"Where's daddy?" Two simple words yet it was able to break a million souls in half and no answer could she give him, not yet. She knew eventually and soon the truth would come out and change him forever. Just for a few hours she wishes to protect him, allow him peaceful sleep with the fake understanding everything and everyone were fine and safe.
"He went out for a little bit. Go back to sleep honey." He stands there watching her face, noticing the fake and tense smile to reassure him.
"Why are there cops here?" She had hoped he hadn't heard the gentle knock on the door or that he stuck from his room to peer down the landing, but of course he had (likely to both).
"It's ok we'll talk in the morning. Best be quiet before we wake Fiona." She softly but firmly pushes him back to his bedroom. He turns in time to see the smile gone and no emotion left standing, he sighs deeply.
"He's gone isn't he?" She can't allow herself to reply, maybe it was her who needed the fake reality for a little bit longer.
"Goodnight Jack, I love you."