Chapter 6 - The Secret Room In The East Wing
The heavy oak door of the master suite clicked shut, locking out the howling Montana wind and the distant sounds of Mrs. Higgins departing.
Mr. Vance set Lily down gently on the edge of the oversized leather sofa, kneeling to inspect the heavy grey medical boot strapped to her ankle.
“Can you wiggle your toes for me, sweetheart?” he asked, his rugged face softening as he gently touched the straps.
Lily nodded, wiggling her small toes inside the boot while watching him with a mixture of awe and lingering fear.
“It doesn't hurt when I wiggle them, Mr. Vance… just when I walk on the hard wood,” Lily explained quietly.
“Call me Thomas,” he corrected gently with a faint, reassuring smile. “Or Uncle Thomas, if you’re comfortable with that.”
Lily’s hazel eyes widened slightly, a tiny spark of genuine hope breaking through the shadow of the abuse she had suffered.
“Uncle Thomas…” she tested the words on her tongue, her small hands reaching out to touch the faded tattoo on his wrist.
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“My mommy told me before she went away that if I found a man with mountains on his hands, he would keep me safe.”
Thomas Vance froze, his blood running cold as he stared at the little girl sitting on his leather sofa.
