1 caught the careful probe in his tone and let out a quiet laugh. A nasty little idea popped into my head.
Forcing down my hatred, I softened my voice, layering in just the right amount of concern. “Me? I’m at the hospital… I’ll be home later, don’t wait for dinner… Oh, my phone’s dying–ah, the doctor’s calling. Gotta go!”
I hung up without hesitation and shut off my phone, picturing the sheer panic on his face.
He must’ve thought I found Peter and rushed Peter to the hospital.
I suddenly realized how well I knew him. No way would he go back to where he left the kid–too risky. What if I had called the cops? What if officers were already there, looking for the baby’s parents? If he showed up, how would he explain it?
But as long as I didn’t bring Peter home, he wouldn’t be able to relax, either.
It was the dead of winter.
And when I finally strolled in, empty–handed, watching him squirm in uncertainty?
That thought alone was delicious.
***
I stayed out until eight, finally leaving the mall with a few shopping bags. Still not in a hurry to go home, I swung by a clinic to get my split nail bandaged before grabbing a cab.
By the time I pulled up to that all–too–familiar house, it was nearly nine.
