"What happened?" I asked immediately.
"Susan seemed... off. Too understanding about me being sick, especially with it being a holiday weekend. Said she'd already reassigned my visits for today." Emily set the phone down. "I was already off this weekend because I worked all Christmas and New Year’s, but I'm surprised. She usually gives us grief about any absence."
"Do you think she knows you suspect her?" I asked.
Emily wrapped her arms around herself. "I honestly don't know. What do we do now?"
"We wait for Walker and Maddox to retrieve your files. Then we plan our next move." I slid a plate toward her. "In the meantime, you need to eat."
She eyed the sandwich I'd cut up into small triangles but made no move to take it. "I'm not hungry."
"Emily," I said, my voice taking on that firm tone that had worked so well at breakfast. "You need to keep your strength up. Eat your lunch, please."
Her eyes darted to mine, something like recognition flickering there before she ducked her head. "Fine."
I watched as she picked up a sandwich and took a small bite. "Good girl," I said softly, testing her reaction.
Her chewing slowed, and her cheeks flushed pink, but she didn't comment. I opened my mouth to ask if she would like some juice, fully intending to give it to her in one of the colorful cups I had but she beat me to it.
"Am I staying here?"
"I'd like you to," I admitted, "but if you're not comfortable, we have an apartment above Salvation that would also be safe."
She studied me.
"I have three spare rooms here," I added. "You can also sleep in the one you slept in last night. Perhaps you'd like to take a look? The guys will be back with your stuff soon, so they're going to need to know where to put it."
"Stuff?"
"They'll pack what they think you need for a few days."
She gaped, probably at the thought of strangers handling her clothes, but for once didn't challenge me, just stood and took her plate to the counter even though she hadn’t finished. "You don't mind me looking at the rooms?"
I shook my head. I wanted Emily to feel as comfortable as possible. I also didn't trail after her, much as I wanted to. I had a feeling if I came on too strong, she'd bolt.
It was hard. I wanted her safe. In my arms and in my bed where she belonged.
Chapter Six
Dion
I gave Emily some time alone to explore the house, busying myself with a few security updates to distract from the anxiety gnawing at my gut. After twenty minutes of silence, I decided to check on her.
"Emily?" I called, heading down the hallway. No answer.
I checked the first guest room—empty. The second, also empty. My bedroom door stood open, showing no sign of her. A flutter of panic rose in my chest until I noticed the door at the end of the hall was cracked open.
The Little room. My heart stuttered.
I'd forgotten to lock it after my last cleaning. All I'd done for months was just wash the bedding, wipe the counters, too pained to look at the room I'd created with such hope, only to keep it empty for years until the compound. Until Emily. Until I started buying things with exactly her in mind.
Exactly her.
I approached slowly, hearing soft movement from within. The door was ajar, and I gently pushed it open.
There she w as, sitting cross-legged on the plush carpet, surrounded by stuffed animals. In her hands was the oversized teddy bear I'd bought on a whim three years ago. Her fingers stroked his soft fur as she stared around the room with wide, wondering eyes.
The pastel walls. The child-themed furniture. The bookshelf filled with picture books and coloring supplies. The toy chest overflowing with carefully selected toys for a Little girl.
