Sage gaped at the small crowd. “We heard gunshots,” she said. “I have to protect theLittles.”
“Hello, Sage. My name is Officer Randolph and I’m a police officer. I’d like to helpyou.”
Sage stared from Alexandra to the officer before huggingherself.
“Can I get a blanket, please?” Alexandra called over her shoulder. “Officer Randolph would like to help youandthe Littles find yourfamilies.”
Officer Jones handed Alexandra the blanket. After she draped it over Sage’s shoulders, Sage murmured, “I’m scared. We’re all soscared.”
“I understand,” said the policewoman. “Why don’t we start with something simple? Can you tell me yourname?”
Lowering her head, she whispered, “Sage.”
“What’s your lastname?”
“He never gave meone.”
“Who?” asked OfficerRandolph.
“Papabear.”
“Who’s papabear?”
“Jase Payne.” She clutched the blanket and started rocking. “No more Payne. No morePayne.”
“Whatwasyour name?” Alexandraasked.
Terror radiated from her eyes. “I can’t say or he’ll beat the Littles. I’m Sage.JustSage.”
“He can’t hurt you ever again,” Alexandra whispered. “I promise. And I won’t abandon you.” Moving slowly, Alexandra removed her wig. “My real name is Alexandra Mitus. I’ve been concerned about you from the day we met. Do you remember meeting me in Jase’soffice?”
“Yes.” Sage glanced toward the doorway. “You tried to helpme.”
“I did,” Alexandra said. “I want to help you now,too.”
Again, Sage looked past her to Crockett. “Is he yourfriend?”
“Yes, he helped me find you. Would you like to meethim?”
“Yes,” Sagewhispered.
Alexandra walked to the doorway. “Sage wants to meet you. She’s terrified, so goeasy.”
When Crockett stepped into the room, the stench of body odor and rancid food permeated the air. Pity tore at his heart. The conditions weredeplorable.
“Hello, Sage,” he said. “Thank you for helping me. That was a brave thing todo.”
Sage stared at him for several seconds before asking, “What’s yourname?”
“I’m Crockett. CrockettWilde.”
As she shuddered in a shaky breath, her eyes filled with tears. “FromUvalde?”
His heart rate jumped to the triple digits. “How do you knowthat?”
“Because that’s where I’m from, too. I’m Sophia LynnWilde.”
33
