Angela, Bolts, and Bianca were reinforcing the fence. Jess stood guarding them from the ground while our snipers circled the roof. I was cooking while Alex was going over emergency procedures with Layla.
Alex had the biggest room because of Layla. It was a large space colored with dark wood floors. The walls were painted a royal blue with a mahogany trim. His bed stood in the middle of the room with cozy, thick blankets. At the foot of the bed was his desk with a computer.
Layla slept in the attic, a space accessible through the bathroom. Bolts had built a tiny room for her complete with a bed, a dresser, and a toy box. They painted it together. He had given the child several hiding places and escape routes in case of emergency.
The meat sizzled in the pan. I turned up the heat to give it a light char. I then placed it atop the salad and carried the platter up to Alex's room.
"Mama!" Layla squealed, bringing tears to my eyes.
