Page 117 of Guarded Deputy

As I go into Walker’s room, I pray he didn’t touch it. It’s the least the asshole could do. I breathe out when I see it’s as it should be.

When I walk into my bedroom, some things are a mess but not as bad as Brooke’s. He must’ve gone to hers first and run out of time.

I run a hand down my face and slam it on top of the dresser. It rattles beneath my palm. My eyes sting with emotions. For the boy who lost his dad. For the man who is angry. For the unfair world we live in.

I take a few deep breaths, not wanting Brooke and Walker to see me like this. I have to be strong for them, show them we’ll overcome this. When I feel like I have strength in my legs, I go back to the living room.

“It’s okay, buddy.” I bend down and talk to Walker. “We’re safe.”

Tears trail down his face, and I hate my father more than I thought possible for doing this to Walker. For scaring him unnecessarily.

“What if they come back?” he asks.

“He won’t,” I promise him. “A bad man did this, but he’s gone now.”

“How do you know?” Walker’s round eyes shine with moisture.

“Because he got what he wanted.” I hug him tightly and look up at Brooke, who’s trying and failing to hold back her cry.

I nod, reassuring her.

After making sure he believes us, we get Walker to go to his room. I sit on the couch with Brooke, dropping my head in my hands.

“Should we call the police?” she asks.

“And accuse our own father of stealing from us? I’ll give you the money.”

“No, Nate.” She shakes her head.

“Yes. I’m the one who left him here alone. I should’ve known better.” I slam my fist into my forehead. Brooke grabs my arm and lowers it.

“I thought he was being honest. I believed him.” Her voice trembles.

“Me too,” I admit. “Even if it was just to hear him out and then decide we wanted nothing to do with him.”

“Yeah.” She sighs, looking around. Her eyes are swollen.

“I fucked up. I was supposed to meet Lizzy today to talk to her, tell her what’s going on. I’ve been shutting her out. When Dad showed up, I totally forgot.”

“Go talk to her now.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think she wants to see me.”

“Our dad fucks with our emotions. It’s like we revert back to those kids again, needing to be wanted by him. Tell her that. Be honest and open instead of guarding yourself. She’s a good person, and it’s clear she loves you.” Brooke squeezes my hand, and the air rushes out of me.

Love.

We haven’t talked about that, but I love her and she doesn’t even know it.

“You think I should show up at her place?”

“If a man wanted to apologize, I’d hope he’d move mountains to make it happen.” She smiles sadly.

“Are you okay alone?” It’s been an emotional afternoon, and I don’t want to leave her alone.

“I’m okay. I’m going to make some mac and cheese for Walker, talk to him and explain our childhood. I need him to know this is a safe place for him, even if it means telling him about the ugly in life.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” I nod. “Call me if anything, and I’ll be right here.” I hug her.