“See who?” I already know.
“Ellie, my daughter.” His frustration is evident.
“Why?” I won’t let it happen if I can avoid it.
He snorts. “Because she’s my child. Despite the things I did to her, she’s still mine.”
Everything inside me freezes. “What did you do to her?” Keeping a casual tone is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Kevin’s eyes roll as he scoffs. “She screams so beautifully, you know. More than her mother ever did.”
“Is that a confession?” What the fuck did he do to her?
“No, but it could be.” He pauses. “If I get to see her.”
Getting to my feet, I don’t say another word as I leave the interrogation room, ignoring Kevin’s demands to see Ellie. As a man, it goes against everything within me to even contemplate allowing her anywhere near the deranged killer. On the flip side, however, is my duty to the women murdered and the families that will suffer through a long-drawn-out trial.
“Are you going to talk to her?” Reed asks as he leans against the wall opposite me in the hallway.
“I’ll have to if I want him to confess.” I fucking hate this man.
Standing outside the two-story home where Ellie lives, I hesitate to knock on the door. I shouldn’t. I’m here to do my job, but I’m also the man who hurt her. Even if unintentional, it still happened. If I don’t find a way to apologize before it’s too late, I can kiss any future I want with her goodbye.
The pink and purple hues of the setting sun are oddly beautiful in this out-of-place moment as I walk up the sidewalk leading to the front door. Lights glow in several rooms upstairs, as well as what I assume is the living room.
Ringing the bell and then knocking loudly, I take a step back and wait. It nearly kills me. I’ve never been an overly patient man, but for Ellie, I’ll do anything.
The door opens, and Connor Hillard stands there with a smile that falters when he sees the badge and gun on my hip. “Can I help you?” He’s visibly confused.
“Mr. Hillard, my name is Captain Wolfe with the Jacksonville PD. I’m here to speak with Ellie.” His brows furrow as he considers my request.
“Ellie? Sure, she’s upstairs doing some homework.” Opening the door wider, he invites me in.
As I step into the entryway, Clara Hillard emerges from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “Who’s this?” While she offers a smile, I notice the concern in her intelligent gaze.
“Ma’am, I’m Captain Wolfe with JPD, and I’m here to speak with Ellie.”
They seem like friendly people, and if they are caring for my Ellie, I won’t fuck things up for her by giving attitude.
“About what?” She crosses her arms, slightly defensive now.
“She’s done nothing wrong. It’s about her father’s case,” I explain as Connor goes to get her.
“Should she have her advocate present?” Ellie deserves this family if they’re like this after only a month.
“Like I said, she’s not in any trouble. There is no possible way for her to do or say something to get into trouble, either. Not with me.” Never with me, but I leave that last part out.
“You’re certain?” I nod, and she relaxes marginally.
“Captain Wolfe?” Ellie’s timid voice turns my world on its axis, and I force myself to maintain control. “What are you doing here?”
Facing the woman I want to drag home and bury myself inside of for the next year, I hate how tired she looks, how sullen and defeated.
Clearing my throat, I maintain neutrality as I ask her, “Could we go for a walk and talk?” Her eyes flit to her foster parents before she nods.
“I don’t know about this. I think she needs someone present,” Connor hesitates.
“I’ll be fine. Captain Wolfe has always been kind towards me.” Ellie speaks up, confident in her tone. I’m damn glad she knows that, at least.