”

      Tanner leveled his gaze with her, his baby blues locking onto hers. “I know, Macy. I’m sorry to ask you this. You know I wouldn’t unless—”

      “Unless you were desperate,” she finished. They’d both ended things on a bitter note. Neither would purposefully seek the other out unless it couldn’t be avoided. That was obviously the case right now.

      Tanner frowned but nodded.

      Macy rubbed her hands across her pants, trying to collect her thoughts and sort out each of the demanding priorities facing her. “I’ll need at least a day. I can’t just cancel on my clients. And it’s going to take time.”

      “We don’t have a lot of time. We believe this baby and her mother are in danger.”

      Her responsibilities clashed inside her. Macy had an obligation to her clients—some were on the verge of breakdowns. Many were at the end of their ropes. But she could see the urgency of this situation as well.

      “I understand,” she said. “I can work all night. You have to be aware that I have clients who will face crises if I don’t meet with them. I’d be happy to dedicate myself to this when those appointments are done.”

      “Thank you.” Apology stained his eyes. Or was it regret? Bitterness?

      Working with Tanner—knowing she’d have to face him again, even if just for a few minutes—would be challenging. She hadn’t seen him in years. And it was better that way, with the distance and separation between them. There was too much water under the bridge. Too much had transpired between them, and it all added up to a world of hurt.

      “Of course.” She fluffed a pillow, desperate to distract herself from the scent of his leathery aftershave. She hadn’t realized until this moment just how much she’d missed it. Craved it, for that matter.

      “I’ll check back in with you tomorrow and see if you discovered anything.”

      She nodded stiffly at the idea of seeing him again. It was something she’d never get used to. “Of course.”

      He stood, Addie grabbing his finger as his form dwarfed Macy. He waved the baby’s hand back and forth, looking like a natural, despite how uncomfortable and ill-equipped he claimed to be.

      “I think you’re underestimating yourself.” Macy stood also and gave Addie’s foot another gentle squeeze. “You’d do fine with a baby.”

      A frown tugged at the corner of his mouth. СКАЧАТЬ