I follow long enough to see them into the armored SUV I switched out last week. Hit the remote lock once they're buckled in. The vehicle's reinforced with bulletproof glass and run-flat tires. They're safe inside while I move.
Back through the house. I take the stairs two at a time to grab my go bag from the guest room closet, then Aaron Bear from Angelina's bed and the custody papers from the nightstand. She'll want both.
Back down, I grab Angelina's purse from the counter and Chesca's backpack from the hook by the door. Final sweep to confirm windows locked and back door secured.
The flowers still sit on the front porch. Forensics will handle them.
I pull the garage door shut behind me. The SUV's engine is already running because Angelina started it without being asked. Smart. Practical. The woman thinks three steps ahead even when she's terrified.
I slide into the driver's seat. Angelina's buckled in beside me, hands clasped tight in her lap. In the rearview mirror, Chesca clutches Aaron Bear, some of the fear draining from her shoulders now that we're all together.
I hit the garage door opener.
The door grinds up too slowly. The street beyond looks normal with its parked cars and quiet houses and morning stillness, but normal is the mask that danger wears.
The awareness that kept me alive overseas is back, settling into my chest like an old friend. I'm betting their lives on instincts I haven't needed in years.
I pull out and scan the street as we pass. Left side clear, right side clear, rooflines empty. Doesn't mean they're not there. Just means they're good.
Angelina's hand finds mine on the gearshift. I squeeze once, then let go. I need both hands free.
Twenty minutes later, we're pulling into level B2 of the underground garage at CPG headquarters.
The concrete floor is slick with dampness and fluorescent lights buzz overhead. I cut the engine and the SUV's last rumbles bounce off the walls.
Xander's already waiting by the elevator bank with his arms crossed and shoulders squared in that ready-for-anything posture he never quite shakes. Then he sees us and something in his stance loosens, the hard edges rounding out the way they always do when there's a kid involved.
I get out and open Angelina's door first, then Chesca's. Aaron Bear dangles from her hand with his paws dragging against concrete.
Xander closes the distance.
"Hey, small human. Ready to crush me at Mario Kart again?"
Chesca's hand tightens on Aaron Bear. She looks up at me, uncertain in the harsh lighting.
I nod. Permission granted.
She shifts her weight. "You said you were practicing."
"I was. I'm still terrible." Xander holds out his hand, palm up, waiting rather than demanding.
She takes it.
"I'll take her up. Common room's ready with snacks, games, the works." Xander's voice is easy, but his eyes cut to mine with a message underneath.I've got her.
"Angelina stays with me."
Chesca's face falls. "Mamma's not coming?"
Angelina crouches to her level. "I need to talk to the grown-ups for a little bit, tesoro. Boring stuff. But I'll come find you as soon as we're done, okay?"
"Promise?"
"Ti prometto." Angelina kisses her forehead. "Be good for Xander."
"I'm always good."
"That's debatable." I crouch beside Angelina, my hand settling on Chesca's shoulder. "We'll be right downstairs. You need anything, you tell Xander."