The following morning, Tommy and Frank showed up right on time for their almost daily tattoo sessions. Before Tommy could even get settled in the chair, I approached him. His attention sharpened instantly from the expression and my body language, but I couldn't hide my anxiety.
"What's up, Whiskey?"
"I've got to take a little trip. Not more than about two days, I hope."
"Okay..." he responded, knowing there was more to come.
"We don't have any family here to keep an eye on Hycinth."
Understanding lit his expression. "And you want us to look after her while you're away?"
I nodded.
Finally settling in the chair, he made eye contact with Hycinth and grinned. "That's easy enough, baby girl."
My hands curled into fists. The timbre of my voice dropped into a warning, "Without the s****l
