Everett hastily grabbed the photo and stood up, reaching for his phone to call his trusted associate, Kevin.
"Hey, I need you to check the surveillance footage for room 908 at the Dreamscape Hotel in Everglow City. There's a little girl who looks a hell of a lot like Dorothy. Find out where she is." "Right away, Mr. Lopez!" "Hold on..." Everett's voice softened, almost a whisper, "Once you get the footage, send it straight to my email. I want to see it myself." He couldn't bear the wait - not for Kevin's investigation, nor for the child to be brought back to Eldorria City. He needed to see his daughter now! "Got it, boss." After hanging up, Everett traced the photograph with the pads of his fingers, over and over again.
In the photo, Dorothy's smile was radiant, her eyes brimming with tender warmth.
The two kids were giggling with joy, each clinging to their mommy's arms, their affection and reliance unmistakable.
Everett's eyes dimmed as he stared at the empty space in the photo.
If only he hadn't been shackled by the gentlemanly upbringing of his youth, if only he'd thrown caution and decorum to the wind sooner, maybe he'd be in that picture too.
But it wasn't too late. Not yet.
"I won't let go of you again.” Dorothy never imagined that her deepest sleep in days would be at Bay Residence, in Everett's home.
The next morning, as she turned over in bed, she felt a small hand still clutching her sleeve. Langston hadn't let go all night long.
Dorothy checked Langston’s forehead for fever; he seemed fine, no furrowed brow, no sign of pain.
Tiptoeing out of bed and exiting the room, she was greeted by the aroma wafting from the kitchen.
For a moment, Dorothy thought she had traveled back four years in time.
"Morning, sleepyhead. Breakfast's ready,” Everett said as he emerged from the kitchen, drying his hands on a dish towel. His tone was casual, as if they'd always lived this way.
"Everett, I need to see Byte 7." "Have a seat first," Everett suggested, pulling out a chair before looking up at her. "Can you tell me why you're looking for him?" Dorothy bristled defensively.
"No! That's my private business!" "I'm not trying to force you to tell me, just thought maybe I could help if you wanted to share.” Help her? Dorothy's lips twisted into a wry smile.
That was only because Everett didn't know what was at stake.
"It's fine. I'll deal with Byte 7 on my own! Everett, I expect you to keep your word." "Of course. Finish up your breakfast, and I'l take you to him." Though anxious, Dorothy knew she couldn't just drag Everett out now. So, she took a tentative sip from her glass of milk.
"What about Langston? Should I wake him up for breakfast?" "He likes to sleep in. I've kept his portion warm in the kitchen. He'll eat when he wakes up naturally,” Everett explained, having already anticipated Langston's needs.
Dorothy felt a twinge of guilt watching Everett's meticulous care.
She hadn't made Langston breakfast in years! Here with Everett, her son was treated like a young lord, with everything provided for him on a silver platter.
She said nothing more and focused on her food.
Then, breaking the silence, Everett mused, "You know, I visited Everglow City a while back, stayed at the Dreamscape Hotel. I met a sweet little girl there, quite the sugar fiend."
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