Chapter 7 - The Child’s Memory
I rushed across the room, scooping Sophie up into my arms and carrying her over to the leather armchair by the fireplace. I sat down, wrapping her in a soft throw blanket, holding her close against my chest.
“Bad dream, bug?” I asked softly, brushing a stray lock of brown hair from her forehead.
Sophie shook her head, burying her face against my neck. She held up the teddy bear, squeezing its stuffed paw. “No dreams. But... Mommy used to talk to Bear before she went away.”
My heart skipped a beat. I froze, holding my breath. “What did she say, Sophie?”
“She told Bear to keep the key safe,” Sophie murmured, her childish voice innocent and completely matter-of-fact. “She said Aunt Vanessa was very sick in her head, and that if anything happened to Mommy, I had to give the key to you so you could find the truth.”
Tears burned the backs of my eyes. Elena hadn't just been a helpless victim; she had known what Vanessa was planning, and she had spent her final lucid moments protecting her daughter and leaving a trail for me to follow.
“Mommy loved you very much, Sophie,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “And I promise you... I’m going to make sure the people who hurt her are held accountable.”
“Are we going to run away, Daddy?” Sophie asked, looking up at me with big, solemn eyes that reminded me so much of her mother.
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“No, bug,” I said, a cold, hard resolve settling deep into my bones. “We aren't running anywhere. We’re going to take our home back.”
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