Page 15 of Pike
“Mommy he’s more afraid of you. Look how big you are and how little he is.” She stepped forward, gently petting the frog until he jumped out of her hand. “Aww.”
“Don’t worry, there are plenty all around.” I assured her mostly to get that look of disappointment off her face.
“Okay,” she said easily and skipped off to her next discovery.
“Kids are so resilient it’s shocking at times.” Chloe spoke softly, her gaze never left Gemma. “I’m glad she doesn’t remember much.”
She remembered enough but it wasn’t my place to tell her that. “I went through some shit as a kid, and I remember a lot of it.”
She nodded. “I know she remembers a lot I just hope that it doesn’t stick with her for too long.” She nibbled her bottom lip, genuine worry that her choices might harm the bright, inquisitive girl bounding from tree to tree.
I didn’t know how to respond so I nodded and pointed up ahead. “That’s the property perimeter up there,” I began. “There are electronic sensors surrounding the place so if someone steps on the property I’ll get an alert.” I pulled out my phone, cycling through every camera angle on the property.
“Wow, this really is a safe house.” Her smile was wistful, almost impressed. “Are there alarms?”
“Yep. A silent alarm and one of those loud as fuck, annoying as hell alarms that’ll wake up the whole valley. I keep the silent alarm set because it’ll give us the element of surprise if the shit does hit the fan.”
She let out a shaky breath and nodded. “Right.”
“Do you know how to handle a weapon?”
She frowned and stared at me. “I did what I had to,” she began.
I held up a hand. “I’m talking self-defense, Chloe. Ever handled a gun or a knife? Ever done any fighting?”
She shrugged. “Some self-defense when I was younger. Faith insisted on it. Other thanthatnight, I’ve never used a knife before.”
“We should change that while we’re here.”
She stopped and shook her head. “No, that’s not necessary but thank you for offering.”
“You’re not scared of me, are you?” It was a joke, but her hesitation made me wonder. “Chloe?”
She sighed. “No, not exactly but also not no, either.” She shrugged. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s honest.” People lied often and sometimes for no reason at all. “Just so you know, I’m not going to hurt you.”
She nodded slowly. “I know that, at least I think I do.” She slammed her eyes shut. “Look, I don’t want to make things harder for you. I think we ought to limit our time together.”
I laughed. “You do know we’re two of three people out here for miles, don’t you?”
“I’m aware but you and Gemma get along well and it’s good for both of you.”
I frowned. “You think I need to spend time with a six-year-old. You saying she’s more on my wavelength or something?”
She laughed. “Not exactly, but you’re not angry when you talk to her and I think that’s good. In general.” She took a step back as if bracing for my anger. “And thank you for telling me about the security system. It’s helpful to know.”
I nodded. “Good. Maybe it’ll help you get some sleep.”
“You’re obsessed with my sleeping habits,” she accused.
I snorted. “What sleeping habits?”
“Right.” Her cheeks turned a vibrant shade of pink.
“Mr. Pike! Mommy! Look, there are fishies in here!” Gemma waved us over, effectively ending any further conversation.
Chapter Eleven
