Page 52 of Ruthless Possession
I slip the phone away, keeping my expression neutral. Charlie emerges from the dressing room, twirling in the yellow dress, her face glowing with excitement.
"Look!" she announces, spinning so the skirt flares out. "It's like I'm flying!"
Morgan smiles, but I see the sheen of tears in her eyes. "It's perfect," she says, her voice thick. "Let's get it."
The morning passes in a blur of shopping. We move from store to store, Charlie's confidence growing with each purchase. Morgan guides her through choices, letting her pick out what she likes while making sure she has practical items too. I stay close, maintaining our perimeter, while Trenton watches from a distance, his eyes constantly moving.
By the time we reach the toy store, Charlie is chattering happily about school and what she wants to be when she grows up. The transformation is remarkable from the terrified child we found in that cabin to this bright, laughing little girl.
"I want a unicorn," Charlie announces, pulling Morgan toward a display of stuffed animals. "A big one!"
I hang back, giving them space while keeping them in sight. My phone buzzes again.
Zach: Possible sighting near the south entrance. Matching description. Moving to confirm.
My body goes on high alert. I signal to Trenton, who's already moving toward us, his expression carefully controlled for Charlie's benefit.
"We should head out," I say, keeping my voice light as I approach Morgan and Charlie. "Maybe grab some lunch?"
Morgan reads the tension in my face immediately. "That sounds great," she agrees, squeezing Charlie's hand. "Let's pay for the unicorn and go, okay?"
Charlie nods, hugging her chosen stuffed animal. Morgan moves quickly to the register, glancing at me with unspoken questions in her eyes.
I lean close as the cashier rings up their purchase. "Possible sighting. We need to move."
She nods once, her jaw tightening. I keep my body between them and the store entrance while Trenton positions himself on Charlie's other side. The protective formation comes naturally now, our bodies creating a barrier around the two most important people in our lives.
"All set?" I ask as Morgan takes the bag from the cashier.
"Ready," she confirms, taking Charlie's hand.
We move toward the nearest exit, not the south entrance where the sighting occurred. I text Caiden our plan, keeping my movements casual despite the adrenaline pumping through my veins.
Charlie chatters happily about her new unicorn, completely unaware of the danger. I scan every face we pass, searching for Harris's features, for any sign of recognition. My hand finds the gun concealed at my waist, a comforting weight.
Trenton opens the exit door, checking the parking lot before gesturing us forward. I keep Morgan and Charlie close, my body shielding theirs as we move toward our truck.
"Everything okay?" Morgan whispers as we walk.
"Just being careful," I assure her, though my eyes never stop moving.
We reach the truck without incident. I help Charlie into the back seat while Trenton helps Morgan. The tension in my shoulders eases slightly once they're inside, but we're still exposed.
"Caiden's watching," Trenton says quietly as he slides behind the wheel. "Says the guy he saw headed toward the food court."
I nod, climbing into the passenger seat. "Let's get them home."
As we pull out of the parking lot, I watch the rearview mirror, searching for any vehicle that might be following us. The road stretches empty behind us, but I don't relax. Harris is out there, watching, waiting.
"He's not going to take her," I say quietly, more to myself than anyone. "He's not going to touch either of them."
Trenton's jaw tightens, his hands gripping the steering wheel. "Not while we're still breathing."
In the back seat, Charlie shows her new unicorn to Morgan, completely unaware of the danger. I catch Morgan's eye in the mirror, see the fear she's hiding for Charlie's sake.
"We'll keep her safe," I promise, the words an oath. "No matter what it takes."
Morgan nods, her arm around Charlie's small shoulders. "I know you will."
