Banks smiled gently, pulling out a handkerchief to mop up Tad’s face. “Everybody’s afraid when they’re under fire,” he said softly. “The definition of courage is doing what you need to do, regardless of how afraid you are.”

Tad drew in a shaky breath. “Thanks.” He winced. “What are we going to do? He’ll hurt us when he sobers up and finds me gone...!”

“No. He won’t.” Banks got to his feet and looked down at Clancey. “Pack up your things. You’re both coming home with me.”

Clancey flushed scarlet and searched for words.

“We’re picking up my sister at her apartment on the way,” he said in a long-suffering tone.

“Oh.” She just stared at him. She would have argued, but he looked more formidable than usual and she was too unnerved to marshal an argument.

“She’s waiting for us,” he prodded.

“Oh! Sorry!” She took Tad with her to pack up the few personal items they’d brought with them, including Tad’s schoolbooks.

They dressed and then went out to the living room with all their possessions.

Banks looked at them with an ache in his heart. It was painful to see how little they had. Both of them had dark circles under their eyes. He could only imagine how afraid they’d both been this afternoon. Well, Morris wasn’t touching them again. Ever.

“Let’s go,” he said gently.

They went back down to the lobby. Banks had them wait for him while he talked to the woman in charge and explained what had happened. She was very supportive. They could always come back, anytime they needed to, she added, smiling at Clancey and Tad.

“Thanks for everything,” Clancey said gently.

She nodded. “You’re very welcome.”

Banks herded them out to the SUV, put them inside and started toward his sister’s apartment.

“Call Hollister,” he said curtly as he drove. “He’s been half out of his mind with worry.”

She grimaced. “I didn’t answer when he called earlier...”

“Just do it.”

She glared at him. “You are very bossy,” she said shortly.

“Comes from years of ordering people around,” he murmured.

She sighed, opened her phone and called Cal.

“Where the hell have you been?” he exploded.

“At the homeless shelter,” she said, wincing. “I’m so sorry...”

“I was worried sick. What happened?”

She hesitated. “I’ll tell you later,” she said in a minute. “Mr. Banks is taking us home with him...”

“I know. His sister’s going with you.”

“Yes, we’re going to pick her up now,” she added.

“I had two men watching you. They got into a fight and they’re in jail, but I’ll find someone else. You and Tad will be safe.”

“Morris kidnapped him,” she blurted out.

“What!”