Alan looked at me when I said the code. He knew what it meant.

It meant Emily had kept her father close. Even after marriage. Even after Daniel. Even after all the little ways adults pretend their children no longer need them.

The deputy left again. This time he did not walk. He moved fast.

Emily’s breathing changed. I set my phone face down on the rolling tray and lowered myself beside her bed.

“Baby. Listen to me. He doesn’t know. And he is not coming in here.”

Her eyes shifted toward me. The pain medicine made them unfocused, but I could tell she heard enough.