The offer was tempting. But Trixie didn’t want to impose on anyone. They had their lives to live. It was bad enough that she was having to rely on them to help her.
“Thank you,” she said. “But I’m fine at the hotel. Like I said, no one knows I’m here. Besides, it’s pretty cool being so close to Hollywood Boulevard. Did you know that there’s a mall connected to the hotel? I can just walk out and shop anytime I want! It’s amazing!”
Both men chuckled.
“Just be careful,” Jack commanded. “And if you need us at any time—day or night—call. But we’ll be in touch a lot as we work on this. Can you meet tomorrow? Say for breakfast about nine?”
“Sure!”
“Good. We’ll pick you up at the hotel. We can eat at the mansion.” Jack looked at Ace and then back at her. “Why don’t you go play now. We want to discuss some things with Auntie Athena before we get out of here. And if you’re ready to leave in about an hour or so, we’ll give you a ride back to your hotel and see that you get in safely.”
Trixie liked the sound of that. It was so sweet of them. But she couldn’t help but wish it was her own Daddy tucking her in that night, rather than someone else’s.
Maybe one day soon.
Trixie thanked the men again and then scampered off toward the backyard.
Now that she’d discussed the danger she was in, it was time to relax and have a little fun.
If she could.
Such was quite difficult when the mafia wanted you dead.
Chapter Six
John arrived at Auntie Athena’s nursery, greeting Trevon as the big man opened the black iron gate for him.
“Good evening, Trevon. And how are you this fine evening?”
Trevon was a nearly seven-foot-tall Black man who had more muscles on his shoulders, chest, and arms than John ever thought possible. His deep voice matched his imposing appearance. But those who knew Trevon didn’t let the fact that he was a giant human scare them.
He was a big teddy bear.
To his friends.
Now, to anyone who would dare harm an innocent Little, well… God help the person if Trevon found out about it.
“This fine evening? Why are you talking like that?”
John laughed. “Being on vacation will do that to a man.”
Trevon grinned, showing a mouthful of perfectly white teeth. “Nice, man. How long?”
“Two weeks,” John said. “I don’t have to think about fighting fires or responding to calls for fourteen whole days.”
Trevon’s smile morphed into a mask of skepticism. “You sure you can handle it?”
John cocked his head to one side. “You kidding? Being off work?”
“Uh-huh. I know you. Sure, it’s a job. And everyone loves—and needs—time off work. But you help people because it’s who you are. It’s what’s in your core and makes you the man you are.” Trevon smiled again. “In fact, I’ll bet you a steak dinner that you’ll be coming to someone’s rescue within a week.”
John thought it over. “Musso and Frank’s?”
Trevon nodded. “Deal.”
“You’re on.”
The men shook on it. John was strong—with muscle earned from working out and his strenuous job—but even he was no match for Trevon’s grip. He tried not to wince.
