He focused on Kinsley and said, “You will not remember Quinn and I being here or the conversation we had.”Kinsley nodded like a bobblehead, and Kyllian left her sitting at the table.
Quinn was quiet during the drive, holding Kyllian’s hand so tight he thought she might break a few bones, but he didn’t complain.She was meeting her daughter, and the circumstances weren’t optimal.They would have to figure out a story to tell the security guard.
Once inside the mall, they asked for directions to the office, and standing outside the door, Quinn was shaking.“Hey.Look at me.”When Quinn gave him her eyes, he kissed her hard.“I promise it will be fine.”Quinn squared her shoulders, turned, and knocked on the door.
Instead of a mall guard, a deputy stood in the doorway.“Mr.and Mrs.Lazlo?”
“Yes.Where’s our daughter?”Kyllian was taller than the cop, and he could see Nikita over his shoulder.“Nikita!”Kyllian pushed past the cop.
“Dad!”Nikita rushed across the room and threw herself against his chest.He held her tight, and opened an arm for Quinn to join them.Nikita, feeling her presence, looked up.“Mom,” she whispered before leaning over and shoving her face against Quinn’s neck.Quinn took her daughter from Kyllian and held on while the two of them silently became acquainted.
The police officer inclined his head, so Kyllian stepped away with him.“Your daughter won’t talk about what happened.The security guard said she was running through the mall screaming for help.There were two men and one woman chasing her.That much we’ve ascertained from video footage.But Mr.Lazlo, your daughter was with these people at first.They walked in together.Sat in the food court and ate together.Then your daughter got up and walked away with one of the men.When they get on the escalator, she kicked the man, causing him to fall into a couple, then took off running.”
Kyllian’s pride kicked up a notch.“Yeah, she’s badass that way.”
“Excuse me?”The cop seemed perplexed that Kyllian would think that of his kid.
“Look, Officer.”Kyllian smiled while bringing forth his Gryphon.He hadn’t used his voice as much in his whole life as he had these past few days.“My daughter is fine.Those three are her aunt and uncles, and this was a training simulation.Nikita wants to go off to college, but her mother fears for her safety.They’re royalty, and her mom thinks she needs a bodyguard twenty-four seven.We’ve been putting Nikita through the paces to see how well she handles herself.”
“Training?Royalty?”
“Yes, but you’ll keep all this information to yourself.I appreciate the fine job you and the security guard did today in keeping my girl safe.Now, we’ll be going.You have a nice day.”
Kyllian left the cop standing staring over at Quinn and Nikita, probably trying to figure out who they were.Quinn was Kyllian’s queen and Nikita his princess.So yes, royalty.
“Let’s go.”Kyllian opened the office door, ushering his girls out of the room.“Keep your eyes peeled for Mercy,” he whispered as they put Nikita in the middle and escorted her out of the mall.They reached the vehicle without seeing the female.He opened the back door, and Quinn slid in beside her daughter.When Kyllian was seated, he turned and grinned at Nikita.“Definitely trouble.”