Elena’s words come back to me, warning me that my work would come first, that I couldn't be the father they needed.
"What's going on?" I keep my voice low.
"The FBI has shown up at the warehouse on Bayside. They're claiming they have a warrant."
Shit. The warehouse holds nothing illegal, but the timing is suspicious considering the issue with our shipment.
"I'll be right back," I tell the kids. "You should fortify. The monster will be back.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
As I leave, I hear Elio say, “Do you think he’ll forget like Uncle Dom does sometimes when he plays with us?”
“He’s our daddy,” Adalina says with confidence.
But I feel like shit.
I've been a father for all of five minutes and I'm already disappointing them.
It’s clear that there will be times I’ll need help.
Perhaps I’ll need to hire a nanny. I can already hear Elena saying, "The kids won't want a nanny. They'll want their father."
In the hallway, I pull the door closed and lead Nic to my office. "Call Gabriella. We need to know if this warrant is legitimate."
“Yes, sir.”
I should head out to the warehouse and try to think back on what my father used to do in situations like this.
He left us, I realize.
But our mother had been here.
Tonight is the first night my kids are here.
I can’t leave them. They don’t know anyone but me.
I listen to Nic tell me more about what’s going on and I decide to let him handle it this time.
Since that warehouse doesn’t hold anything incriminating, I feel okay with that decision.
When he leaves, I return to the playroom. "Rocco? Elio? Adalina?" I call, pushing open the door to the playroom.
The fort is empty. My heart rate spikes instantly. "Kids?"
Silence answers me.
A flash of scenarios races through my mind.
Enemies, kidnapping, revenge.
In our world, children are both treasures and targets.
I've been a father for days and already failed at the most basic task—keeping them safe.
"Elena?" I shout, voice echoing through the hallways.
