Chapter 36

HAZEL helped her brothers out into the cool evening just as their father’s car screeched to a stop in front of the house. Gravel scattered beneath the tires, the sudden noise cutting through the quiet street. Adrian stepped out almost immediately, his face lighting up when the boys spotted him.

“Daddy!” they screamed in unison and ran straight into his open arms.

Adrian laughed, crouching to gather them both, one on each side, their small hands tugging at his beard, pulling his collar, poking his cheeks as if to confirm he was real. Hazel stood a few feet away, a large backpack slung over one shoulder, watching the reunion with a small, satisfied smile.

She waited until the excitement settled before walking closer.

“Hi, Dad,” she said.

He looked up at her, his smile softening.

“Hazel, love. How are you this evening?”

“I’m good,” she replied simply. “Can we get out of here now?”

Without waiting for an answer, she turned and walked tow