courage to take Blaze and Emeline down into the tunnels after them. Blaze fought the puppet and Liv got herself out, running when Blaze ordered her to. It was very hard on Liv. She was terrified and hurt. She’d lost a great deal of blood. The blood of a puppet is foul, and at first she wouldn’t allow me to help her. She got an infection and I had no choice. I tried to build a relationship first, but in matters of safety or health, I had to just do what was necessary.
Charlotte’s fist bunched in his shirt. He was a good man. He’d taken on a lot when he’d given the children a home. The responsibility was enormous.
They still need parents, Tariq. Someone to watch over them.
They have parents. Me. And eventually, you.
She gasped and then jammed her fist into her mouth to keep from shouting at him. Are you crazy? I’ve only had Lourdes a few weeks, and I don’t know what to do with her. I have no idea what I’m doing. I don’t know the first thing about children.
You will be able to read their minds.
He sounded calm and confident, as if it were normal to expect your lover to take on four traumatized children.
You’ll know what they need.
Unlike you, I can’t read minds. This is so far out of my wheelhouse I don’t even know what to say to you right now.
“You don’t want us?” Liv asked aloud.
Charlotte went very still. Genevieve had once again engaged the children in conversation, as if she knew something was going on between Charlotte and Tariq. At Liv’s question, all voices ceased speaking.
“Of course I want you,” Charlotte assured, feeling trapped. She did want the children, but these children needed far more help than she could ever give them. “I’m not qualified . . .”
“Yes you are,” Liv said in a voice far too old for her age. “With Tariq connecting us, I see into your mind, and you can help us if you want to do it.”
Charlotte had no idea what that meant. She hadn’t been able to help Lourdes or Genevieve or even herself. How could she possibly help traumatized children recover from such a nightmare? She rested her cheek against Tariq’s rib cage. He seemed so sure of himself, so certain he had a way to help the children. If he did, he needed to let her in on it, because she was feeling overwhelmed.
“Liv,” Tariq said gently. “I’m going to take Charlotte into the basement, where the carousel horses that need restoration are. Everything is going to be all right. Can you get through another evening?”
Liv nodded. “I want to visit Emeline. She helps.”
“She’s dark inside,” Amelia protested. “That doesn’t help you, Liv.”
“I’m dark inside,” Liv said. “Not the same as Emme, but she understands. No one else feels this inside me.”
“I do,” Tariq said, intervening between the siblings. “I feel it. I know it’s there, crouching close, trying to swallow you. I know you’re fighting as hard as you can. Amelia, if Emeline helps her get through a night, you need to let her go visit.”
Amelia shook her head and took a step toward her younger sister. Instantly Liv transferred her hold from Tariq to Amelia.
“Come with me, then. Emeline can use company,” Liv invited.
“I have to watch Bella,” Amelia said.
“I can do that,” Genevieve volunteered. “I’m taking Lourdes back to the play yard while Tariq talks jobs with Charlotte. Bella can come with us if she wants.”
“Danny?” Amelia asked.
Danny nodded slowly. “Go with her, Amelia. Let’s just get her through each night any way we can. I’ll help Genevieve with Bella and Lourdes.”
“Liv,” Tariq said in his soft, persuasive, spellbinding voice. “You have to eat. I’ve given you help, but you need to actually try. It won’t taste good and you’ll feel sick, but it will stay down. In order for me to help you, you have to be strong enough. You understand? You know what I’m saying to you. Don’t think you can take the easy way out. Together we’ll get through this. All of us.”
Tears swam in the child’s eyes but she blinked them away and nodded slowly. “I’ll eat. Just not meat, Tariq. I can get the broth down.”
“Broth it is,” he said. “Emeline will have some at her house. Amelia will see to it that you eat this evening.” He held the child’s eyes until she nodded a second time, clearly capitulating, falling under his spell just like Charlotte