Page 71 of My Little Girl

Andrew jogs behind me. “Come on, Avamarie.”

“Ava.” I cut in, still marching forward.

Chuckling, he falls into step with me. “Okay,Ava.You know I can’t let you just go after them.”

I ignore him, glancing down at my phone before making another left at the corner. My eyes dart around to make sure Tyler isn’t there, thankfully finding him nowhere in sight. Letting out a breath of relief, I continue forward, determined to get to my destination even if I have to walk the whole way.

Andrew sighs dramatically next to me, surprising me by his familiar behavior. I’m not sure if it was witnessing my utter humiliation that has him acting more natural around me. Whatever the cause, I hate to admit that I actually kind of enjoy his company. Not that I’d ever say so out loud.

“Fine.” He groans. “If you’re going to insist on marching right into what will most likely be our deaths. If not by Charles then certainly at the hands of Killian when he finds we’ve disobeyed his orders.”

My stomach clenches at the mention. A flashback of the last time I “disobeyed” going through my mind. I shake my head to clear the images.

Nope. Not going there. Gotta save Fallon. Can’t let myself get all worked up right now over the past.

I gulp.

Or future.

My steps falter before I push forward, deciding any punishment is a price I’m willing to pay to ensure my friend is safe.

Andrew throws an arm out, blocking my progression. Huffing, I glare up at him. “You’re not going to stop me from going.” I snap, crossing my arms.

Running his other hand down his face, Andrew sighs. “Yeah I know. I’m not stopping you.” Pulling a set of keys out of his pocket, he grins at me. “I’m giving you a ride.”

Andrew hasn’t stopped talking the entire drive. I now know that he is a second generation immigrant, both of his parents having immigrated to America while children, his mother from Italy and father from Russia. I now also know that he is the middle child of seven and that his favorite color is blue. But not just any blue, nospecificallynavy blue.

By the time we pull up to the curb, I’m pretty sure I know more about him than I do myself.

“-so yeah, that’s why spaghetti is my top tier food.” Andrew babbles.

I hold back the smile that tries to break free at his genuine joy. My heart aches for a relationship with my family like the one he has but it doesn’t do me any good to wish for things that won’t happen.

At least I have a chosen family now that I love and who love me.

The small grin fades from my face as I remember that said family is in trouble. I glance up at the abandoned parking garage across the street from us. Looking down at my phone, I can see Fallon’s dot blinking directly over the structure.

Well, it’s now or never.

Taking a deep breath, I unbuckle my seatbelt and reach for the door handle. Andrew covers my hand with his, stopping me.“Wait. Are you sure you want to do this, Ava?” His voice is anxious as he holds my gaze.

I pause and ask myself if I am.

The answer is obvious.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Glancing back at the glooming structure, I roll back my shoulders. “I’d do anything for those I love.”

Andrew squeezes my hand and nods before releasing me. “Okay then, let’s do this.” Climbing out of the car, he closes the door behind him.

I stare at the closed door for half a second before scrambling out of my seat. Andrew circles the vehicle and comes to a stop beside me, pulling his gun out and turning it over in his hand. Watching him curiously, I ask, “What are you doing?”

Still inspecting his gun, he angles his wrist to show me. “I’m double checking to make sure it’s loaded.” He pushes something on the gun that makes a piece slide out. Tilting the detached part, I can see bullets stuffed inside. Shoving it back into the bottom, Andrew pulls back on the top, a sound clicking at the movement.

I watch, fascinated. Even though I’ve devoted most of my adult life to studying criminals and their ways of life, I’ve never been around a gun before. My parents had bad experiences and didn’t allow them in the house and I just never ran in any circles that would have one. Until now.

“Can I see?” I ask, holding my hand out.

Andrew looks down at the handgun, then back at me. “Okay.” He agrees, snatching it back as I reach forward.

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