She pouted.“But I want to visit.”
“It’s past your bedtime.”
She turned, her eyes pleading.“Will you tuck me in, Mantha?”
Of course she would.Samantha had always dreamt of having a little girl of her own.But since that was no longer a possibility, she’d enjoy every moment she could with this one.She held out her hand and Maggie’s smile was instantly back as she slipped her smaller one inside.
* * *
“Apologies for my tardiness.It’s good to see you, Mr.Allister.”Trent shook the man’s hand.
Benson handed him a glass of brandy on his way out of the room.“You’ll know where to find me if you need anything.”
“Please, sit,” Trent said, gesturing to the sofa.
“As I’ve just told my sister, I’ve been sitting all day, so I’d rather not, if it’s all the same to you.”
“Just as long as you won’t mind if I do.”Trent let out a sigh as he settled into the chair and took a grateful sip of his brandy.
“You seem to have performed a miracle, Trent.”
“Perhaps that would explain why I’m so tired.Presumably, miracles are hard work.But if you’re referring to the change that has happened with Samantha, I’m not sure I get to take any credit for that.”
“It’s not just a coincidence, Trent.After I got her away from Norman, she lived with me for eight months, and I tried day after day to help her, with no success.She stayed at Raven House for several weeks, with very little improvement.She’s only been here a few days and she’s glowing, laughing, and smiling.It’s like she’s come back to life.”
Trent nodded as he considered his words.“She has certainly blossomed here, but she’s been working hard at it.It didn’t just happen on its own.The credit for her transformation goes solely to her.And perhaps a bit to Maggie.”
“What do you mean she’s been working hard at it?”
“Well, I don’t know if you’ll approve, but I’ve taught her how to throw a punch.We’ve been using her sketches for her to let out her anger.Air her grievances, if you will.”
Allister raised his brow.“I absolutely approve.You’re being far too modest.”
Trent shook his head.“All I do is hold the portrait while she punches it, and then make sure she knows she’s safe while she’s going through…” He sighed and took a sip of his drink.He hated thinking about all the pain she’d been through.“Whatever comes up,” he finished with a shrug.
Allister stared at him for a long moment before speaking.“You can’t imagine how grateful I am.I thought I had lost her forever.I thought she had lost herself.She’ll never be the carefree girl she was before, but there’s certainly a good deal of it returning.”
“She’s a fighter.”Trent nodded.“Stronger than me, certainly.”
“So, confronting Norman.Whose idea was that?”
“Samantha's.I would never have suggested it.I just assumed he was dead, but she says he's not, and since you're here, I assume that's true.”
Allister nodded.“She made me promise to not kill him.It wasn't easy.He has a few scars and doesn’t walk the same, but I kept my promise.So, what does confronting him look like to you?”
“There are three of us.Brennan, you, and me.I had imagined that two of us would subdue Norman so that Samantha can do whatever she wants to.And then either you or I will be there solely for her.She needs to know someone will carry her through whatever might come up if she needs some support.”
“After what I’ve seen here, that person needs to be you.”
“I’d be honored to do whatever I can.”
Allister nodded.“If you’re up for a night without sleep, we should go tonight.The weather’s good, and I have a job to get back to.”
“I’m ready.”
“And what about Samantha?”
Trent nodded.“She’s ready.”
