Page 163 of Double Fault

Taking it, I motion for her to sit at one of the chairs around the table.

“Where’s your detangling spray?”

She shrugs and taps her feet against the floor. “Don’t know.”

With a sigh, I set the brush in front of her and go to the bathroom in search of her hair supplies.

When I return, I find her sitting on her hands and looking forlornly at the ground.

“Something on your mind, princess?”

“I wish Sabrina was here to brush my hair.”

Heart cracking wide open, I spray her hair with the detangling solution. “I’m sure she does a better job than me.”

“Yeah, she does.”

Freaking kids. Always ready to kick you when you’re already down.

Gently, I glide the brush through her wet hair and peer around at her profile. “It’s not pulling, is it?”

“It feels fine.”

When the wet strands are smooth and sleek, I step into the living area.

“Do you want to watch a movie together before bed?”

“Maybe. Have you gotten my phone yet?”

“Should be here tomorrow.”

My assistant purchased it already, but she’s having a professional install some additional safeguards and parentalcontrols. There are sick people in this world, and I want to make sure she remains as safe as possible.

“Do you think Sabrina will call me?”

God, every word from her mouth is so much more subdued than it was a few days ago. She’s hurting, and I don’t know how to help her.

“I’m sure she will.” I pull out a chair and sit beside her at the table.

“Do you think she misses us?”

“Yes,” I answer without an ounce of hesitation.

“I want her to come back.”

“I know, princess.” I lay my hand over hers.

“Doyouwant her to come back?”

A heavy sigh escapes me. “Sabrina needs to be in Texas right now.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

My kid is way too smart for her own good. She’s not even nine, and already, she’s getting close to seeing through all my parental bullshit. I’m not sure I’ll survive the teen years with this one.

“I want Sabrina to do what’s best for her right now.”

She wrinkles her nose, but she lets the conversation drop.

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