Chapter 58

The playground was lively when we arrived, with the sound of children’s laughter carried from the swings. Dennison and Jake were already seated under the big mango tree, the shade falling neatly across their bench. Jake’s legs dangled off the edge of the chair, too short to touch the ground, and he was swinging them in restless excitement.

When he saw us, Dennison stood, lifting a hand waving a greeting. His smile was warm. Jake noticed Daisy beside me, and in an instant, he was off the bench, practically flying across the grass. Daisy squealed when she saw him. She let go of my hand and ran, her little shoes kicking up dirt as she threw her arms around Jake.

I stopped where I was, watching them collide in a tight embrace. Jake spun her around clumsily, both of them laughing so loud that people on the other side of the playground turned their heads. I couldn’t help smiling. Daisy had only played with Jake for two days, but it was like they’d found some unspoken bond, one