Page 13 of Razor
"Desert hot," I agreed, guiding them to a spot of shade while we waited for the shuttle."Different from what you're used to."
"I'm melting," he declared dramatically, flopping against his mother's legs.
Ophelia smiled down at him—a real smile that reached her eyes, brief but genuine.These moments had been rare since I'd met them.Each one felt like a small victory.
The rental shuttle arrived packed with tourists.I positioned us near the door, keeping Ophelia and Dante against the wall with me facing outward.Old habits.When the vehicle lurched into motion, Dante nearly lost his balance.I steadied him automatically, my hand gentle on his shoulder.
"Thanks," he said, looking up at me with those solemn eyes that seemed too old for his face.
"No problem, little man."
At the rental counter, I declined their first three offerings before settling on a dark blue SUV with tinted windows and advanced safety features.The agent's customer service smile grew strained.
"Sir, I've shown you our premium options—"
"I need side-impact airbags, a rear camera, and less than fifteen thousand miles," I interrupted, keeping my tone pleasant but firm."The Navigator you mentioned earlier should have all that."
While I negotiated, Ophelia kept Dante occupied near the waiting area window.
"I spy with my little eye something...silver," I heard her say.
"Airplane!"Dante guessed immediately, pointing at one taking off in the distance.
"Good job!Your turn."
"I spy something...moving really fast and shiny."
"Hmm, those cars on the highway?"
"Yes!"
Their voices created a soothing backdrop as I handled the paperwork, paid in cash, and collected the keys to a vehicle substantial enough to protect them if we needed to make a quick exit.Not that I was expecting trouble, but fifteen years in the club had taught me to plan for the worst while hoping for the best.
"All set," I announced, rejoining them."Chariot awaits."
Dante's eyes widened when he saw the SUV."It's huge!"
"Perfect for adventures," I said, helping him into the booster seat the rental company had provided.The kid immediately started exploring every button and compartment within reach.
"Is this...excessive?"Ophelia asked quietly as I loaded our bag in the back.
I glanced at her."It's secure.High vantage point, good visibility, enough power to get us out of tight spots if needed."I paused, then added, "Plus, it's got a great A/C system.Kid said he was melting, remember?"
That earned me another small smile.
Once we pulled onto the Strip, Dante became a running commentary of amazement.His face pressed against the window, smudging the glass with tiny fingerprints as he pointed at everything.
"Look!That hotel looks like a castle!And that one has a pyramid!Mommy, is that a real pirate ship?"
Ophelia leaned closer to him, their heads together as they took in the spectacle of Las Vegas in full daylight.The tension she'd carried since I'd met her seemed to ease slightly, her face younger when not pinched with worry.
"It's like a fairy tale," she murmured, more to herself than to us.
"A weird adult fairy tale," I amended, catching her eye in the rearview mirror."With slot machines instead of magic beans."
She laughed—a real laugh, unexpected and bright.It transformed her face completely.I found myself wanting to hear it again.
"So, what's our adventure today?"Dante asked, finally tearing his eyes from the window to look at me.
