The Big Bad Wolf

CHAPTER 9

A TEST? Jesus. Is that why I was sent to Baltimore? I hoped to hell not.

I got home late that night, too late. I was glad that no one would be up to see me, especially

Nana. I couldn’t handle one of her soul-piercing disapproving looks right now. I needed a

beer and then I wanted to go to bed. Sleep if I could.

I slipped quietly inside the house, not wanting to wake anyone. Not a sound except for the

tiniest electric hum that came from somewhere. I was planning to call Jamilla as soon as I got

upstairs. I was missing her like the plague. Rosie the cat slid by and rubbed against my leg.

“Hello, Red,” I whispered. “I did good today.”



Then I heard a cry.

I hurried up the front stairs toward Little Alex’s room. He was up and working himself into a

good wail. I didn’t want Nana or one of the other kids to have to get up and tend to him.

Besides, I hadn’t seen my boy since early that morning and I wanted to give him a snuggle. I

missed his little face.

When I peeked into his room he was sitting up, and he seemed surprised to see it was me.

Then he smiled and clapped his hands. Oh, boy! Daddy’s on the case. Daddy’s the biggest

sucker in the house.

“What are you doing up, Pup? It’s late,” I said.

Alex’s bed is a low-riser that I made myself. There are protective bars on either side to keep

him from falling out.

I slid in beside him. “Move over and give your daddy some room,” I whispered, and kissed

the top of his head. I don’t ever remember my father kissing me, so I kiss Alex every chance I

get. The same goes for Damon and Jannie, no matter how much they complain as they get

older and less wise.

“I’m tired, little man,” I said as I stretched out. “How about you? Tough day, Puppy?”



I retrieved his bottle from a space between the mattress and the guard bars. He started to

drink, and then he moved in close to me. He grabbed his stuffed cow, Moo, and he fell back

to sleep in minutes.

So nice. Magical. That sweet baby smell I love. His soft breathing baby’s breath.

The two of us had a nice sleep-over that night.