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Quinn falls to her knees and muffles her sobs immediately, which makes my whole body tense.
I have to walk around loudly and bang some things to stifle any suspicions.
“It has to be this way for a little while longer, pig man,” I say, both to him and to her.
“Untilwhat?” He jerks in his shackles. “At least undo these for a while. My arm’s been tingling.”
I walk over to him and slap his face lightly, then undo the cuffs when I’m in the right position.
He groans with relief. “My daughter? You never gave me your word. You have to keep herout of this.”
Unfortunately, it’s too late for that.
Chapter 12
Quinn
I’m broken and torn.
I’ve never in my whole damn life felt a rush of emotion like this.Ever.
My knees are banged up from collapsing into myself. And the tears… they won’t stop coming.
Dad’s okay. He’s right across from me, and it takes every fiber of my body to resist running over there and hugging him. There wasn’t much doubt in my heart… because Silver seemed truthful. But to have confirmation?
My God. I’ll do anything for him to trust me now. Nothing else matters. I have to get Dad to safety…
I look up to Silver, who’s pacing around speaking with a fake Russian accent. Who would’ve freakin’ thought? The man’s an actor after all. No wonder he’s so close to the movie business.
Quiet, Quinn. Not a peep.
“I’ll say it a thousand times if I have to—keep her safe when the Russians turn on one another. Don’t let her get stuck in the crossfire,” Dad says, and my heart melts a little more.
“To think pig man still asks me to do police work where his own men should.” Aros clicks his tongue. “Have he no faith in other pig men?”
“I’m still here, aren’t I?” He swings his arms outward.
It’s here after I wipe my tears, I see it. Dad has small bandages on his face and week-old bruises. I notice glistening in the spots where his wounds are. Not only did Silver rescue him, he cared for the old bear too.
More tears come.
He’s literally an older, hotter,darkerBatman. A vigilante only for me.
My eyes follow him in a whole new light. So freakin’ mysterious… but there’s goodness in him.
I get up to my feet, and when my jacket scrunches slightly, I freeze.
My dad’s blindfolded head turns to face exactly where I am. “Someone else here?”
“Always, pig man.” Silver glares at me. “In case you try anything funny,da?”
He’s talking to both of us, but I hope he can see in my eyes it was an honest mistake. I take a deep breath and just remain in one spot, in my lion socks, leggings, and noisy jacket not meant for a stealth operation. Probably should’ve planned better there. I’m learning, I guess.
“I see. Well, my faith is in your honesty now, Vosikof. If the PD hasn’t tracked me down yet, I’m lost.”
“Quite right,” Silver says.
“Tell me… how’d you guys pull it off? There’re cameras on every block, in front of every house.” Dad snorts. “How’d Patrovski get me out of sight?”