Shane’s bravado faltered. “She’s inside. Everything’s fine, man. We’re just having a good time.”

A good time. The phrase echoed bitterly in Jeremiah’s mind. He didn’t bother with further conversation, pushing past Shane into the house. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol, and Jeremiah’s senses sharpened. He found Emily in her room, the door locked just as he’d instructed. Her eyes widened with relief when she saw him.

“Dad!” she cried, throwing her arms around him. The tremble in her body told him everything he needed to know about what fear had gripped her that evening.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” he murmured, holding her tight. “You’re safe now.”

His friends ensured no one would interfere as Jeremiah guided Emily out of the house. Their silent yet imposing presence was enough to deter any protest. Jeremiah could feel Shane’s eyes on them, the weight of his anger and impotence palpable. But it didn’t matter. The mission was simple—get Emily out safely, deal with the aftermath later.

Back at his apartment, Emily settled onto the couch, wrapped in a blanket. The tension of the evening still clung to her, but her eyes were dry, her spirit visibly relaxing in the safety of her father’s presence.

“Dad, what if Mom gets mad?” she asked hesitantly.

Jeremiah knelt beside her, meeting her gaze. “We’ll handle it together. No one gets to make you feel unsafe, not ever.”

She nodded, her trust in him as solid as the walls around them. Jeremiah knew conversations with his ex-wife lay ahead, and possibly more drastic measures if the situation didn’t improve. But for tonight, Emily was safe, and that was all that mattered.

The road to ensuring her ongoing safety stretched out before him, a daunting and uncertain path, but Jeremiah was undeterred. He had faced down darkness and danger before. This was a new battlefield, but his resolve was unwavering. He would protect Emily, whatever it took, because that’s what fathers do. And in the quiet strength of the night, with the echoes of distant battles behind him, he found a new mission worth all the fight he had left.