When the stranger pulls away, Daddy looks down at me. My arms are still around his torso. He wraps both of his arms around my back.
“You don’t know anyone at the sheriff’s office,” I say.
“No, but he doesn’t know that. And I wanted him to think that someone knew where we were. I’d fight to protect you, but bullies are easily intimidated, for the most part. I didn’t think he’d be willing to take the risk and gamble that I was bluffing. Because if I was telling the truth and he got physical, he’d be in even more trouble.”
“Thank you for coming to get me.” I bury my face in his chest and squeeze myself as close to him as I can get. Maybe he won’t notice the tears of relief that leak down my cheeks.
“Besides. I know a few guys on the campus police. I’ll ask them if there’s anything I can d
