“Wow!” Joy squealed, racing around the room like a delighted whirlwind, investigating every nook and cranny with boundless curiosity.

Hadley pressed her shoulder against the cool window frame, her eyes drinking in the view beyond the glass.

“Hadley.” Brady crossed the room to stand beside her, his finger tracing a path beyond the window. “See that back staircase? That’s your escape route. I’ve already spoken with the…”

“…neighbors. You can slip through their underground garage and head south to dodge the guards stationed at the main gate.”

“Understood.” Hadley’s nod came sharp and decisive.

“Hadley.” Brady’s brow furrowed as concern shadowed his features. “Promise me you’ll call when you arrive. Day or night, it doesn’t matter.”

“Stop worrying about me,” Hadley said, her laugh barely above a whisper. “I’ve survived in Blathe for four years—on my own. Haven’t I always found a way to take care of myself?”

“Since you mention that…” Brady’s words came out as a frustrated mutter, followed by a heavy sigh. “I spent those years worrying about you just the same.”

Hadley went perfectly still, tears threatening to blur her vision. Her voice cracked with emotion as she nodded slowly. “Fine, I promise to call you. Just don’t get irritated when I ring you constantly.”

“Mommy!” Joy’s bright voice cut through their heavy conversation as she bounded toward them.

“Joy,” Hadley said, dropping to her knees to cup her daughter’s soft, pink cheeks between her palms. “Stay here with Uncle Brady, okay? Be my perfect little angel. No mischief or meltdowns. Mommy will call you every single day, I promise.”

“Mommy?” Joy’s head tilted sideways, confusion clouding her bright eyes. “Where are you going?”

“Mommy has some important business to handle,” Hadley explained, her voice tender and reassuring. “I’ll be back before you know it, just a few days.”

“Oh, Mommy’s leaving for work again!”

’ : ν?

Joy’s memory flashed back to all the previous times Hadley had disappeared on business trips. She bobbed her head with earnest determination. “I understand! I’ll be the best girl ever!”

“That’s my good girl,” Hadley said, her smile wavering as she loosened her grip. The moment of departure had arrived. “Mommy needs to go now. I’ll return in just a few days to take you home.”

“Okay!” Joy’s smile blazed with genuine happiness. “I love spending time with Uncle Brady! When you come back…” She hesitated for a heartbeat, then added with innocent hope, “And make sure Daddy comes with you when you return, okay?”

Hadley’s expression locked in place for one terrible moment. She chose not to shatter her daughter’s hope right now. “Alright, be good, Joy.” Tomorrow’s heartbreak could wait until tomorrow arrived.

Hadley lifted her hand in a gentle wave. “Tell Mommy goodbye now.”

.

.

.