"Daddy!" Wyatt's gleeful grin warmed Casey's heart as he hugged him tightly. Being with his little boy melted away all his worries.

Wyatt was a sweet, chubby boy with messy chestnut hair, fair skin, and rosy cheeks. Having a child at only twenty hadn't been something Casey expected. When he learned he'd be a father, he felt like his life was over. But everything changed after his son was born. Getting full custody of him last year had proved to be a challenge, but he was happy to have Wyatt with him.

Nights snuggled up with his son were the best. Wyatt always loved the whimsical stories Casey made up for him. Despite it being such a hectic day at the bakery, Casey still created a new bedtime story like he promised.

"Long ago, a young pirate named Davey crossed the ocean on his ship, seeking a buried treasure on a far-away island. He brought his crew with him to help. They spent many days on the ship, passing the time with games and cooking and cleaning. While Davey was cleaning the deck, he realized they were almost at the island." Casey continued on, detailing how the pirate and his wicked crew sneaked onto the island and found the treasure they desired.

Casey didn't even finish the story before Wyatt drifted off to sleep in his arms. He didn't put him down in his toddler bed beside him right away. He wanted to savor the moment just for a little longer. Sometimes it felt like he was growing up too fast. Casey dreaded to think about when his sweet boy would reach his teenage years. Why couldn't he stay small and innocent forever?

After some time passed, Casey gently placed Wyatt down in his own bed. He snored soundly as Casey crept out of their bedroom for a late-night snack. Framed photos of the family adorned the hallway walls. Most were from years ago, back when Casey and Lani were goofy gap-toothed brats. Casey missed being that carefree kid.

"You still up, Dad?" Casey asked as he made his way into the living room. Amid the darkness, the television set blared.

"Yeah. I'm sorry about tonight." Mr. Lockhart sat up on the recliner. "If I'd known some weirdo would show up, I would've stayed until closing."

"I mean, it's not like you could've known that would happen. What matters is we're okay," Casey replied. "We handled him."

"I won't leave y'all alone like that anymore for a while now. I'm just relieved that you're all okay. Lani said the guy didn't threaten you or try to rob the bakery."

Casey fought back a yawn. "The guy probably won't come around anymore. Just got himself into some trouble and had nowhere else to go. Anyway, I'm gonna head to bed soon after I grab something to eat. Just got Wyatt down and I'm tired."

"Alright, good night."

"Night, Dad."

While rummaging through the fridge for leftovers from supper, he couldn't stop thinking about the man who'd barged into their bakery. It wasn't just how he'd been injured that concerned him. When he bandaged August's wound, the viper tattoo had stuck out to him. It belonged to the Black Vipers gang; a trademark for their members. He only knew so much about the tattoo because Wyatt's mother had the same one.

🧁

Sunlight streamed through the sunflower-patterned curtains of the kitchen window as Casey stepped inside, carrying Wyatt. The sweet smell of pancake batter wafted over to him, embracing the room in an aroma of maple. Lani and their mom were already seated at the table, patiently waiting for their pancakes to be served by their father.

"Morning." Casey greeted them through a yawn. He got Wyatt in a chair beside him to eat breakfast and grabbed him a sippy cup of milk.

"Good morning," Mr. Lockhart replied.

"Morning, sweetheart." Mrs. Lockhart got up to hand him his plate and then Wyatt's. "I know last night was crazy. Just glad you all weren't hurt. I told your father that he needs to stay behind to close up the bakery with y'all."

"I'm an adult, Mom. I can look after myself, you know. We don't need Dad babysitting us. And it's not like anyone knew some weirdo would come in while we closed." Casey poured himself a cup of coffee, then sat down at the table. He rubbed at his tired eyes with the backs of his hands, unable to resist another yawn.

"I understand, but it's not very safe in that area at night," Mrs. Lockhart replied. "Not with the gangs lurking around. God knows what could've happened to you both and Xavier."

"Do you think that guy last night was one of those gang members?" Lani asked, drizzling her pancakes with maple syrup.

"Maybe. I'm not sure." Mrs. Lockhart shrugged. "That's why I don't want y'all closing by yourselves anymore. In case this guy comes back. Your father can wait with you. We discussed it last night."

Casey hadn't told them how he noticed the viper tattoo on August's arm. Perhaps he should have, but something made him refrain from doing so last night. Maybe he ought to tell his mom about it after breakfast, just in case August did come back stirring up trouble.

Part of him wondered if he knew Veronica, Wyatt's mom. He didn't dare ask him that last night, not when he wasn't sure of the young man's motives. Nothing he did came across as hostile, but Casey was all too familiar with how those gang members acted. Veronica hadn't been a horrible person either.

"I doubt August will come around again. He just got in a little trouble and stopped at the bakery since it was the only place still open."

"You don't know that, Casey. He might go back to his gang and tell them that the bakery is a place where they can gather," Mrs. Lockhart said. "You're safer if your father's there."

"Your mom's right." Mr. Lockhart reached up in the cabinet for a plate of his own after making sure everyone else had their pancakes. "We feel like it's best that I don't let you guys close alone for a while."

"We understand, don't we?" Lani shoveled a forkful of pancakes into her mouth.

Casey nodded. "Yeah, I guess it's better to take precautions."

Wyatt tugged on his shoulder sleeve; a doleful look in his brown eyes. "Work?"

"Not today. I was thinking we could go sledding this afternoon. Sound like fun?" Casey asked.

