“T don’t know where they are,” she says simply. “When’s the last time you saw them?” She shrugs her little shoulders and says, “I dunno.” I sigh, giving in to the urge and rolling my neck to ease some tension. Ruby should be here soon to take care of Sarah while I finish up business. Soon, the agents will lug Dan and anyone else out to be taken down to the station on false charges. They’re false agents to begin with, hired by myself. Luckily, I have a few highranking FBI agents in my pocket, which is the only thing that made this night possible. They’ ll bring Dan down to the station on suspicion of smuggling drugs. They will release him by tomorrow morning when they don’t find anything. Dan will insist the FBI agents responsible be fired, and considering no real agents were involved, the fake ones will be easily let go of. False paperwork will be filed, and Dan will be satisfied. Or as satisfied as you can be when your dinner party is interrupted by your front door getting kicked in. “How old are you, shortcake?” “Five,” she chirps. “ll try to find your mommy and daddy, okay? If I can’t, Pll make sure you’re safe.” She nods her little head, her brown eyes now latched back onto me. “Then will you be my daddy?” Fuck. Can’t say P’ve ever been asked that one before. I force a smile. Adoption isn’t out of the question, but that’s something I'll have to consult with Addie first. She’d be her mommy, after all. Before I can answer, Ruby is sneaking up to take Sarah off to a safe place. Ruby stays silent, understanding how dire the situation is. When she approaches the small child gripping onto my hand, she whispers to her quietly, urging her to come with her so she can make sure she’s safe. Sarah hesitates. “You can trust her,” I say softly. Sarah looks up at me with massive brown eyes and fuck, I’m a puddle of ice cream. “Will I see you again?” Swallowing, I nod, incapable of giving a verbal answer. Sarah is satisfied though and allows Ruby to lead her off into the night. Before they completely disappear around another house, Sarah turns her head and gives me one last look. I’m a goner. Just as they round the corner, an FBI agent comes up behind me and grabs my arm roughly. “Thought you could sneak away?”