Excerpt: Wolf Cub

Prologue:

The ticking of the wall clock seemed to resound throughout my body, each tick expanding my chest to the point I can barely breathe. A small growling sound from the crib next to me pulls my attention back to Jack. Reaching over, I pat him gently until he settles down, hoping the cold syrup will kick in soon. God, please don’t let me have overdosed him. “Just a little longer,” I whisper.

In minutes, my path would be set. Good, bad, legal, or not, I will do what whatever I have to. Whatever is needed. I always do.

The squishing of rubber soled-shoes on the floor alerts me to the nurses’ approach before the door opens. Taking one last look at the woman laying in the hospital bed I shore up my courage. I can do this for Tori. Victoria. My best friend. My only friend.

"I'm off in 15 minutes," the nurse announced as she approached the bed and checks the monitors connected to her patient. "Kathy will be taking the next shift. She'll be by in 15-20 minutes to make sure everything is okay and to introduce her self."

Jotting notes in a file, the nurse pauses by Jack's crib on her way out. "He appears to be sleeping soundly. Would you like me to call Nursery?"

"No!" Quickly lowering my voice and trying to appear calm, I smile at the nurse. "I really want him on hand in case Tori wakes up."

Her look of pity has me blinking back tears. Tori would not be waking up and she knew it as well as I did. I'd be surprised if Tori made it through the night. Which made it imperative that I act now, tonight.

Ten minutes later I absently waved at the employees congregated near the nurse’s station as I strolled by on my way to the elevator. Behind the elevator closed doors, I consciously control my breathing. Pacing myself, I saunter to the passenger side of my rental and carefully place my duffle bag on the seat. I do not dare strap it in or try to support it for fear of attracting attention.

Even at midnight, people were coming and going in the parking garage. Walking around the front of the car I clime behind the wheel and headed slowly towards the exit. Everything has to be timed perfectly so that I approach the gate just as the guards are changing. The guards glanced up as I approach. They wave me on distractedly as they raise the gate.

As I drive away, I look into the rear-view mirror and finally allowed the tears to fall. It was done.