Dear Daddy,

Today I asked Mommy if Marina could spend the night. I haven't had anyone sleep over since we moved into the firehouse. Mommy nodded and said she'd call Mrs. Pryce to ask permission. I was really excited so after I heard Mommy get on the phone I picked it up really quietly so I could listen. I held my breath because Mommy might hear it and wonder if I was listening. She'd call it eavesdropping. Anyway, Mrs. Pryce answered and they started talking. So, Mommy said, "Chloe was wanting Marina to sleep over tonight, Charity. I wanted to make sure it was okay with you before I told her it was all right for sure."

Mrs. Pryce got really quiet and didn't say anything for a minute.

"Samantha, I like Chloe. She and Marina get along very well. And I don't mind letting them play together for a few hours, but I can't allow Marina to stay overnight."

"I understand your concerns, Charity, but we can keep both girls completely safe. We've got surveillance and four FBI agents downstairs. Plus me. I'd protect Chloe with everything I've got."

"That's exactly the problem. You have four FBI agents downstairs and surveillance. Children should have to live that way."

"I know. But there's nothing I can do about it."

"I'm sorry, Samantha. I'm not trying to be cruel. I know you are doing your best. I just don't want to expose my daughter to that for a long period of time."

"It isn't likely that Jack would go after Marina. He doesn't have a reason to. If it'd make you feel better I could have Bailey Malone or John Grant stay the night as well. They'd be happy to stay here to protect the girls specifically."

"It's not good enough. I'm sorry, Samantha. And you can tell Chloe that Marina had ballet class tonight, if it helps."

"Thanks, Charity."

Mommy hung up the phone then, so I did too. I laid back on my bed and waited for Mommy to come tell me about Marina. Why wouldn't Mrs. Pryce let her sleep over? I like the agents downstairs. And if John had come, he would have told us a story and played with us. i don't think he would have played house, but he might have played restaurant. Or if Bailey had come, he would have let us play with his silly hat. It would have been great. It's all the bad man's fault. It's always his fault. Okay, back to the rest of the story. Mommy came in and she sat down on the bed. She looked really sad, so I hugged her. She smiled at me and brushed my hair out of my eyes. She always does that. It's like she doesn't think I can move my own hair if I wanted to. She finally spoke to me, but it took her ages to get it all out. But in the end, she said, "Marina had ballet class, so she can't come, Chlo. How about you and I spend some time together tonight?"

Mommy was feeling bad for me. So, I decided it was the best time to try my new idea.

"Not tonight, Mommy."

"Oh, Chloe. I wish you wouldn't be so disappointed, Sweetheart."

I stuck out my bottom lip and I looked like I was about to cry. I turned away from Mommy and hugged Pancake. Mommy pulled me onto her lap.

"Isn't there anything I could do to make you happy?"

I shook my head slowly.

"Are you sure, Chlo?"

"Can John come over and play tomorrow?"

"John?"

I nodded.

"John Grant?"

"Yeah!"

"Why do you want John to come over?"

"He's lots of fun. He'll play a game with me and play pretend and tell me a story."

"What about your Uncle Bailey? Or Auntie Grace? You could play with Jason?"

"I want to play with John."

"Okay, Sweetheart. I'll call him and see what I can do."

So, she left the room and much of the same thing happened when she called Mrs. Pryce. I waited impatiently for Mommy to ask John. They were talking about work. They always talked about work. All the time! Don't they ever do anything else? Finally, Mommy said,"So I have a kind of weird, I'll totally owe you question."

John answered her with, "You've finally decided to ask the lifelong question, do I wear Boxers or Briefs?"

"John..."

"Yes?"

"It's beyond me why she likes you so much. You're incorrigible. Chloe wants you to come over and play with her."

"An eight-year-old wants me to come over?"

"Yes. Listen, she's really bummed out. She wanted Marina to spend the night, but Charity wouldn't let her. She said it was too dangerous and she didn't want Marina exposed to this environment too long."

"Did she also tell you that you were a terrible parent while she was at it?"

"It makes perfect sense. John, I wouldn't let Chloe be exposed to it if I could help it. Charity can."

"It's not your fault, Sam."

"I know..."

"All right."

"It was that easy?"

"Chloe's a great kid. And she deserves to have some fun. I'll be over there tomorrow around eleven. I'm taking her out, so have her ready. You be ready too."

"Excuse me?"

"It's going to be a Waters Family event."

"Fine. I'll tell Chloe."

"Good girl."

"You make me sound like a dog."

"As far as I know you don't have four legs."

"Good bye John."

"Or a tail."

Mommy hung up then. I started to giggle as I put the phone back in place. I ran back to my room and beat Mommy to it. "John told us to be ready by eleven. He'll play with you."

I smiled really bright which made Mommy smile. My plan had worked! I'm so excited!

Love,

Chloe Waters