Page 11 of Daddy's Damaged Little Girl

“How about I sit right here? I won’t leave until the other woman gets here.”

“Who is it?”

“I’m not sure, but I know that Lacey, the director of this place, would have everyone who worked with the survivors investigated. I’ll give you my card with my private number on it. Call me if you need anything.”

Sophia exhaled. “Thank you. It’s nice to know I have someone who will help me.”

“There are several here that dedicate their lives to this place and the survivors.”

Sage helped the girl get comfortable and covered her up. When Sophia turned so her head was on Sage’s lap, it made tears burn her eyes. She let her fingers run over the girl’s head and softly hummed to her.

She had no idea how long it was before Lacey showed up with a young woman.

“This is the social worker I was talking about,” Lacey said.

Hearing the voices, Sophia awoke and sat up. Sage hated seeing the fear on the girl’s face. She hugged her to her side. “This woman is going to take care of you.”

“I can’t stay here with you?” Sophia asked.

Sage swallowed several times and tried to smile. “I’m sorry, honey. I’m not licensed to foster children. But I will always be your friend.”

Sophia looked disappointed, but she stood.

Sage hugged her tightly and whispered in the girl’s ear. “We are survivors. Don’t ever forget that, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

Sophia sniffed and walked to the woman.

“Lacey, can you give her my card with my private number on it? I told her she could call me if she needed to.”

“Yes. I’ve got some cards here.”

They waited until Lacey handed the girl the card.

The woman took the girl’s hand and led her off. Sophia looked back one more time, and Sage waved and tried to smile.

Lacey pulled her into her arms. “I think you need to head up to your place. Everything down here is taken care of, and I can tell this case hit you hard.”

“She’s just a baby.”

“I know. If you need me, don’t hesitate to call at any time. You know that.”

Sage nodded. “Yes. You’re a great friend.”

“You’re damn right I am.”

Sage smiled. “You’re lucky your daddy didn’t hear you.”

Lacey snickered. “I don’t get away with cursing very often.”

“Because he’s a good daddy.”

“Yes, he is.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Sage said and walked away.

All Sage could think about was getting somewhere and hiding so she could let the tension out that was building in her chest.

Chapter Six

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