Under Pressure (Body Armor #1)(109)

Tonya’s smile quickly faded. She became brisk and determined. “Jesse, would you like a sandwich?”

“Sure.” He steered her away from the cabinet and to her seat. “But you go ahead and get started. I’m a big boy. I can make it myself.”

Brows flinching with doubt, Kevin eyed him and the bread he pulled from the bag.

Jesse kept a smile on his face as he arranged a pile of meat and cheese. “I stopped by for a favor.”

As if expecting something awful, Kevin turned his gaze away and drew up his shoulders again.

How many times had he had to do that? Hunker down and prepare for the worst?

Of course, Tonya noted Kevin’s skewed perception of the world where any favor asked by a man was a bad thing. On top of drugs, had her sister indulged too many men? Maybe men who’d had little patience for having an adolescent underfoot?

Jesse held his anger in check. Any sign of it from him would only discomfit Kevin more.

Apparently Tonya felt the same since she forced a smile. “Sure, Jesse. What can I do for you?”

“Well, that’s the thing. It’ll involve Kevin too.”

Kevin’s head popped up and he stared at Jesse as if totally taken by surprise.

At least he’d gotten an honest reaction other than that awful emotional distance that usually shrouded the kid like a black cloud.

Tonya was liable to smack him, but damn it, he had to try. After setting his plate on the table, he turned to the boy and was struck by his expression.

Had no one ever before included him?

Jesse geared himself for arguments or outright refusal, even as he considered ways to convince him. “I know it’ll be a big job, Kevin, but before you say no, let me show you, okay?”

Put on the spot, Kevin scowled, then nodded. “Okay.”

“Great. I need to run out to my truck, but I’ll be right back.” Nodding at the sandwich on Kevin’s plate, he said, “Wolf that down while you have the chance.”

Tonya tipped her head, confused. He squeezed her shoulder on his way out.

Feeling a little more optimistic now that he had something to do, a way to proceed, a plan, Jesse strode through the house and out the front door. Sunshine blinded him. It was a beautiful day—a clear sky, a slight breeze and low humidity. His truck sat beneath a huge tree that offered plenty of shade, and he’d left the windows open, but still, he was anxious as he opened the passenger door and retrieved his package.

Inside the large carrier, the lazy cat stretched awake and gave him a rumbling purr.

Poking a finger inside, he stroked the cat’s head. “How you doing in there, Love? Okay?”

She rubbed her furry little face along the sides of the carrier as if seeking more attention.

“Soon now. Let’s go.”

When he turned, both Tonya and Kevin stood at the door watching him. Gaze zeroed in on the carrier, Kevin popped the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth.

Huh. Well, if nothing else, he’d gotten the boy to eat.

Tonya pushed the door open and stepped out. “What in the world?”

“Good luck,” Jesse whispered to the cat. “Be your charming best, okay?”

Big eyes, one yellow and one blue, stared up at him.

Hoping Tonya would accept his plan, he said, “She’s pregnant, due to give birth in the next few weeks, according to the vet.” He paused as both Tonya and Kevin bent to peer inside.

Kevin said nothing, but Tonya started in surprise. “She has two different-colored eyes.”

“She’s unique.” Jesse opened the door and went in with the other two following close behind.

For once, Kevin didn’t shuffle.

“I found her hiding under a woodpile at the shop.” As a carpenter, he had a lot of stored supplies, both inside the building and out in the yard. It was during a rainstorm that he’d found the cat. He’d opened a tarp to cover a new delivery of wood and there she was, huddled down, soaked through and round with pregnancy.

Back in the kitchen, he set the carrier on the floor, opened it and, counting on the cat to do her part, took his seat at the table.

Kevin went to his knees in a rush, silent but more involved than Jesse had witnessed so far. Wide-eyed curiosity replaced the scowl. When the cat poked her head out, Kevin looked as if he’d never seen a pet before.

“Be extra gentle with her,” Jesse instructed quietly. “She’s not only pregnant, but deaf. She’s been through a lot lately too. First being out in a storm, then getting used to me when I took her in, then the vet and now here.” The cat had a lot to adjust to—just as Kevin did. It’d be nice if they helped each other with that.

After giving him a knowing, very pleased and finally real smile, Tonya went to the floor with Kevin, their shoulders almost touching.

Tonya was a tall woman, nearly six feet of female perfection. But Kevin, at only twelve, was probably only three or four inches shorter. Clearly height ran in their family.

“You’re sure she’s deaf?” Tonya asked.

“I’d suspected, but the vet confirmed it.” He took two big bites of food, satisfied with the cat’s reception so far. “I know Kevin starts school soon, but until then, do you think he could help me with the cat?”

“Help how?”

Both Tonya and Jesse went still at the words. So far Kevin had been mostly withdrawn, and when he did speak, it wasn’t with any type of enthusiasm.