Daddy, the little girl yelled. You can't just leave her. He closed his eyes. When he opened them, his jaw was set. Here's what's going to happen, Mason said firmly.
You're going to get in my car. We're going to my house. You're going to get warm, eat something, and sleep somewhere safe. Tomorrow morning, if you want to leave, I'll drive you anywhere in the city. No questions.
But I'm not leaving you here to freeze to death while my children watch. You don't know me. I don't need to. I could be dangerous. You can barely stand.
Elena tried to push herself up to prove him wrong. Her legs buckled. Mason caught her before she hit the concrete. I've got you, he said quietly. And then she was moving, being guided to the SUV.
The door opened and warm air rushed out. Move over, Sophie. Mason instructed. The little girl scrambled to make room. Mason helped Elena inside.
The door closed. Pete surrounded her. Three children stared. The little girl, Sophie, immediately wrapped a blanket around Elena's shoulders. You're okay now, Sophie said seriously.
Our daddy helps people. He helped us, too. Sophie, an older boy warned. Maybe 10. Don't.
What? It's true. We're not supposed to tell strangers our business. She's not a stranger. Daddy brought her home.
Mason climbed back into the driver's seat. Everyone buckled. A chorus of yeses. The SUV pulled away from the curb. Elena sat in stunned silence, wedged between Sophie and a quiet teenage girl who hadn't said a word.
"I'm Sophie," the little girl announced. "That's Ethan, and that's Mara. Mara doesn't talk much. She's 14. Ethan's 10.
I'm six. How old are you, Sophie? Mason said from the front. Give her some space. I'm just being friendly.
I know, but she's had a rough night. Sophie considered this, then leaned against Elena's arm. It's okay, she whispered. Rough nights get better. Something cracked in Elena's chest.
She turned her face to the window so the children wouldn't see her cry. The drive took 15 minutes. The neighborhood changed gradually from the sketchy downtown area to treeline streets to actual gates with security guards. Mason waved at the guard. The SUV turned onto a private drive.
Even through the snow, Elena could see the house was massive. Of course, it is. The garage door opened automatically. They parked between a Tesla and a vintage Mercedes. Home, Mason announced.
The kids piled out. Elena sat frozen. I shouldn't be here, she said quietly. Mason turned in his seat. Where should you be?
I don't know. Then here's as good as anywhere. You don't understand. You're right. I don't.