Page 49 of Can You Take It?

“You’re her father?”

The man, clearly taken aback by my directness, stammers, “Yes, yes, I am. I’ve been looking for her.”

My skepticism only grows. I’ve seen enough deception in my life to recognize it when I see it. “Really? How did you lose her in the first place?”

The man’s eyes dart around nervously. “We were at the park, and she ran off. I’ve been searching everywhere.”

“You expect us to believe that? What’s your daughter’s favorite color? Her favorite toy? Tell me something that proves you’re her father.”

The man stumbles over his words, unable to provide a coherent answer. It’s clear that he’s not who he claims to be. Austin clings even tighter to Richard.

The man stumbles, his face flushing. “Uh, her favorite color is... pink? And she likes dolls.”

I narrow my eyes. “That’s generic. Anyone could guess that. You’re a liar. You’re not her father, and you’re not taking her anywhere.”

Mr. Shady’s demeanor changes, and his face contorts with anger. “Who are you to say that? I need to see your superior. Now!”

I can feel his hot, nasty breath on my face as he invades my personal space. But I give absolutely zero fucks. He might be bigger, but I’ve got a backbone of steel, and I’m not about to let some scumbag push me around.

And just when I start to wonder if this situation will turn into a full-blown brawl, Richard steps in. His voice, in that fake authoritative cop tone, rings out, “Well, if you’re her father, we’d like to drop the girl off nice and safe.”

I can’t deny the pride I feel for Richard in this moment. He isn’t buying into this man’s bullshit. He’s not easily fooled, and his protectiveness has extended to Austin, just as it did for me. It’s a strange sense of comfort, knowing that him and I are on the same page when it comes to protecting the little girl.

“I’ll go with you,” I pipe up.

Richard looks unsure for a second but then nods. He knows I can handle myself.

So, we’re all packed into this car, and this so-called father can’t even give proper directions. He mumbles something about stopping near an abandoned warehouse. My skepticism meter is off the charts, and I’m ready for anything.

We pull up near that sketchy warehouse, and that’s when the sorry-ass motherfucker decides he’s going to make a run for it. “Shit, he’s bolting!” I yell.

Richard doesn’t waste a second. He’s out of the car like a flash, charging after the guy. I watch in awe as Richard tackles him to the ground with the force of a goddamn wrecking ball. It’s like watching a lion tear into its prey.

Once they hit the ground, it’s a no-holds-barred beatdown in real time. Richard lets loose. He doesn’t give a damn, and Mr. Shady has no chance in hell of fighting back.

I watch from the car’s mirror as Richard rains down blow after brutal blow. The sound of bones cracking and flesh smacking fills the air, punctuated by Mr. Shady’s cries of agony. Part of me is scared by the intensity of his violence, but another part of me is proud. This bastard deserves every bit of what he’s getting.

When Austin shifts in my lap I quickly turn my attention to her. I reach over, covering her ears with my hands to keep her distracted.

Austin’s confused eyes meet mine, and I give her a reassuring smile. “Just focus on me, alright? Everything’s fine.”

I keep talking to her, trying to drown out the sounds of violence outside.

By the time Richard is done, the scumbag is bloody and broken. He can’t even whimper in self-defense. With ice in his veins, Richard delivers the final, spine-shattering blow. It’s a moment of sweet satisfaction, a brutal reminder that justice always comes knocking, one way or another.

Her small hands clutch mine, seeking comfort. “What’s happening out there?”

“Just some grown-up stuff,” I say, my heart aching at the fear in her voice.

I glance at the rearview mirror again to see Richard whip out his gun, not giving a damn about the consequences. He aims at the bastard’s leg and pulls the trigger. The gunshot rings out like a thunderclap, and the piece of shit screams like a wounded animal.

Richard leans in, possibly delivering a threat. Then he pulls out his phone and steps back slightly. He turns away, tapping the screen, and speaks into the phone. After a brief exchange, he clicks his phone shut, and hauls Mr. Shady by his collar, lifting him off the ground like a rag doll. Richard slaps the cuffs on the guy and shoves him in the backseat. He takes the wheel andbalances the phone between his ear and shoulder, steering with one hand while effortlessly shifting gears with the other. His focus is split between the road and the conversation, but you’d never know it. It’s like he’s done this a thousand times before. Emily rattles off the address where Austin actually lives. We haul ass to that spot, and Richard rings the doorbell.

When the door opens, Austin doesn’t waste a second. She darts out of my arms and makes a beeline for her mother. The sight of that little girl hugging her mom is heartwarming, but it also makes me feel like a bit of a screw-up. I’ve never had someone look at me with so much relief.

I start to turn away, feeling like I’m intruding on their emotional reunion, but then Austin grabs my hand. A genuine smile spreads across my face, the kind that’s as rare as a unicorn. I crouch down, and Austin wraps her tiny arms around my neck.

“Thank you,” Austin says, and I just nod, because sometimes words aren’t enough. That little girl has more heart and gratitude in her than most adults I’ve met. With one last wave to Richard and me, she heads inside, and we watch her go, knowing she’s right where she belongs.

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