DEADEYE

Chapter 9

"Ava, do you mind if we talk outside?" Lamar asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, sure," Ava replied, putting down one of the toys that Maria had brought, which she had been using to play with her. "Mom, Dad, why don't you guys get acquainted with Maria while we talk?" Ava said, looking at her parents.

"Oh, don't worry, you two go talk," her mother said, waving them off. James quickly dove over the couch, grabbing a toy and beginning to make silly voices, playing with Maria and making both his wife and the little girl giggle.

Outside, it was already dark. Before Ava could ask what was wrong, Lamar spoke. "Sorry for just dropping the adoption question on your parents without asking you first."

Ava walked up to him, laying her head on his shoulder, looking out past the fence of her backyard. "It's fine, I don't really mind. Honestly, I think it would be nice to have a little sister. And I feel like I can help you out, maybe take a little pressure off your shoulders," Ava said, closing her eyes and relaxing a little bit.

"Hey, I actually want to ask you a favor," Lamar said.

Ava lifted her head up. "Yeah, what's up?" she replied.

Lamar reached behind his neck, unlatching a necklace he was wearing. He pulled it from his shirt, revealing a rifle bullet pendant. He put it around Ava's neck. "Can you hold on to this for me? You can give it back to me tomorrow or give it to Maria so I don't forget it."

Ava looked at the pendant, her fingers gently tracing the smooth, cool metal. "Of course, I'll keep it safe," she said, her voice soft with understanding. "But why do you want me to hold onto it?"

Lamar sighed, looking out into the night. "It's just something I need to keep safe, and with everything going on, I trust you. Plus, it'll be a good excuse to come back and visit."

Ava smiled, her hand still on the pendant. "You don't need an excuse to visit, Lamar. You're always welcome here. And Maria... she already sees you as family."

Lamar nodded, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "Thanks, Ava. That means a lot."

They stood there for a few moments in silence, the cool night air around them, both of them taking comfort in each other's presence. Eventually, Ava broke the silence.

"Come on, let's go back inside. They're probably having a blast with Maria," she said, taking Lamar's hand.

Lamar smiled, following her back into the house. As they entered, they were greeted with the sight of Maria laughing as James continued his silly antics. Claire looked up and smiled warmly at them.

"Mr. and Mrs. Walker, would you mind if Maria and I stay the night?" Lamar asked.

"Yeah, I think that would be fun!" Ava said enthusiastically.

"We could have a little girls' sleepover," Claire responded. "I wouldn't mind." She turned to her husband.

James grinned, "I don't mind as long as you don't mind sleeping in the guest room. Wouldn't want you and Ava doing anything you shouldn't be," he teased.

Ava's face turned red with embarrassment. "Dad!" she exclaimed, her frustration clear.

Her father just laughed, his good-natured teasing bringing more laughter from Claire. Lamar chuckled at the exchange and then stepped out of the room to call the group home worker for permission for Maria to stay over.

The worker agreed without hesitation. Lamar had always been trustworthy and responsible. After getting permission, he walked back into the living room, where everyone was still laughing and chatting.

"Um, actually, something sudden came up at my job, so I need to head out," Lamar said, trying to keep his tone casual. "I promise I won't be back too late."

Claire looked at him with concern. "Are you sure, Lamar? You don't have to go if it's something that can wait."

Lamar nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, it's important, but I'll be back as soon as I can. Thank you for letting Maria stay over."

Maria looked up at him with big eyes. "You're coming back soon, right?"

"Of course, I am," Lamar said, ruffling her hair gently. "I'll be back before you know it."

Ava walked him to the door. "Be safe, okay? And don't worry about Maria. We'll take good care of her."

Lamar gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Ava. I know she's in good hands."

With one last smile at the Walker family, Lamar headed out the door, mentally preparing for whatever his "level 10" mission entailed.