Page 71 of Dock

I skip long suggestions and explanations and simply extend the arm not holding her towards him. “Safe.”

At that, he leerily moves in my direction.

One hand.

One shoulder.

Scoots his bottom across the short span.

Lets a bare toe touch the truck floor.

His entire foot.

And the second after, he flings his entire frame into my arms, sobs becoming buried into the crook of my neck, threatening to tumble me over under their weight.

What type of fucking monsters would do this to kids?

Kids?!

Managing to get to my feet requires a bit of a balancing act but one that’s worth it.

Our return to the opening is purposely slow and only to the sound of their crying, me not wanting to speak up and frighten them, send them running, or worrying them.

“Fuckkkk,” murmurs Flames the instant he sees what I’m holding.

I silently nod in agreement.

“Young innocents,” he announces at the same time he tucks away his gun. “Two.”

“No,” Kegger quickly refuses and rushes over. “No. Fucking. Chance.”

Climbing out of the back of the truck with the kids latched onto me is more difficult than standing up was; however, I make it happen.

I let myself be their anchor.

Give them what they need.

The same way a Misfit once did for me.

“Tags!” Kegger grumbles over his mistake before correcting, “Sheriff Grey!” My turning the corner occurs in tandem with him stating, “We’ve got two innocents that need relocation.”

Seeing him hustle from his squad vehicle to us initially has both children tightening their holds prompting me to reassure them. “He’s a police officer.”

The redheaded boy glances over his shoulder to confirm my announcement.

“He’s gonna help you to safety.”

His belief in the statement is instant given how he reaches out to fly into Tags’ arms. “Gotcha, little buddy.” A strong, firm pat precedes him proclaiming, “You’re safe now.”

“Police,” I repeat to the girl who is peering up at me through a blurry gaze. “Safe.”

There’s no response until I attempt to pass her over too, which is when she violently whips her head around in refusal. “No! B̂ān! B̂ān!”

“Fuckkkk,” gets grunted in frustration, “I don’t even know what language that is.”

“Thai,” Flames states in an all-knowing fashion.

“You fuckin’ speak Thai?!” Kegger gawks in confusion.