“Mom, would you mind cooking up some lunch? I’m dying for something home cooked, and I think Mia could use a real meal. I think she’s had a bag of pretzels in the past twenty four hours.”

Mia’s face flushed. “Oh, I can help. I don’t need to be tended to—”

“You’d never know it, but Mia’s been shot at a few times, not to mention a nasty bout with some tear gas. Though that was my fault.” Truth be told, he was proud of his girl for taking it like she did. Winters winked at Mia but still spoke to his mom. “I think she could use some of your famous cooking. And, Mia, you need to rest. I’m going to need your help later. So eat, then sleep. I have to head out for a while, but we’ll take care of it all. Is that okay?”

Her mouth opened, closed, and opened again, but nothing came out. Her fingers touched her lips, a gesture as lost as the words she couldn’t find. She shuffled a bare foot back and forth on the driveway, then nodded. Pebbled rocks bent to the will of her painted toes.

His mom started back into the house. “Colby, I’ll let you get your friend settled, and I’ll be in the kitchen. I might have some clothes that’ll fit, Mia, if you want. I’ll leave them at the foot of the stairs. I’m sure Colby will direct you to the nearest shower.”

“Yes, thank you.” She smiled, conveying her appreciation.

Winters balanced Clara on his hip, and, with his free hand, took Mia’s chin, directing her gaze to him. His stare tracked her, despite Clara’s every attempt to remove his sunglasses. “You need to relax. You’re not an imposition or a headache. If anything, you’re a pleasant surprise.”

“Pleasant isn’t how I’d describe myself right now.” She swallowed hard enough that he could see it. Her fingers pleated the bottom of her torn-and-repaired shirt.

“Here I go. I’m an old MP3 stuck on repeat. What’s wrong?”

Mia sucked her bottom lip and remained quiet. Had she been through interrogation resistance training?

“All right, doll. I’m going to show you around. You have the roam of the place, comfy bed, and a hot shower. Mom will stay here with Clara while I’m gone. She’s more than happy to help you with anything you want. Really, she’s easygoing. I promise.”

Winters dropped his hand from her chin and interlaced his fingers with hers. Clara squealed and grasped at the rough hair on his face. With a lesser degree of hesitation in her drudging gait, Mia followed him into the house and into an expansive foyer with marble floors and rich colored wallpaper. She immediately eyed his security system panel next to the front door and security cameras.

“Don’t let it bother you. It’s for safety and protection. I can be paranoid about my family’s safety. I’m a big believer in ‘you can never be too careful’.”