"Even if he hates her, and maybe he has a right to hate her, I know he wouldn't hurt her. He just wouldn't. I'm sure of that."

"You know him best."

I let out a sigh, knowing I didn't know my dad the best. That was Dani or Vicky, but neither of them was here. I wiped my mouth with my napkin. "Thanks for the pizza and the coffee. I feel better."

"I'm glad."

"I don't remember everything that happened after you saved me. There were a lot of people around, weren't there? I hope the kids weren't scared."

"The parents kept the kids back."

"That's good."

"By the way, your performance tonight on the stage was incredible."

"I just wanted to do everything I could to make Mila shine. She is very talented. And she loves my mom so much. My mother inspired her to play even when she felt too sad." I shook my head. "It makes me think again how kind and generous my mom is to other people."

"But where was she when you were sad?" he asked.

"Exactly. How could she never look back?" I sighed. "You don't have to say anything. Only my mom can answer that question." I paused. "I went outside tonight because I was feeling emotional after the performance. I should have stayed more alert. I don't know what I was thinking."

"It's hard to keep your guard up every second."

"It could have gotten really bad for me tonight. God knows what was going to happen to me in that park."

"You're not thinking about that, remember?"

"Maybe I should. Isn't it cathartic to face your fears?"

"You might need time before you can do that. It's too fresh."

"Who knows how much time I have before something else happens? This isn't over, Kade. The police have the guy who jumped me, but he's not the one in charge. He didn't shoot my mom. There's someone else out there pulling the strings, like some sick puppeteer. I have no idea what's coming next."

"That's something to worry about tomorrow."

"It's hard to turn off the questions in my head."

"You need to rest, Brynn. Why don't you go upstairs and get some sleep? You'll be safe tonight."

"I'm not sure I'll feel safe until this is over, but I am in your debt, Kade. For everything you've done. I don't know how I can pay you back."

"No payback required."

I slid off the stool. "I'm going to check on my dad before I go upstairs."

He nodded, following me down the hall to the living room.

My father was right where I'd left him, but he'd kicked the blanket off, and it would get colder tonight. I put it back over him.

He rolled onto his side, his eyes flickering open. "Brynn? Or is it Dani?"

"It's Brynn," I said, sitting on the edge of the coffee table. "Are you okay?"

"Where am I?"

"Mom's house."