Page 44 of Bobby

Yeah, nothing about that sounds good.

“And he asked you to keep that a secret?”

Lily nods.

“Did you stay and watch anything with him today?” Did he touch her already? Did he hurt my girl?

“No, Ivy was looking for me.”

I look at Ivy, who nods. “I wanted to play on the swings, and Lily likes to push. I asked her friend where she went, and they told me. When I showed up, Mr. Weaver had his hands on her shoulders, and I didn’t like it. I took Lily out to play, but she didn’t want to, so we just sat on the benches. I saw Mary sitting in the car and waved at her. She came to the fence and asked what was wrong, since we never sit down, and I said Lily didn’t want to play. The next thing I knew, we were being pulled out of class.”

Mary is getting a raise. A giant one. She noticed right away that something was off and took action. Willow might be pissed to learn I had things changed in the school system to allow my team to collect the girls at any time, but once she learns why, I think her anger will be focused elsewhere.

Fuck. This is going to crush her. But unlike the dead PE teacher walking, I won’t keep this from her.

“Lily, I have one more question.”

She nods.

“Did he touch you anywhere else?” Say no. Dear God, say no.

“No. But… I think he wanted to. Mommy said that only certain people can touch certain places, and that cuddling isn’t something you do with anyone but during family girl night or movie night when I’m super tired and need Mommy to be my pillow. I think Mr. Weaver wanted to cuddle, and I didn’t want to be mean, because that gets me in trouble, but I don’t want to cuddle with boys. Not even my giant. Sorry.”

“Smart, kid.” Marco nods with approval.

“Okay, thank you for sharing your secret. I think you should tell your mom, though.”

“Do you think she’ll be mad?” Lily asks, with more worry than she should.

“Never. Come on. I just left her upstairs eating french fries.”

“French fries? Do you think she’ll share?”

How did I know that food would bring out the smiling Lily again?

“If she doesn’t, I’ll order you some.”

“Yippee!” both girls cry out as they bounce out the car door that Marco has opened for us. We walk as a unit, with Mary behind us, toward the elevators.

“Boss,” Marco starts. The part about him handling it goes unspoken. It’s an ask and a plea all in one. I nod, and he veers off.

“Where’s my giant going?” Lily asks as we enter the elevator.

“To slay one of many dragons,” I say with a smile as I let her grab my hand and we ride up the elevator together, knowing that this dragon won’t see another tomorrow.

I’m exhausted when I get home. It’s only ten, but it’s been a long-ass day. The venue shift was a mess, but so was dealing with everyone who came. It was more than a family event, which made it a famiglia event. Also known as a dog and pony show. Sure, everyone was there for Dad, and they bid high enough that the charity Mama picked will be more than happy to take the money and look the other way regarding where it came from. But it also meant I couldn’t fully relax. The Leones might run the famiglia, but my brothers and I learned long ago that our guard always needs to be up, even among friends.

After all, the Maranzettis were our friends until they weren’t.

I make it as far as my couch before I hear the elevator doors open. I turn just in time to see Willow stepping out and entering my home.

“Willow. Is everything all right? Are the girls okay?”

She doesn’t say anything, just stands at the entrance to my space for a moment.

I clear my throat. “Did I overstep again? I thought you wouldn’t have minded that I sent up princess costumes for the school event tonight.”

“We didn’t go. Not to the school. Didn’t seem right after….”