DEADLY DECEPTION

CHAPTER 14

Avery's POV

As the charged atmosphere hung between Rick and me, an unexpected interruption shattered the tension. A small voice sliced through the air, carrying the innocence of a child's curiosity.

"Are you two fighting?"

Startled, both Rick and I instinctively moved away from each other, creating a space that suddenly seemed vast. Our eyes turned towards the source of the voice – Sarah. Her wide eyes were filled with sadness, her lower lip quivering, and it was evident that she had overheard our heated exchange.

Sarah's voice trembled as she continued, her eyes welling up with tears. "I heard you shouting... I thought you were fighting."

"No, sweetie," I replied gently, kneeling to her level. I reached out and hugged her tightly, wiping away the tears that were welling up in her eyes.

"We're not fighting. We're just... a little angry at each other. It's like when you're upset with a friend, but you're not fighting."

Sarah's lower lip trembled, and she held onto me tightly, seeking solace in my embrace.

"I don't like it when people shout. It scares me," she admitted in a small voice.

I held her even closer, a surge of protectiveness washing over me. "I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry you had to hear that. We'll be more careful, okay? No more shouting."

As I reassured her, I shot a pointed look at Rick, who was observing the scene with a mixture of resignation and remorse. Rick sighed audibly, his frustration palpable, and followed as I led Sarah back toward the orphanage. Once inside, Sarah's curiosity got the best of her.

"What were you and Rick arguing about?" she persisted, her big eyes fixated on me.

I tried to deflect, not wanting to burden her with the problems. "Oh, just grown-up stuff, Sarah. You don't need to worry about it."

"But you were so mad," she insisted, her brows furrowing. "I don't like it when you're mad."

I sighed inwardly, realizing I couldn't avoid the questioning forever. "I know, Sarah. Sometimes, even adults get upset, but we'll work it out. Right now, how about we join the others and play a game? That way, we can all have fun and forget about being mad."

Sarah's eyes brightened, and she nodded eagerly. "Okay, let's play!"

As she rushed off to join the other kids, I shot Rick another look before turning away. We had to find a way to communicate better, especially around the kids.

After a spirited game of tag and a round of hide-and-seek, Sarah's earlier sadness was replaced by exuberance. As we returned to the orphanage, Sarah left my side to join the other kids. Rick was still waiting there, his gaze meeting mine as if trying to read the emotions that lingered beneath the surface.

"Follow me," I said briskly, not allowing our eyes to linger any longer. 

I led the way, walking through the corridors of the orphanage, the soft hum of children's laughter echoing in the air. The door to the office swung open, and we entered a space that was a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos outside.

The office exuded an air of quiet orderliness. The walls were adorned with photographs of the children, their smiles frozen in time. The room held an aroma of fresh paper and faint traces of ink, a reminder of the administrative tasks that were a part of running the orphanage.

Rick's gaze swept across the room, taking in the neat stacks of paperwork, the computer on the desk, and the shelves lined with files. He had an aura of someone used to fast-paced action, and the stillness of the office seemed to momentarily disorient him.