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“I’m not thinking the fucker needs a ride in the ambulance,” Downy growled. “I’m thinking he’s well enough to go straight to the station.”

Aspen giggled and Downy’s eyes warmed slightly.

His body, though, was still extremely tense.

Wary.

Waiting.

I almost smiled, knowing for a fact that if that kid got in the car with Downy, he’d likely come back a couple of broken bones worse for wear.

Something which Luke, as well as Nico, knew as well.

“I’ll take him,” Nico offered at the same time Luke said, “You’re not taking him, Downy.”

Downy snorted and said, “You can try to stop me, but it’s going to happen.”

Then Luke pulled rank.

“You’ll keep your shit together,” Luke grumbled, walking to the boy that was now sitting in a kitchen chair with his hands cuffed behind his back.

Without another word, he took the boy by the elbow, who had sense enough not to fight the big man, and walked out with him.

“Cleaners are here to get the gas cleaned up,” someone said from the front door.

Booth.

I nodded at him and let Aspen go.

“Go talk to your brother,” I gestured. “I have to go talk to my girl.”

“Aspen!” A woman’s voice called. “Where are you?”

Aspen sighed.

“My mom’s here.”

I wanted to smile, but didn’t dare.

“Go take care of Downy and your mom.”

She nodded. “Save me in a few minutes, okay?”

I winked.

“I can do that.”

“Who is in charge here?” A man’s voice boomed.

That must be the father.

“That’s my dad,” she confirmed, before she kissed me on the cheek and slipped away to circumvent her parents coming inside.

I waited until she was out of sight, then went to find my daughter.

Chapter 21

Where the fuck are my cookies?