“Hey.” Ian wrapped an arm around me and pulled me close. We’d crested a small hill now, and were heading down towards the small beach. Out on the water, fishing boats were just visible, bobbing at their moorings. “Just means you must be an even better dad than I thought. You’ve done a great job with her. She’s a bright, happy kid now.”
“She still has her moments—bad dreams, incidents at school.” I leaned into him, drawing strength from his solid presence. “She was with her mum’s body for two days before the neighbours got the police to break in. They found Kelis cuddled up next to the body, trying to eat uncooked pasta because it was the only food in the house. I think…I think Shandi had told her not to ask anyone for help, ever. Because of the drugs.”
“God, I’m sorry.”
I leaned away fr
