“You know it’s not a problem,” she answered, brushing some black hair behind her ear. “Sorry, it took so long. It took a while to track down a spot for him.”
“It’s not a problem. I’m surprised you got a placement tonight.”
“I’m good at that stuff.” Her green eyes sparkled with knowledge. She really was a magician when it came to finding places for the human trafficking victims.
“He’s in here.” I led her to the living room. Her shoes hardly made a sound against the floor as she followed. “Dakota?” At his name, he lifted his head just high enough to let me know he was listening. “Ihave a friend who’s going to take you somewhere safe.”
“Hi, sweetie,” April didn’t miss a beat, passing me and kneeling in front of Dakota. “I’m April.”
He shook his head, glancing at me, then back down. His lips moved, yet no sound came forth.
“Is there anything you need to pack before we go?” April asked.
“There’s nothing but what he’s wearing.” It was always the same with anyone who came here.
“Okay,” April stood. “Let’s go then.”
“P-p-please.” My heart cracked at the word, broken and filled with the emotion Dakota tried so hard not to let take over.
“Everything is going to be okay. I promise, sweetie.” April spoke softly, pulling the boy up to stand. He didn’t exactly go willingly.
“No. I’m a good boy. P-p-please. S-sir.”
“You will go with this nice lady. No more crying. It’ll be good for you.”
He sniffed, then dropped his chin to his chest.
It wasn’t the first time a boy cried at having to leave my house, nor would it be the last. Now if I could get my heart to understand that, that’d be great.
April whispered to Dakota as they headed towards the door, where I followed them out.
On the porch, Dakota lifted his eyes to meet mine momentarily. In that one look, I could see things I wished I could undo for him. I wanted to take away his pain. I wanted to promise that we’d stay in touch—anything to soothe that tear-filled look.
Instead, I stepped back into my house, shutting the door.
Chapter 16
Dakota
At one point in time, I used to be able to keep things under control. Sure, tears would fall, but I’d keep my sadness and desperation locked away. Either no one cared about how miserable my circumstances were, or they didn’t see it.
Now, sitting in the car, I watched the scenery pass by in a blur as tears fell down my cheeks. I did nothing to wipe them away, like so many times before.
My body shook with the silent sobs that wouldn’t let up.
Why? Why was Sir sending me away? What did I do wrong? Why didn’t he want me? Where was he sending me?
So many questions, none of which I’d ever ask.
The woman, April, talked gently, but it all went in one ear and out the other. She didn’t matter. All I felt toward her was utter hate. She was taking me away from Sir.
Had I done something wrong? Maybe I was too quiet? Too sneaky? Was I used too much by others?
My stomach rolled as everything came crashing down. I didn’t understand. I didn’t know what anyone wanted from me.
Closing my eyes, I blocked out the horizon and leaned my head against the side of the window.
I should have known by now that I could never behave right. I always did something to make someone mad at me. I’d been sent away more than once. This time, it would be no different.
