Shadow's Edge by Lizbeth James

Author:Lizbeth James [James, Lizbeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Muse Coaching

Thirty-Seven

They waved at the front window as Lisa pulled away. On the heels of her departure, Lisa had shared a calendar invite and color-coded schedule. Addie did not open it.

“Lou,” Addie asked, “what do you want to wear today?”

“Mama always picks it.”

Addie nodded. “Okay. I can help, but I was wondering if you have something you like to wear? Like your favorite outfit?”

Lou’s tentative smile spread into a grin. “Like my favorite dress?”

“You bet. Show me,” said Addie. Lou’s favorite was a soft cotton dress that looked like a long polo shirt. It was red with thin white stripes on the collar and sleeves.

“Perfect. Lou. Do you have favorite shoes?”

The child dashed away and returned with black patent leather Mary Janes.

So maybe this was easier than she thought. Addie brushed her hair as Lou ate her Pop-Tart. This was a Saturday treat that sounded good on Monday. And Lisa had already packed lunches for the week. Thank you very much.

Addie took a deep breath. Time to be brave. She checked Lisa’s shared calendar. No show and share. No special cupcakes today. Nothing to do, but to get Lou to school.

Addie grabbed her backpack. “Let’s go, honey.”

Ten minutes later, the rounded the bend. She still couldn’t see the school, but she could hear the kids. “Hold my hand honey.” Addie said, as they waited for the light to change from red to green.

“That’s Officer Jessie,” Lou said proudly.

Addie smiled down at her. “You know Jessie?”

Lou nodded; her face serious. “He helps us cross the street. He’s a helper.”

“He is a helper,” agreed Addie.

“When you see his friends, you know they are helpers, too,” Lou said, and Addie felt her heart sink.

“His friends?”

“Yeah.” Lou said. “They drive cars with the blue-and-red lights. They’re like zebra cars.”

“Zebra cars?”

Lou thought a moment, then she supplied, “Black and white. There’s one.” Lou pointed, and Addie looked up just in time to see a cruiser crawl by, she was a moment too late to see the driver.

Yes, Addie thought. His friends are helpers, too. Except in this town.

Jessie’s smile widened when he saw Addie and Lou. He held up his baton, signaling the traffic to stop. He waved them through, and when he spoke it was to Lou. “Hey Lou. How are you doing today?”

“I’m very good, thank you.”

“Do you have a new friend walking you to school?” he asked and winked at Addie.

“This is my Aunt Addie,” Lou said. “She’s staying with me.”

“She is?” he said and raised his eyebrows.

“Yes, and she gives me Pop-Tarts.” She smiled, suddenly shy. “I’m wearing my favorite dress.” They had nearly reached the curb on the school side of the street.

“It’s a very pretty dress,” he said. Addie was quite sure he could not see the dress underneath her jacket. “So’s your aunt Addie,” he added with a wink.

Addie flushed and returned the smile. Suddenly she couldn’t wait for their dinner date. Addie and Lou reached the edge of schoolyard just as the bell rang. “Okay Lou,” Addie said as the little girl’s hand slipped from hers.

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