It was the first time he used her first name. She did not correct him. “Good night, Darius.”
He drove away at 10:31 with the empty passenger seat beside him holding Nia’s forgotten juice pouch and nothing else. The compliance binder stayed behind. He had delivered what he came to deliver.
Somehow, he was carrying more home. Vanessa’s laugh remained in his head. So did the locked room.
Mrs. Loretta was still awake when Darius arrived. Nia slept against her shoulder while a television game show played quietly in the background. Loretta transferred the child into Darius’s arms with the effortless skill of someone who had raised four children and helped raise several more.
“She fought sleep.” Loretta adjusted Nia’s jacket. “Your child considers bedtime a negotiation.”
“Camille was the same way.” Loretta nodded. Then she looked directly at him.
“You look strange.” Darius raised an eyebrow. “Thank you.”
“Not bad strange.” Loretta narrowed her eyes. “Thinking strange.”
Darius shifted Nia’s weight. “Long night.” Loretta did not believe him completely.
“You meet somebody?” Darius stared. “Good night, Miss Loretta.”
She smiled. “That means yes.” Darius walked away before she could continue.
He placed Nia in bed and pulled the blanket over her. She did not wake. Darius stood in the doorway longer than usual.
For five years, this was where every decision led. Nia’s breathing. Nia’s safety.
Nia knowing somebody would be there when morning arrived. Darius had never considered whether he might need something beyond that responsibility. Vanessa Hartwell had unsettled the question.
At five the next morning, responsibility returned. Darius made eggs, toast, and sliced strawberries. He placed Nia’s vitamin beside her plate and filled the blue cup she insisted tasted better than every other cup in the house.
Nia appeared wearing one sock. The other was clenched in her hand. “Daddy, I had a dream I bought a giraffe.”
“With what money?” Darius poured coffee. “Found money.”
“How much?” Nia climbed onto her stool. “Twenty dollars.”
Darius laughed. “That is an extremely affordable giraffe.” Nia shrugged. “Dream economy.”
She started eating. Then she looked at him. “Where did you go last night?”
“Work.” Nia narrowed her eyes. “At somebody’s house?”
“Yes.” Darius regretted the speed of his answer. Nia caught it.
“Was your boss mean?” He paused. “No.”
“She?” Nia said immediately. Darius pointed toward her breakfast. “Eat your eggs.”
“You said she.” Nia smiled. “I’m only observing facts.”