"Public space. Neutral ground. Somewhere with witnesses but private enough for a conversation." I glance at Sadie, who's listening intently while adjusting Poppy's blanket.
"Can you track his movements, find a window where we can approach him outside the hotel?"
"Already on it. He's got dinner reservations at Riverfront Bistro at eight. Will need to cross the east parking lot to get there."
"Perfect. Text me the exact coordinates." I end the call and turn to Sadie, who's watching me with those clear, determined eyes.
"We're changing the approach," I explain, reaching over to brush a strand of hair from her face. My fingers linger against her cheek, needing that brief connection.
"Public parking lot instead of a hotel room. Less chance of him having control of the environment."
She nods, processing. "When?"
"Tonight. Eight o'clock. The restaurant parking lot will have people around, security cameras, witnesses." I take her hand in mine, my thumb tracing small circles on her palm.
"But it's also open enough that we can control the interaction. Our security team will create a perimeter."
"You really think he'll just… sign away his rights? Just like that?" Her voice wavers slightly, the only indication of her fear.
"I think when he sees what we have, he'll understand he has no choice." I squeeze her hand gently. "This isn't about intimidation, Sadie. It's about truth. About showing him the game is over."
She looks down at our joined hands, then back at me. "What if he gets violent?"
"That's why we're doing this in public, with security nearby." I need her to understand exactly what we're walking into.
"But Sadie, this only happens if you're completely comfortable. We can still go to the FBI, wait it out."
"No." Her response is immediate, firm. "I'm done waiting. Done letting him dictate the terms of my life. Of Poppy's life."
I’m proud of her courage. This woman who's been through hell, who's been running for so long, is ready to stand and fight. Not out of anger or vengeance, but out of love for her daughter.
"Then we do this together," I tell her, my voice softening. "Side by side."
Something shifts in her expression, a softening around the eyes, a slight parting of her lips. She leans forward and presses her mouth to mine in a brief, fierce kiss that catches me off guard.
"Thank you," she whispers against my lips. "For making me feel like I have a choice. For not taking over."
Her words hit me square in the chest. That's what this is about, giving her back the control that Elliot stole. Not fighting her battles for her, but standing beside her while she fights them herself.
"Always," I promise, the single word carrying more weight than any elaborate declaration.
The driver clears his throat discreetly. "Sir? New destination?"
I give him the parking lot coordinates, then settle back in my seat, my arm naturally finding its way around Sadie's shoulders. She leans into me, her body relaxing slightly against mine.
"We've got a few hours," I tell her. "Let's get you and Poppy something to eat, maybe find a quiet place to rest before tonight."
She nods against my shoulder. "I should call my lawyer, let him know the change of plans."
"Good idea." I reach for my phone to check Reeves' latest updates. "I'll make sure security is in place."
We work side by side as the SUV navigates through Portland's rainy streets, Sadie talking quietly with her lawyer while I coordinate with the security team. It feels right, this partnership, each of us handling what we do best, supporting the other without taking over.
When we stop at a small café for a late lunch, I carry Poppy while Sadie gathers the diaper bag. The baby blinks sleepily at me, her tiny hand reaching up to pat my beard in that way that never fails to melt something in my chest.
"She really likes you," Sadie observes as we settle into a corner booth.
"The feeling's mutual," I say, reluctantly transferring Poppy to her high chair. My arms feel strangely empty without her weight.