The way his son's face lit up upon hearing that made him grin. Casey's father gave him the day off in advance to spend time with Wyatt after ensuring he had another employee to cover his shift. They'd be alone at the house until nighttime came around since his father and Lani would be at the bakery. Meanwhile, his mom would work a shift down at the police department.

"Wish I could join you guys." Mrs. Lockhart spared a glance at her phone. "But things have been so hectic lately with an ongoing case. I've gotta testify in court today for a man accused of murder. Maybe I can come along next time?"

"Yeah, sure. We understand," Casey told her.

"Let's all go as a family next time," Mr. Lockhart suggested.

"Yeah, that would be fun, wouldn't it, Wyatt?"

Wyatt grinned, nodding. "Lots of fun."

After they polished off their pancakes, everyone got ready for the day ahead of them. Casey stayed behind to do the dishes with his mom while his dad and Lani set off to the bakery. Wyatt sat at the table, drinking the rest of his milk. Last night's encounter with August still lingered on his mind and he couldn't help wondering more about what happened to him.

Was it a gang fight with their rival? Veronica used to tell him all about their gang wars against the Voiceless Rebels. Those god-forsaken rebels loved to steal territory from them and wreck chaos through their town. Just yesterday, some of those rebels shot a man at a local bar on their end of town in Hell's Hollow.

"You okay, honey?" Mrs. Lockhart asked as she dried one of their glass plates.

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about last night," Casey replied. "I hope August is alright. I mean, it was scary to have him come into the bakery bleeding, but he wasn't hostile. He was actually nice. My bandages won't help him if that wound gets infected."

Mrs. Lockhart sighed. "You've got a good heart, but you can't always look for the good in everyone. That August guy used you to save himself. He's dangerous. He could've hurt you all out there." She looked over at Wyatt. "What would happen to Wyatt if something, god-forbid, happened to you?"

"I'm sorry. It's just... He had the same tattoo as Veronica," Casey admitted, lowering his voice so his son didn't hear the name.

His mom froze. "What? Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"I didn't want to bring up all the stuff with her in front of Xavier, I guess." Casey gave her a weak response. "I just thought the guy might've gotten into something that he couldn't get out of. That's why I helped him last night. He said no cops, but that's only because he knew he'd be thrown in jail."

"Just stay clear of that young man, okay?" Mrs. Lockhart rustled up his brown hair. "I'll keep an eye out for him too, make sure he ain't causing your father any more trouble."

"Alright. Sounds good," Casey told her as he put away the last dish.

"Okay, I better get ready to leave then. I'll be home later tonight, hopefully around seven," she replied. "You and Wyatt have fun today. Send me lots of pictures."

Casey nodded. "I will."

As his mom headed off to work, Casey made his way back into his bedroom with Wyatt, letting him choose what outfit he wanted to wear. He'd been letting him dress himself recently, given he chose appropriate clothes for the cold weather. Wyatt slipped on a gray sweatshirt with a puppy dog and some blue jogger pants.

Casey changed into more comfortable and warmer clothes, too. Before heading out, he made sure Wyatt grabbed his beanie hat and gloves. The last thing he wanted was for him to catch a cold while they played out in the snow.

"You ready, kiddo?" Casey asked.

"Ready to go," Wyatt said, following close beside his daddy as they made their way out into the garage.

Casey found their sled in the back corner of the garage, where they'd left it from their last trip. After loading it into the trunk, he got Wyatt buckled up in his car seat and hopped in the driver's seat. With the click of a button, he got the garage door to raise up and allow them out into the snowy driveway.

It didn't take long to reach the snowy hills, where many others flocked with their kids. Most of the older teens and adults stayed near the highest hills, but Casey didn't take Wyatt to those. He preferred staying around the hills that were less intimidating like the other parents did.

Despite the chills that crept into their clothes, Casey had a lot of fun going down those snowy hills with his son. Wyatt was always ready to trudge back up just to rush back down it again.

They had a hot chocolate concession stand set up in the park, so after they finished sledding, Casey took Wyatt down there for a cup to warm up. He got himself one too, letting the delicious chocolate drink bring warmth back to his body. While they rested for a moment, he took a few selfies of them together to send to their family. Too bad they couldn't have gone with them.

An unexpected phone call came as Casey sipped on his steamy hot chocolate. Assuming it was Lani or his dad, he reached over for his phone, lying on their park bench. The familiar number that popped up on the screen almost made him drop the device on the snowy ground. It was New Syracuse County prison's number. Veronica.

Stealing a glance at Wyatt, he quickly rejected the call and stuffed it in his pocket. To his relief, his son hadn't been paying any attention. Casey wanted nothing to do with Veronica and felt that it was in Wyatt's best interest not to have contact with her. The judge gave him full custody for a reason. To protect him from her.

"Hey, I think it's time we head home," Casey said. "I'm sure you're ready for lunch, too. I'll make your favorite dinosaur chicken nuggets."

"Ooh, dinosaur nuggets. Time to go home," Wyatt said, pushing himself off the rickety seat.

Casey wondered what Veronica was up to. She'd been silent for a long time, and he'd enjoyed not having to deal with her. Ignoring her forever wouldn't work well for him in the long run, but until he gathered the courage to confront her about everything that happened, he just needed space. He needed to change his cell phone number so she wouldn't bother him anymore, but he wanted to know when she reached out to him.

Even if he changed it, she'd find a way to contact him. Veronica always knew how to find him.