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“So, your dad told me a bad thing happened to you.” Kokou told Kennedy who nodded. “Guess what? Your dad loves you very much and because he does, he has asked me to protect you when he’s not a round.”
“I get my own bodyguard?” Her eyes widened.
Kokou nodded.
“Awesome!” Kennedy cheered.
“But it’s our little secret, okay?”
“Okay.” Kennedy replied.
And with that, I knew my child was going to be okay with having Kokou around. After some more small talk, Kennedy took Kokou’s hand and led her from the office to show off her dolls. I turned and looked at Hank who was now sitting again.
I exhaled—it was almost as if I hadn’t breathed the entire time the introductions were happening.
“The cops, what have they told you?” Hank asked.
“They have nothing.” I replied. “I’m debating hiring a private investigator. I can’t let this go, Hank. I’m afraid if I do, they’ll try again and this time they might be successful.”
“I agree.” He nodded. “Let me talk to Kokou. Maybe she can help you figure things out faster.”
“Was she really SWAT?”
He nodded.
“Damn.” My voice cracked.
We talked about payment and afterward, Hank went to say goodbye to Kennedy. Kokou walked him out to the front, and I stood at the window trying not to eavesdrop.
“The cops aren’t really moving on this.” Hank was saying. “You down for an investigation?”
“Does this mean I get the use of the very sexy Swede?” Kokou grinned.
“You have a death wish.” Hank laughed. “But sure.”
“Score!” Kokou fist pumped.
I arched a brow.
“But seriously.” She lifted her long neck, face upward for a moment. “They’re probably thinking they don’t have to take it seriously because it’s a celebrity kid and the kidnapping didn’t really happen so everything is good.”
“And that’s how things escalate from preventable to a dead kid.”
I really shouldn’t have been eavesdropping. Hearing my child could die made it all the more real for me.
“No one is dying.” Kokou’s voice was serious as she met Hank’s eyes again. “Not on my watch—especially a kid.”
“Thanks, Kokou.”
“I got this.” She told him, stepping forward to drop a kiss to his cheek. “Try not to worry. This little girl will be fine.”
“I’m not worried.”
“Go home, Cowboy. You look like hell.”
Hank kissed her cheek and climbed into his truck. I left the window and wandered back into the kitchen to finish up dinner. Kokou found me and leaned against the island.
“The first thing I’m going to do is vet the people around her.” Kokou explained.
