It felt good to call Annika that, too.
My cutie.
“This is a good community outreach,” Jack noted, his eyes on the TV. “But sometimes I think the brass just does it to get good publicity.” He shrugged. “Still, it benefits shoe kids who are in need. So I guess it’s worth it, whatever the folks’ motive is down at the Parker Center.”
Matteo smiled. The Department had changed the name of HQ a while back, dropping the Parker moniker. But almost every cop he knew—at least the ones who’d been on the force for a few years—still referred to it by its old title.
Some habits were hard to break.
The news story ended and another came on, this one showing a state senator who was clearly excited about an upcoming partnership with the tech billionaire Edward Marlot.
“Oh man,” Isaiah said. “I don’t know what’s worse—the rich guy or the politician.”
The men laughed.
“They’re both rich,” Matteo pointed out. “One just has more money than the other.”
Before anyone else could say something, Annika walked in. Her hair was wrapped in a towel. She was wearing one of his t-shirts, and it swallowed her, looking like a dress—and a baggy one at that.
She was adorable.
“Sorry to interrupt. But where are those outfits you bought for me today? I think I want to wear the?—”
Her eyes darted to the TV. She stepped closer, her jaw falling slack. And then, as if pushed by some unseen force, she was on the floor, curled up and singing “Moon River” once again.
Just like last night at the Roosevelt Hotel.
Matteo’s heart broke. But he couldn’t spend the time to reflect on it all right now.
His Little girl needed him.
He had her off the floor and in his arms in a matter of seconds.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” he asked.
A few heavy moments passed before the reply came in the form of a faint whisper.
“Nothing.” She sniffled, moved away, and dried her eyes. “I’m… s-sorry. Something must have… triggered… an anxiety attack. I’m so sorry.”
She turned around as if to hurry away, but Matteo reached out and gently took hold of her arm, keeping her in place. After spinning her around to face him once again, he pulled her close.
“No one’s ever going to hurt you again. You’re safe in Daddy’s arms.”
She broke down sobbing into his chest.
Matteo picked her up and carried her from the kitchen, taking her upstairs to his room.
His Little girl was hurting.
And Daddy would hold her close as long as she needed.
Chapter Nineteen
After dinner, the Daddies carried their cuties up to the playroom where they spread blankets on the floor and turned the TV on.
“What do you all want to watch?” Matteo asked the girls.
“You should pick, Annika,” Iris said.
