The Guardian by Beverly Lewis Read Free Book Online

tender way the name was spoken tore at Jodi’s heart. “I’ll find your Mamma, I promise.”

Chapter 8

    J odi glanced at her cousin’s garage but kept moving to the house and a cooler place for the little girl in her arms. She set her down on a patio chair to unlock the back door, then took her hand and led her inside, heading to the kitchen to put some ice on her forehead. “It will help the swelling,” she said, but the child said nothing.
    After showing the little girl how to hold the ice pack, Jodi carried her into the small bathroom near the kitchen to wash her face. Her bare feet and legs were also terribly grimy, as if she’d been walking for a very long time. Why—and how far? wondered Jodi, offering a tentative smile.
    She crouched down to eye level. “What’s your name, sweetie?”
    Wide eyes stared back.
    “Do you understand?”
    The lower lip trembled again. “Mamma …”
    “Aw, honey, I know … we’re going to find her real soon.” Jodi was heartbroken for her yet baffled as to why she spoke only one word.
    Jodi knelt on the floor, patting her own chest. “My nameis … Jodi.” She gently pointed to the child. “What’s your name?”
    Again, the youngster’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she looked anxiously around the small room, still holding the ice pack on her bump.
    Jodi made another attempt. “Do you know your phone number?” Essential information all parents would want to drill into their child. “It’ll help us find your family.”
    More quivers from the little girl, and soon, big tears spilled down her pink cheeks.
    “It’s okay, sweetheart.” Jodi’s maternal instinct intensified. “Let’s wash your face and hands.”
    After not having much luck in getting the dirt off her face with a mere washcloth—and worried about hurting the bump on the girl’s forehead—Jodi leaned to turn on the warm water in the tub. “Do you like bubble baths?” she asked, opening the pretty pink bottle and pouring in a capful. “See? A nice warm bath will make you feel better.” She swished the bubbles around as the child’s eyes grew bigger. “All we need now is a rubber ducky or two,” she said, trying to keep the mood light—the girl seemed so painfully naive.
    In that moment, something cautioned Jodi not to bathe her. What if there’s evidence? But the little girl dropped the ice pack and leaned over the tub, her tiny foot up on the edge, eyes wide with wonder. And just that quick, she splashed into the sudsy water, underwear and all.
    Not wanting to leave her, Jodi reached for her cell phone and dialed Scott’s cell number, which quickly went to voice mail. Hearing Scott’s message, she changed her mind—she didn’t want to bother him on his vacation with Paige. It was such a rare thing, their getting away together, as Scott worked long hours at the police department. Paige had mentioned asmuch when lobbying for Jodi to come and stay at the house. House-sit, really? Jodi had thought reluctantly at first, especially because it would eat up her last days with Trent before he left for Japan. But she’d empathized with their situation and finally agreed after promising to Skype with Trent every day.
    “ Ich will mei Mamma, ” the little girl said softly as she looked up from her soapy pool, where she’d removed her panties.
    Jodi handed her a clean washcloth and the bar of soap, but the girl gave it back.
    “ Wu is sie heit? ” the child whispered. “ Wu? ”
    “You want me to wash you, sweetie?” Jodi asked. But when she didn’t respond, Jodi began to soap up her arms, then her back. The whimpering ceased for a time, and Jodi was relieved, though still anxious to find out where she belonged.
    Her mother must be beside herself , Jodi thought as she shampooed the long, silky hair.
    When that was done, Jodi wiped the preschooler’s face carefully, then washed out her underwear in the tub, as well. Rolling them in a clean hand towel, she hung them up before swathing the