Free Speed Trap by Patricia Davids Page A

hard for him.
    â€œI really do have Colin’s best interest at heart. Social Services has programs that can help you with medical expenses, parenting classes, even food and housing.”
    â€œI’m not looking for charity.”
    â€œIt isn’t charity. These programs benefit many families. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you the way to Colin’s room.”
    As the woman bustled down the hall ahead of him, Garrett relaxed a little. Maybe this wasn’t going to be as bad as he thought.
    When they reached the baby’s room, a nurse in pink scrubs was waiting for them just outside. “My name is Glenda and I’m Colin’s nurse today.”
    She opened the door and walked in. After a moment of hesitation, Garrett followed.
    The room was decorated in shades of blue and tan with a flowery border along the top of the walls. A television, suspended from the ceiling, was tuned to a channel that played soft music as messages about parenting and health classes flashed across the screen.
    In the far corner of the room sat a white metal crib with a large wooden rocker beside it. All he could see in the crib was a lump of blue terrycloth.
    â€œDo you have any questions for me?” the nurse asked.
    Garrett almost laughed. A million, but he didn’t know where to start.
    He stepped up to the crib. The lump was a baby, sleeping on his stomach with his legs drawn up beneath him and his little rump sticking in the air. Garrett drew a sharp breath into his suddenly tight chest.
    The boy’s head was covered in soft, blond hair. His cheeks were plump and pink and he was sucking on his thumb.
    Whatever Garrett had been expecting, it wasn’t this feeling of warmth that spread through him like sun-drenched honey. “He’s so…small.”
    The nurse and the social worker exchanged smiles.
    â€œHe won’t stay little for long,” a familiar voice added. Garrett looked over his shoulder to see Mandy standing in the doorway.
    She was in uniform once again, a light blue shirt with a shield-shaped patch on one sleeve, dark blue trousers with a yellow stripe down the legs. Around her waist, she wore a thick black belt and the tools of her trade, a holster, a slim baton and a radio. He assumed she had handcuffs, but they must be in one of the small leather cases on the belt.
    The only thing different about her today was her hair. Itwas loose about her shoulders, giving her a softer, more feminine appearance.
    Not that she needed much help in that department. Once a man got past the fact that she carried a gun, she was really easy on the eyes.
    The baby began to stir, and the nurse said, “He’s waking up. Mr. Bowen, have you ever given a baby a bath?”
    He’d managed to wrestle Wiley into a tub once a month, but he was pretty sure that wouldn’t count. He shook his head. “No, ma’am.”
    â€œIn that case, I’ll show you how. Let me get my supplies.”
    Mandy stepped into the room as the nurse left. “Mind if I watch?”
    He did. He didn’t want another witness to his ineptness, but would Miss Compton count it against him if he objected?
    He glanced at the social worker but couldn’t read anything in her face.
    â€œDon’t mind a bit.” He tried to smile, but couldn’t quite manage it. He still held his hat in his hands. Glancing around, he spied a small table and walked over to set it down. He didn’t like being the center of attention, but it seemed he didn’t have a choice.
    When he walked back to the crib, he found Colin regarding him with wide bright blue eyes.
    Judy’s eyes.
    He’s beautiful, Judy. Why didn’t you tell me about him?
    Sudden tears blurred his vision, but he quickly wiped the wetness away, hoping no one noticed. He glanced toward Mandy and Miss Compton, but their attention was on the door as the nurse came back in with a blue plastic tub and several towels.
    â€œAll