“Yeah.”
“That’s enough. For any part of your world you want to share, I’ll be ready.”
“You have no idea what you’re saying.”
“You’d never put me in danger, Amos. I’m not going anywhere. I want to be by your side. I’llstaywith you as long as you’ll let me.”
As I park the car, her words cut deep, and the trust Lilly gives me only ramps up my tension.
“We’re here,” I say.
“Okay.”
“We’re visiting a little boy. He’s not quite five. Bruno,” I finally reveal, watching her surprised expression.
“A child? I thought this had to do with your work. I mean, I didn’t think you got involved with the kids directly.”
“I don’t, but he’s special.”
“Why?”
“I couldn’t tell you. Maybe because his temperament reminds me of mine at that age.”
“Why are you visiting today?”
“I promised to keep him safe, and he hasn’t been eating or sleeping. He wakes up with nightmares too.”
Her hand trembles on my leg, and even though she says nothing, I know she’s moved. “I get why you’re so angry at those cruel people. And why you want to bring them to justice.”
I don’t reply to that, because I’m no liar. So far, none of the pedophiles I’ve dealt with have made it to trial. They were eliminated—mercilessly.
“I should tell you—he’s not very sociable. He might not even speak to you.”
“That’s okay. I’m not going to force anything. I just want to meet him.”
“Why?”
“Because this is a part of your life you don’t share, and you’re sharing it with me now.”
“Don’t see me as a hero. I’m not a good person, Lillyana.”
“You told me back at the apartment that you could see me. Well, I see you too, Amos. No matter what you say, you’re not going to scare me off.”
“I’m not trying to scare you. I just don’t want you to be disillusioned.”
“I’m going to ask one more time: give me some credit.”
I look at her for a long moment before finally bringing the hand resting on my leg to my lips. “You have no idea who you’re getting involved with.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere. Don’t push me away.”
I hesitate for a few seconds, then release her and walk around to open her door.
“All right. Welcome to my world, Lilly,” I say with irony, because I can’t imagine anyone willingly choosing to be a part of my world.
I take her hand, and we walk into the building together.
Chapter 42
