Page 110 of Saving You

“Haas and Lazar have the subject detained and are getting him medical treatment. I’m going to need your weapon, and then McKinnon will take your statements.”

I nod and try to pass Charlie off to Bailey, but she shakes her head and tightens her grip on me. I withdraw my weapon and pass it to staff sergeant Cook, barrel pointing down. He clears the chamber and removes the magazine before depositing it into a clear evidence bag.

McKinnon steps up beside us and nods at the Staff Sergeant, who then leaves. He extends his hand to Bailey, and she shakes it before wrapping her arms around her middle.

“I’m Officer McKinnon, I’m going to ask you a few questions now, while everything is fresh,” he says, and she nods.

He looks at me as though dismissing me, and Bailey must notice, because she says, “I’d rather Caleb stay.”

McKinnon raises an eyebrow at her. “Caleb?” he asks.

“Bailey’s my girlfriend,” I say, and he nods.

“Okay, Bailey, can you start by giving me your full name and your relationship to the assailant.”

McKinnon goes through all the basic questions with Bailey before moving to me and, eventually, Charlie. She answers all his questions as best as possible, all while staying in my arms. When he’s finally done, he hands Bailey a business card and shakes my hand before joining the rest of the guys.

I turn and look at Bailey, seeing the exhaustion in her eyes. Using my free hand, I cup her cheek. “Let’s head home.”

She nods against my hand, and I lead them towards my truck. I’ll come back for her car or send someone later, but I’m not letting her drive right now. As soon as we pull out of the parking lot, Charlie is passed out in the back and Bailey holds my hand tightly. When we arrive home, I carry Charlieinside and lay her on the couch, covering her with a blanket and grabbing Princess and Vanilla from her bedroom.

Bailey and I settle at the other end, and I hold her as we watch Charlie sleep. The exhaustion eventually takes over for both Bailey and me, and we fall asleep on the couch.

I’m woken up when Charlie climbs into my lap, bringing her blanket and bear with her. She settles in, and I hold her as she falls asleep again.

In the morning, I make us all breakfast before we head upstairs for showers and fresh clothes. After pulling my shirt on, I settle on the edge of the bed and grab the stuffed bear that’s sitting on the dresser across from the foot of the bed. I stare at it as I remember the day that Bailey, Charlie, and I went to the mall and Charlie helped me make it. That day, I didn’t know just what those girls would become to me, but I knew they had forever affected me.

I look up at the sound of the door opening and see the girls standing there. Charlie comes in and climbs onto the bed, settling into my side as I wrap an arm around her and kiss the top of her head.

“What’s its name?” Charlie asks, and I smile.

“Charlotte,” I say, and her eyes go comically wide.

“We have the same name,” she says.

“She’s named after you.”

“Really?” Her voice is filled with wonder as she looks at the stuffed bear in her princess dress and tiara Charlie chose the day we made our bears.

“Yup. I knew you were special, and I always wanted to keep a part of you with me. So I made this bear to be my Little Bear at home.”

She smiles up at me and snuggles into me. “Why do you call me Little Bear?” she asks.

I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and run my fingers through her blonde strands the same way I’ve learned her mother likes.

“Did you know bears represent courage and strength?”

She shakes her head.

“When we first met, you were strong and courageous when you called 911, just like a bear. Not only that, you remained a happy little girl, showing just how strong you are. So, you’re my Little Bear.”

“I like it,” she whispers into my chest, and I hold her close as I watch Bailey wipe at her tears. I pat the spot beside me on the bed, and she joins us. I wrap my arm around her and we sit there as I hold my girls.

I’m on leave at work for the next little bit while they run an investigation to ensure my shooting was justified. Bailey takes some much-needed time off as well, and we keep Charlie home from school. We spend our days at home, just the three of us, plus Finn. We get Charlie registered for therapy to make sure she works through everything that happened, and Bailey schedules herself an appointment. I have department-mandated sessions with a therapist through the department.

We get Bailey’s house completely packed so she can be done with those bad memories, and the guys help me get rid of the furniture. The next few weeks are filled with more interviews at the precinct, to ensure all the details are straight, and court dates. Luckily, our friends are there, supporting us through everything. I can see how much having people around who truly love and care for her helps Bailey. She’s never had it before, and I’m so glad she has it now.

I use the time off to turn the den that wasn’t being used into a split space. I add bookshelves and a comfy chair so Bailey can use part of the room as a reading getaway. In the other half, I set up all of Charlie’s toys so she has somewhere other than the living room to play.

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