I eased from the ground with her holding tight to my blouse. "It's okay, Emery," I whispered soothingly. "I'm gonna get you out of here."
Jane saw us coming downstairs, and I just shook my head in response to the question she hadn't yet asked. "I'm taking her home with me, Jane," I said, to which she gave me a confused look.
"Maura, are you sure?"
"Yes, positive," I answered.
"Maura, this is crazy. You don't know how to take care of a little girl."
I smiled "No better way to learn," I said "Jane, she needs me I can't leave her behind."
Jane shrugged, "Okay," I knew she would have said more, but she could see in my eyes that I wouldn't take no for an answer. I gave Jane a soft smile, thanking her for not making this difficult, and she patted my shoulder, wishing me luck in her own way.
I headed to my car, my arms wrapped protectively around Emery. I kissed her head as I put her in the passenger seat. "Doctor Maura?" she whispered.
"Yes?"
"Will Fred come back?" The worry she was feeling was evident in her deep blue eyes.
"No, baby. He doesn't know where I live," I answered as I got into the driver's side.
She nodded, seeming satisfied with my response. When we got home, I took her into the kitchen.
"What that?" she asked pointing to Bass.
I smiled. "That's Bass, my tortoise."
"I pet him?"
"Sure, he likes that."
She leaned over to pet Bass, but when he came out of his shell, she shrank back.
"No,it's okay," I told her. "That's Bass's way of saying he likes the attention."
She smiled. "He likes me."
"Yes, Em, I think he does."
"Doctor Maura, I'm hungry. Can I have something to eat, please?"
I nodded. "What would you like?"
"Mac and cheese and hot dogs, please."
I smiled and nodded, fixing it for her. When she finished, she climbed into my lap, curling into me. "Are you tired?" I asked.
She nodded. "I very tired, but I no want to sleep."
"Why is that, baby?"
"Cause I no want you to leave me," she whispered.
I kissed her forehead and stroked her hair back. "Sweetheart, I'm not leaving you."
"Promise?"
"I promise," I confirmed. "sleep now."
"You stay?"
"Yes, I'll stay," I said, tucking her in and climbing in beside her.