Shawn knew they were all coming as soon as he hung up with Karen. He paced the floor as he wondered what he'd say to them.
"Daddy? Are you okay?" a little voice asked and he stopped. The six year old girl gazed curiously and worriedly at her father. Shawn moved to her and scooped her up into his arms.
He walked to the couch and sat down placing his child comfortably in his lap. He then picked up the picture frame lying on the coffee table.
"Elizabeth, I am going to be honest with you" he began and she gave a small nod.
"We're in trouble again aren't we daddy?" she asked timidly. The child didn't know everything but she did know bad people were after them when she was pulled from school last year.
"Yes, it's why I was pacing. I called for help and these people in this photo are on their way to help keep us safe"
"But that's good daddy" Elizabeth pointed out and he nodded. "Yes, except these three here are good friends of mine and the man next to me is my dad and all of them thought I was dead for the last three years" he answered.
"What? Why would they think that?" Elizabeth asked. Her father gave a small sigh. "You were only a toddler when this all went down baby. Your mom and I had to escape so she set it up so that everyone thought we died in a car crash to escape some terrible people. Now they know we're alive and looking for us and I'm afraid of seeing my friends and family again" Shawn explained.
Elizabeth gave him a small kiss. "I'm sure it'll be fine daddy. But if they do get mean I'll distract them. Nobody stays mad when cute little me is around" she said and Shawn laughs.
"So true princess thank you" he answered as he kissed her back. He set her on the floor and told her to go play in her room.
An hour later the bell rang and she ran out of her room. She grabbed her dad's hand. "I'll come too daddy for your protection" she said and Shawn chuckled.
"You're the best Lizzie" he said and scooped her up again. He placed her on his hip and they answered the door.
"Shawn Spencer, we meet again" Lassiter said first when the door opened.
"Lassie! I bet you missed me" Shawn answered and the detective smirked at him. "Like I miss a toothache Spencer" he said and walked into the house.
"That's not nice Lassie! My daddy is the best" Lizzie said.
"I see you were busy while pretending to be dead" Lassiter commented.
"Yeah, because I love being on the run Carlton! It's been a blast these past three years never speaking to my family or friends! It's been a blast thinking every day I could lose Abigail again!" Shawn yelled.
Elizabeth cowered under his dad's voice. Henry quickly stepped in and tapped Shawn's shoulder.
"What?" Shawn hissed and Henry folded his arms. "You're an idiot son" he said and Shawn huffed.
"Gee, thanks dad! I knew I could count on you to put me down! It's just like old times yet again!" Shawn yelled.
"That's not my reason Shawn" Henry said calmly. Shawn gave him a skeptical look and Henry rolled his eyes. "Look at the girl Shawn" he reprimanded and Shawn eyes went wide.
"Oh baby I'm so sorry" Shawn said softly and gave her a hug. Henry touched Shawn's shoulder again but gently gripped it this time.
"Relax kid, I know you know there'd be tension but there is no reason to scare my granddaughter" he said.
Elizabeth pulled away at that and wiped her eyes with her hands. "You're my grandpa?" she asked and Henry nodded. "I sure am sweetheart. What is your name princess?" he asked gently.
"I'm Elizabeth Madeline Spencer but that's only if I'm in big trouble. If I'm not in trouble I like being called Lizzie" she said.
"She sounds just like her old man" Gus commented.
"Hey pal, I'm really…" Shawn started and Gus held up his hand. "It's fine Shawn, I'm angry at the situation not with you" he said and Shawn nodded.
Lizzie went to her grandfather so Shawn could hug his best friend. Juliet was the only one now standing outside.
"Hi Jules" he called to her but she didn't even look at him.
"I think I'll go search for a hotel Carlton. I think you guys can handle the protection without me" she said and looked past Shawn to Lassiter.
"Sure" he called out and she walked back down the driveway. Shawn gave a quick look to Henry who nodded. Shawn then raced after Juliet but she got into the driver side first and locked the doors before he could climb into the passenger side.
"You know I'll climb onto the roof Jules. You seen me jump onto a moving vehicle and hang on" he shouted as he knocked on the glass. The door then reluctantly unlocked but Juliet still wouldn't look at him.
"I'm sorry Jules" he started.
"It's detective O'Hara to you Mr. Spencer" she responded with a cold tone.
"That's not fair Jules!" Shawn cried and she turned her icy look onto him and it made the hairs on his arm stand up.