Page 70 of Collateral Damage

She hesitates, and I scowl at her.

She places the baby in my arms. “Do you have supplies? Diapers, formula, etcetera?”

I shrug, and she reaches for a bag under her chair, offering it to me. I accept the bag and throw it over a shoulder. “I’m heading to my hotel. You can find me and the kids there when you’re ready.” I shoot off the address and head toward the exit. She’s gaping after me, but I don’t care. There’s no fucking way I’m going to leave these kids with another stranger. I’m no better, but at least they seem to trust me.

A warm hand slides into mine, and I smile down at the little boy. “You make safe?”

“You speak English?”

“Little. American TV.”

God bless America.

“Yeah, buddy. I’ll keep you safe.”

He gifts me with a smile. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes, but I’ll take it.