“I wish, Sweetie,” April smiled. “I live in a small apartment.”
“That’s nice, too,” Violet said, skipping to the door like she didn’t have a care in the world. She followed Caden inside who was smiling as he went in.
“Kids are so resilient and accepting,” April said.
“That they are,” Caden agreed. “And I think Garrett would love to have you both over whenever you want, isn’t that right?”
“You bet,” Garrett said, slapping Caden on the back in greeting before turning his attention to Violet. “You must be Violet. I’ve heard a lot about you, and I am so excited to meet you.”
“Really? Why? Is it because of the bullets?” She asked.
Garrett glanced up at Caden, then at April. She gave him a “not now” shake of her head, and he turned his attention back to Violet. “We can talk about those later. But for now, I hear you’re craving ice cream. I stopped at the store on my way home and got us a carton of chocolate chip. What do you think?”
“It’s my favorite. I haven’t had it in forever,” Violet said enthusiastically.
“Awesome,” Garrett said. “Then it will just taste even better. My girlfriend, Reese, is in the kitchen if you want to go help her scoop it out.”
“I want to help,” Violet said, and she was off, not needing any additional prodding.
“So, you want to tell me what’s going on, and why a six-year-old is asking me about bullets?” Garrett asked. His tone mirrored the beginning of the anger that April, Tanner, and Caden were already feeling about the kind of life Violet had endured thus far.
April knew it was only going to get worse, but since Caden said he invited all his friends, she wanted to wait until everyone was there and just tell them all at once. She didn’t understand why Tanner and Caden wanted all their friends to know about Violet, but she figured since they were all in law enforcement, and Tanner trusted them, she wouldn’t question him. He had promised to keep them safe, and even told Violet that no one would ever shoot at her again. If Tanner thought his friends could help keep her niece safe, April would welcome them in their life.
“Here you go,” Reese said, handing Violet a bowl of ice cream. “Why don’t you take it to the table and have it there.”
Violet made her way to the large dining area. April helped her pull out a chair where she climbed up and started eating her ice cream.
“How is it?” Reese asked from the kitchen, still scooping ice cream into more bowls.
“It’s good,” Violet answered, her mouth half full with the creamy goodness.
“What do you say?” April asked.
“Thank you,” Violet said, already spooning another mouthful into her open mouth.
“You’re more than welcome, Sweetie,” Reese said.
Garrett smiled and gestured for her and Caden to follow him out of Violet’s earshot. “How much trouble are you in?” Garrett asked April.
She was just about to answer when the front door opened and Tanner came in.
“What did I miss? Sorry it took me a little longer than I expected to get out of there. I had to tie up some loose ends and hopefully they won't pull my badge for it.”
“They won’t.” The door opened again and Blake came in. “Whatever’s going on, you know we’ll have your back. Even if we have to pull the federal card.”
“What’s a federal card?” Violet asked from the dining table, bringing Blake’s attention down to her.
“Oh, I didn’t see you there, little one. Hi, I’m Blake, and you are…?”
“I’m Violet,” she said, then looked to April for approval.
“You’re doing great,” April assured her.
“Well, I’m not,” Caden said in a loud, overly dramatic way, with a huge smile on his face. “Someone promised me ice cream and I haven’t gotten any.”
Violet giggled and that made Caden’s smile grow wider. “Hey, I told you I’d have your back and I meant it. Even when it comes to things like ice cream. You know a federal agent can never tell a lie.”
“Ever?” Violet asked.
