Protecting his daughter, he understood now, did not mean living in constant suspicion.

It meant building a world safe enough for her to simply be a child again.

Before bed, Lily set her little canvas backpack by her bedroom door, the very same backpack she had clutched to her chest on that terrifying afternoon in Greenwich.

Marcus recognized it.

“You still love that old backpack, huh?” “Yep.” “We could get you a new one for school, if you want.” Lily shook her head.

“I like this one.” He did not press her.