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Mary’s head snapped up. “There were more kids? What happened to them?”
“Achilles took them to the hospital to get checked out. He’ll handle stuff from there with the cops.”
Jazzy hummed. “I’m guessing the apprehending of this Pachenkov guy didn’t go by the book?”
“No,” Hector admitted. “It’s not like we could call the SFPD and ask if they minded coordinating with the Bratva to get Zoe. It was a warzone over there when I left. I’m guessing San Fran’s finest didn’t get a call before the clean-up crew arrived. The official story is an anonymous tip.”
It was in another hour that the doctor came and checked up on Zoe. Luckily the little girl was fine; that is, physically. They would have to wait and see how she processed what happened. After the doctor left, she took Zoe to bed.
She found Hector in their bedroom, looking exhausted, and dropped next to him on the bed.
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
He took her in his arms. “No need to thank me. I did what any man would do when his family is threatened.”
She wanted to tell him that she loved him. That she valued him beyond any other man. It was like a dam inside her, building up for a long time now, but she couldn’t voice it. Not now. Not when he would think that she’d only said it because of gratitude.
Instead of telling him, she was going to show him. Every day.
CHAPTER 18
HECTOR
Hector didn’t wake up until dawn, which was unusual for him. Being in the Marine Corps had left him with an internal clock that rose with the sun. Then he remembered why he was so knackered.
The night before.
Zoe.
Kristoff.
A look to his side showed him that the bed was empty. He took a shower, put on some clothes, and went downstairs where he was greeted by the smell of bacon.
Mary stood behind the counter in the kitchen island, making batter. Zoe sat on the carpet near the television, drawing in a book. The second the little girl spotted him, she jumped up.
“Hector!”
He gathered her up to his shoulders. “You okay, little one?”
“Yes. Mary is making me blueberry pancakes, and then we are going to find me a room.”
“Get you stuff for your room,” Mary corrected her with a smile.
“Will you come with us?”
“Sure.” It was a weekday and he should get back to work, but Achilles could hold down the fort.
“Breakfast is almost ready,” Mary said, as she put some eggs in a skillet.
He dropped Zoe back on her feet and sat at the table.
“Zoe, why don’t you go wash your hands?” Mary asked. The little girl skipped away and ran back upstairs.
When she was out of earshot, Hector asked, “She okay?”
“She seems okay, but I’m not sure. I tried to ask about last night, but she closes up whenever I try to, and I don’t want to push. The doctor said children bounce back quickly. It might be a defense mechanism that she doesn’t want to talk about what happened. All we can do is make her feel safe.” She put the bacon and eggs on a plate and then on the table, followed by pouring him a cup of coffee.
“My woman can cook.”