Sadie draws back slightly, looking up at me, dazed. "I tried to say no and walk away, because I thought of you. I wanted to call you to come help me. I've never even thought of doing that before with anyone." Moisture swims into her blue eyes. "I didn't want to do it. I changed my mind, but I got stuck. And then everything happened so fast—"
"I believe you," I say without hesitating.
And it's not just a line. I do.
It's about time someone did.
About time someone took a look at the setbacks she's been facing since birth and marveled over how bright she's become despite it all.
"You...do?" Sadie whispers.
"Yes."
Her eyes briefly stray toward the door. "But they won't. I'll still have to get booked and go in front of a judge. Tried as an adult—"
"No, Sadie. I won't let that happen." I
