When Claire finally arrived, hair damp from travel, her first sight was the mastiff at the window. “That’s him,” Abigail said excitedly, clutching her mother’s sleeve. “That’s Rover!” Claire’s eyes filled as she knelt to the dog’s height. “Then Rover’s family, too,” she whispered. Valorian pressed his nose into her hand, quiet and sure.
Elena stood back, letting the reunion unfold—the tears, laughter, and soft chiding of mothers when they’re terrified and grateful at once. Even the detective smiled. “Charges will stick,” he said quietly. “He was denied child support after the divorce.” Elena nodded, her eyes on the child now nestled safely in her mother’s arms.