I watched them—my heart heavy and split. Then I turned to Artyom quietly. "Pull the kindergarten's CCTV. I want this woman's face."
"On it, Don."
When Artyom left, I went back to Elena. Stella clung to her, tiny arms wrapped around her neck.
"Stella," I called.
She looked up at me. "Daddy?"
"There's something I need to tell you." I braced myself.
"What?" Her big eyes were curious.
"You're not going to kindergarten starting tomorrow," I said bluntly.
Her face fell. "Why? I like kindergarten. I like Ms. Angela and my friends."
"I know." I stroked her hair. "But Daddy needs you to stay home for a while."
"But—" Tears came to her eyes, "we planned to play hide-and-seek tomorrow with my friends."
Elena's eyes were full of grief. I hated seeing my girl hurt more than anything else.
"Stella." I took her small hand. "Do you trust Daddy?"
She nodded.
"Then this is a game." I forced a smile. "A special treasure hunt."
Her tears stopped. "A treasure hunt?"
"Yeah." I smiled properly. "I'll hide treasures around the apartment. You find them—you get a prize."
"Really?" Her whole face lit up. "What kind of treasures?"
"That's for you to find out," I said. "One rule—you stay inside. No leaving until you find them all. Got it?"
"I got it!" She squeezed her eyes shut like a kid, then covered them with her hands. "Don't peek, Daddy."
"Okay." I grinned. "Get used to your room. My first treasure will be hidden there."
She wriggled out of Elena's arms and bolted for her room, short legs like pistons.
Elena stepped closer, softer. "What are you going to hide?"
"I had Artyom buy a bunch of little-girl toys. We'll hide them around." I looked down at my phone to text orders. She stood on tiptoe and kissed me.
"Thank you." She whispered against my lips. "Thank you for making her happy."
"I should be the one doing that," I said. "She shouldn't have to dealwith this."
She squeezed my hand. "It's not your fault."
I didn't answer. Deep down, I knew the truth: I had dragged them into this. If not for me, they could've lived a quiet life.
"I'll fix this," I promised. "Soon."
We spent the next hours scattering toys around the apartment. Stella hunted and squealed and found three prizes before bedtime, promising to find more tomorrow. She fell asleep with a smile.
