Author's Note: I couldn't get this idea out of my head, so I thought I'd share it. It might lead to a multichapter piece in the future. Let me know what you think!
"Each of us plays a role, each time a different role... The players change, the story remains the same." Leoben, Battlestar Galactica, Season 1, "Flesh and Bone"
He stood by the large window, waiting for the Mercedes to pull out of the driveway. Once the taillights disappeared, he took a couple of deep breaths and turned away from the darkness. He knew they were gone for the rest of the evening, some benefit or another. This was his chance. If he was going to do it, it had to be this night. Now.
He crossed the room and looked in to the crib. The infant stretched and wiggled, cooing softly. He reached for the baby, then settled the small form in the car seat. "Sh. It's okay," he whispered.
He lifted the car seat, making sure not to jostle it too much. He looked around the room again, just to make sure that he hadn't forgotten anything. He'd already brought what he thought he would need down to his car, doing it in such a way as to not arouse any suspicion. He took another deep breath. Now or never.
He slipped out of the room and headed down the wide staircase. He forced himself to take slow, quiet steps to make sure that no one still in the house heard him or that he did anything that would cause the currently quiet baby to fuss. Once he reached the bottom of the stairs, he headed for a side door of the house, the one closest to where his car sat on the long, curved driveway.
He opened the door, managing to avoid even a hint of squeaking. He stepped out into the warm, humid air, pulling the door shut behind him. The lights from the house gave off enough of a glow that he was able to clearly navigate to the passenger side door of his car. He opened it and settled the car seat into the front seat. He pulled the seat belt across, clicking the latch, securing the seat.
He shut the passenger door and headed around the front of the car to the other side. He pulled open his door, slid into the driver's seat and shut the door. He leaned his head back against the headrest, shut his eyes and took a deep breath. He hadn't yet reached the point of no return. He took another breath. No. It was time. He opened his eyes. He looked over to the floor on the passenger side of the car to make sure that he had the most important things he needed - other than the baby. The diaper bag was there, with enough diapers and bottles for the rest of the night and into the morning. The second was his backpack. It contained the documents that he knew he would need. Both of their birth certificates, his social security card, the title to his car and a few other items he thought they might need.
The baby started to fuss a little. He reached over and stroked the soft little cheek, still lit by the glow of the house. "It's okay," he said softly. "It's alright." The baby's bright blue-gray eyes focused on him. He gave the baby a small smile. "We're gonna be okay, Logan. We're going to be okay."
Mitchum stuck his key in the ignition, started the car and headed down the driveway - to start a new life with his son.