Teddy throws an arm around Ethan’s shoulders. “An’ we’ll ‘ave the opportuni’y to run ‘ome and get some new clothes.”
“I…uh, have you done any laundry recently?” Wren asks, biting her lip nervously.
They exchange a glance. “Today was laundry day for me,” Ethan shrugs, “why?”
“I just…can I…can I have the clothes you were wearing?” Her voice is so small, it makes me want to scoop her up in my arms and never let hergo.
“O’ course you can, Dove,” Teddy says softly. “In fact, I’ll bring this blanket I know you’ll love and rub all our scents all over it, alright?”
A small smile tilts at her lips as she nods. “Thank you.”
“I’ll bring stuff too,” Ethan says quickly, not one to be left out.
“As will I.” I nod.
“I’ll have the home team advantage, since my house will already smell like me.” Maverick winks, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pressing a kiss to her head. “We’ll do anything you need to make sure you’re comfortable, okay, Baby Girl?”
“Okay.” She smiles up at him. “Should we get going?”
“Yes,” Maverick claps his hands together, “Ethan and I are driving, so we’ll have to split up.”
“As much as I ‘ate to say it,” Teddy sighs, “it’d prolly be bet’er if I ride wiff Ethan, and we can go straight home to grab more clothes.”
Her eyes light up. “Can I come see your apartment?”
Teddy looks at Maverick. “Wot do you fink, Boss?”
Mav rubs the back of his neck. “I was going to suggest she go with you guys anyway, since Brennan and I have an errand to run. You guys should probably hang tight at the apartment until we make it back.”
My brows shoot up. This is the first I’m hearing of this.
Wren squeals excitedly. “Oh, I can’t believe it! I always wanted to see where you live.”
“So you’re coming with us?” Ethan grins, and she bounces on her heels.
“Yes!” But then she glances at Maverick and me. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all, Baby Girl,” Maverick smiles gently. “Brennan and I have some work stuff to discuss anyway. It’ll be boring for you.”
“Alright!” Teddy and Ethan high-five, and Wren gives each of us a kiss before joining them in Ethan’s car.
Ethan sent off our file of incriminating footage on Pack Caruso to the judge on their case this morning, and based on the emails he’s been monitoring, it doesn’t look good for them.
With that load taken off our shoulders, it’s time to go back to the real world.
We drive down the highway, and I glance behind us, smiling when I see Teddy apparently teaching Wren how to headbang. I can only imagine what types of music they’re exposing her to.
“So,” Mav starts, and I turn back to the front, “we need to figure out a plan.”
I frown. “I agree, but shouldn’t Wren be here for this?”
He shrugs. “We aren’t deciding anything without her, I just want to spitball a few ideas.”
“Go for it,” I wave him on.
“Well, to start with, I’m pretty sure we have everything there is on her parents,” he starts, his fingers tapping the wheel. “There’s some emails that Ethan dug up, and while the wording outright avoids stating the intent to sell their daughter, it still implies it. Which normally wouldn’t be enough. However…” He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “We have a witness. One that I’ve offered protective custody to, if she agrees to work with us.”
A witness? Who could we have as a witness?
