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“But, Duke, you’ll probably be moving between shops anyway.”
“Sure, maybe sometimes, but I want you to be in the place where I spend most of my time. And I would prefer that to be the shop closest to the Iron Shadows. So I’ll know that even if I’m not around, you’ll have back-up close.”
“All right. I’ll stay where I am, and we’ll find someone else to operate the other shop.”
“Damn right.”
* * *
Duke tuckedSunny into bed and kissed her forehead.
“Daddy, aren’t you coming to bed, too?”
“I’m just going to check that the house is locked up. All right?”
“Okay, Daddy. I was very naughty today.”
Hadn’t they already talked about this?
“I know. But we’ve discussed this. Starting tomorrow, you’re grounded for a month. No going anywhere without my permission unless you’re going to work, where I will be taking you to anyway.”
“Yes, Daddy, but . . .”
“But what?” he asked.
“Do you think Santa will still have me on his nice list? What if I’m on the naughty list? He might not bring me any presents!” she wailed.
“Hush, baby. Of course you’re on his nice list. You could never be on the naughty list, no matter what you do. My Sunny is a good girl.”
“Are you sure, Daddy?”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. My precious girl could never be on Santa’s naughty list.” He kissed her lightly. “Go to sleep, baby. Daddy is here, watching over you.”
It didn’t take her long to fall asleep, then he moved quietly out into the living room.
“I’m thinking about buying my sweet girl a unicorn for Christmas, so you might like to think about putting in a stable in your backyard.”
Duke sighed. But he wasn’t surprised. He’d had a feeling that the Fox would be paying him a visit.
He was sitting on the sofa with Hatter lying half on his lap.
Traitor.
“Great guard dog you make, Hatter,” Duke grumbled.
“Oh, Hatter and I became friends a long time ago.”
“And you’re not buying Sunny a unicorn for Christmas.”
“No?”
“No. They aren’t even real.” So why was he bothering to argue this point? Sighing, he sat on the armchair. “I’m surprised you wanted to leave Autumn and Brody alone tonight.”
“I have eyes on them. Want to see?”
“Uh, no. That’s all right.”
“I could set your house up so you have eyes on Sunny at all times.”
