Grace stood beside Aidan with tears pouring from her eyes. She looked up at him, glaring so hard that, for a second, even Tammy was fearful of the child.

The image of her parents’ flashed through her mind, reminding Tammy of the family she had lost.

He wasn’t ruining another; if Tammy was sure of anything, it was that.

“You need to let her go,” she told him, her voice tense.

Aidan frowned as he made his way towards Tammy, his fists both clenched with rage. “And take her where?” he yelled, making Grace slam her palms over her ears.

He towered over Tammy, reminding her of the height difference.

She bit her lip before continuing, preparing herself for any consequences her actions would lead to.

Meanwhile, Aidan’s fist loosened. He stepped back, glancing behind him at the lost girl who was now shaking with fear. “Her parents left her here,” he said, lowering his voice. “Doesn’t that say anything to you?”

Tammy nodded. “Yes,” she agreed, folding her arms. “It tells me they’ll be back with the police.”

Aidan ran his hand through his hair, letting out a growl as he did. “Why can’t you see my point, Tammy? I just want to keep her safe.”

Tammy froze, questioning whether she had heard correct; that was the first time he had called her by her actual name.

Aidan continued, assuming nothing of his slip-up. “You know he beats his wife, right?”

“You’re no better,” Tammy replied, giving into a losing battle.

She hesitated, thinking twice whether she should go on.

It would be risky, but worth it if he let Grace leave.

Tammy lifted her head, speaking with a confidence she never knew she had. “I promise if she’s still here when the police come knocking, I won’t stay quiet.”

He raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, I’ll tell them everything,” Tammy paused, debating whether to finish her sentence. “I’ll back you up if you let her go today. Nobody will know.”

Aidan laughed, entertained by her suggestion. “Are you threatening me?”

The room drowned in silence as Tammy scorned herself for being so stupid.

What was she expecting, blackmailing a killer?

“Fine,” she sighed, before a last concern crossed her mind. “I thought you wanted a baby.”

Aidan shrugged. “You’ve made it perfectly clear that will not happen.”

Tammy held her breath, already regretting what she was about to say.

“It will if you let her go.”