"Sadie, I need you to understand something. You call the shots. I’m not here to take choices away from you. I’m here to make sure you have every weapon you need and that no one fucks with you ever again."
She stares at my outstretched hand, conflict written across her face.
"If you want to call this off, we call it off. If you want to change the plan, we change it. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, we pivot." I keep my voice steady, my hand open.
"I'm not Elliot. I don't make choices for you."
The tension in her shoulders eases slightly. She doesn't take my hand, but she nods, acknowledging the truth in my words.
"I'm scared," she admits, the confession barely audible.
"I know." I don't minimize it, don't try to tell her she shouldn't be. "I'd be worried if you weren't. But being scared doesn't mean you're not brave."
A ghost of a smile touches her lips. "Now you sound like Rowan."
"Smart woman, your sister." I bounce Poppy gently as she starts to fuss, earning a giggle that lightens the moment.
"Look, the flight's booked. The security's in place. Your lawyer's been briefed. But none of it happens unless you say go."
She takes a deep breath, setting her coffee mug down with deliberate care. Her eyes meet mine, clear and determined despite the fear still lurking in their depths.
"Yes," she says, the word sharp and resolute.
Relief washes through me, though I try not to show it. This isn't about what I want, it's about keeping them safe, both of them.
"Okay, then." I stand, shifting Poppy to my hip. "We leave in two hours. Pack light. Anything you need, we can buy there."
Sadie nods, some of her usual efficiency returning as she mentally shifts into planning mode. "I'll get Poppy ready."
She reaches for her daughter, and I hand the baby over, our fingers brushing during the exchange. The simple contact sends warmth up my arm, a reminder of last night's intimacy. For a moment, we're frozen there, connected by Poppy between us, by the memory of skin against skin, by the weight of what we're about to face together.
"Thank you," she says quietly, breaking the spell. "For all of this."
"Don't thank me yet," I reply, trying for a lightness I don't feel. "Thank me when we're back here, safe, with all this behind us."
She nods, clutching Poppy closer to her chest. "I should get dressed. Call Rowan."
"I'll make breakfast," I offer. "You'll need your strength today."
She hesitates, then nods again before disappearing into her bedroom.
I make a final sweep of Sadie's apartment while she finishes dressing Poppy. Every window locked, every blind closed. I check the bathroom for her toiletry bag, grab the folder with Elliot's evidence, and double-check the diaper bag for Poppy's essentials.
"Formula?" I call out.
"Three bottles in the side pocket," Sadie answers from the bedroom. "And extra powder in the zip compartment."
My phone buzzes. It’s Reeves confirming our security detail is already at the airfield. I text back a quick acknowledgment, then pull up the traffic app to check our route. Clear all the way, but I map an alternate path just in case.
Sadie emerges from the bedroom with Poppy on her hip, both dressed for travel. Simple, practical clothes. No jewelry that might set off metal detectors. Hair pulled back. Ready to move.
"Car seat?" I ask, already scanning the living room.
"By the door." She nods toward the travel system leaning against the wall. "Do you know how to install it?"
"I practiced." The admission earns me a surprised look. "Last night, after you fell asleep. YouTube tutorials."
Something softens in her expression—not quite a smile but close.
