“What?” She handed him back his phone. “I have a job here that I can’t afford to just not show up for.”
“The Phoenix Three will cover your expenses, so that’s not a worry. I’m sure if you explain the situation to the school principal he’ll agree to a leave of absence.”
“She, and I’m not a charity case. My kids need me.”
“Livie needs you more.”
She frowned. “That’s not fair.”
“Isn’t it? And what about Livie? Are you going to be able to send her off to preschool knowing this man is out there, probably watching both of you? As for being a charity case, that’s not even close to true. We have a fund that’s only used for situations like this.” That was true, but he’d cover her bills and expenses. That would be a drop in the bucket compared with the child support he should have been paying for the past almost five years. Something they’d talk about once she and Livie were safe.
“Think about it. Are you going to be able to let Livie out of your sight while danger is still out there?”
She shuddered. “No,” she whispered. “I don’t even know who to watch out for.”
“Exactly.” He shifted closer and took her hand. “I’m going to find this man, but until I do, you’re not safe. Neither is Livie. I want to get you both away until it is safe for you to be home. In Myrtle Beach, you’ll have the protection of not only me, but my Phoenix Three brothers. We’re good at what we do, Kendall, and we will end this.”
“Livie won’t be happy leaving her home.”
“Maybe not at first, but I think she’ll come around, especially once she meets Ruby.” He’d bet Ruby and Livie would become best friends.
“Who’s Ruby?”
“My dog. She’s gentle and loving and will be good for Livie. Come to Myrtle Beach. Let me keep you safe.”
“Why can’t you stay here?”
He’d considered it, and he would if she refused to come home with him. But if they stayed here, he wouldn’t be able to let them out of his sight. At home, he had a support system, a group of people who’d have their backs. He’d be freer to investigate. An added bonus, Harlow and Quinn would adopt Kendall and Livie.
“I think it will be good for you both to get away from here for a while. Another reason, I’m going to find this man, but if we stay here, I won’t be free to do that because my support system isn’t here. In Myrtle Beach, I’ll have a team to help me protect you and Livie. Will you come home with me?”
Chapter 9
Kendall was torn. Cooper was right. It would be impossible to be separated from Livie while the man who’d taken her was out there. The thought that he’d been watching them sent a chill snaking down her spine. He’d proved that he could steal a child without a trace, and knowing he was out there, watching, waiting… Was he watching the house right now? Cooper was right. She couldn’t stay here.
“Okay, we’ll go home with you.”
He squeezed her hand. “Thank you.”
“When do you want to leave?”
“As soon as we can, but we have to deal with the police tomorrow, and you need to arrange for a leave of absence. When those things are done, we’ll go. Two or three days.”
“I’ll talk to my principal tomorrow. I wish Livie didn’t have to talk to the police.”
“Yeah, me, too. I spoke to Rossi while you and Livie were with the doctor. He demanded that we immediately bring her to the police department. I refused. Told him she was too upset right now. I also told him if he wanted to talk to her, that he’d have to do it here.”
“Thank you. She would’ve had a meltdown if we had to take her there.”
“We do need to ask her questions, see how much she can tell us. I think it would be better for you to do that in the morning before Rossi comes over.”
“You’re right. I just hate this.”
“I know. We’re going to be busy tomorrow. Why don’t you call it a night?”
“Probably a good idea. I’m sleeping with Livie, so you can have my bed again.”
“Are you sure? The couch is fine. Trust me, I’ve slept in much worse places.”