### Chapter 8
Adeline didn’t hesitate; she grabbed Reid’s hand, her fingers trembling but firm. “We’re leaving,” she said, her voice barely audible over the lump rising in her throat.
Reid stared up at her, eyes wide, his cheeks streaked with tears. “Where are we going, Mum?”
“Somewhere safe.” Her words were more of a promise to herself than to him. She refused to let despair take over, even as Precious clung tightly to Reid’s other hand, whispering soothing words in his ear.
They walked past the men, Adeline keeping her gaze forward, pretending their piercing stares didn’t burn into her back. She felt naked without the car keys in her hand, without the home waiting for her just a few steps away.
But this wasn’t the time to crumble.
“Where will we sleep?” Reid’s question
