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For so long, I’ve felt as if I’ve needed her, but I know someone needs her more now.
“Please watch over her for me, Aislin,” I whisper my plea.
* * *
Doe clutchesmy hand tightly as we sit at one of the conference tables in the station. Her legs move restlessly, and I’m surprised her lip isn’t bleeding from all the biting she’s doing. Mr. Stewart is due to arrive any minute.
To say Doe is nervous and scared is an understatement, and if I’m honest, I’m just as worried. What if this is the wrong choice? What if sending her back to her uncle’s causes her to decline? Or worse, what if she starts harming herself again?
I shake my head. The decision isn’t mine to make. She’s seeing a counselor now to help her, and besides, she’s stronger than she was before. I may not have known her then, but I know she wouldn’t resort to hurting herself again.
“Niko.” Tavers peeks his head inside the room. “Mr. Stewart is here.”
I feel Doe stiffen beside me, and I squeeze her hand. Giving Tavers a chin lift, I turn toward her.
“Doe.” I call her name. Her eyes are pointed at the door, but when I call her name, she looks at me. “It’s okay. You can do this.”
Her eyes turn red as if she’s going to start crying, but then she pulls in a wobbly breath and the look fades. She gives me a nod and pulls her hand from mine as she stands. Her hands nervously smooth down her skirt.
“You ready?”
“Yes,” she says in a small voice.
I walk in front of her—maybe in a protective move, I’m not sure, but I want to see Mr. Stewart first before he sees her. He’s standing with Tavers and Captain, and when he sees me heading his way, he turns to face me. His hands flitter together in front of him as if he’s nervous as well.
As I walk toward him, Doe reaches forward and grabs my hand from behind. I clutch it to give us both comfort.
“Mr. Stewart.” I can’t help the hard edge to my voice. I stop in front of him with Doe still behind me.
He swallows. “Detective.”
Clenching my other hand into a fist, I step to the side. Doe’s fingers dig into mine as she tightens her hand around mine at the first look at Mr. Stewart.
Tears immediately fill his eyes as he looks her over.
“Rebecca,” he breathes. “Oh, my dear.”
Doe doesn’t say anything as she stands there stiff as a board. I look at Tavers to find him watching the exchange.
When Mr. Stewart holds out his arms and takes a step closer, Doe sucks in a sharp breath and jerks back, hiding part of her body behind mine. My first reaction is to step forward and protect her from the threat she feels, but I push the feeling away. This man isn’t her enemy, and she has nothing to fear.
“Give us a minute, Mr. Stewart,” I rumble then don’t wait for his answer before putting my back to him.
Doe looks downright terrified as she looks up at me.
“Hey.” I lean down so we’re eye level, and I keep my voice quiet. “You’re safe. Nothing and no one is going to hurt you. There’s no need to be scared.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispers.
Moving slowly, so I don’t spook her, I reach up and wipe the few tears traveling down her cheeks.
“Don’t apologize. Do you still have your phone?” She nods and fingers the purse she has clutched in her hand. “You can call me any time, day or night, no matter the reason.”
She nods but doesn’t say anything. I turn back, look at Tavers, and jerk my head. When he walks over, I keep my voice low.
“Stay with her for a minute.” Turning to Doe, I say, “I’ll be right back.”
Waiting for her acknowledgment, I walk over to Mr. Stewart. My eyes are hard when I look at him. I hate the guy, but it’s for selfish reasons. Even though I know this is what’s best for Doe, he’s still taking her away. I’ve come to enjoy my time with her, and now I won’t have that anymore.
