A sinking feeling of unease settled over Kyson.
Something wasnât right.
Normally, if Nathan was merely concerned about threats to his kids, like those that had wiped out the Perez family, he would have arranged a convoy of armored vehicles to escort their car safely back to the Payne residence.
But this time, Nathan had instructed Sonny to pack up the kidsâ arranged clothes and for them to a few stay days in the lab.
It all seemed very odd to Kyson, and Nathanâs instructions were especially unsettling.
âKyson⦠I canât sleep.
I need to kiss Mommy.
I need to hold her to fall asleep.
â
As Kyson pondered the odd situation, Destineeâs plaintive voice snapped him back to the present.
He reached for a tissue from the bedside table and gently dabbed away her tears.
In a soothing tone, he tried to reassure her, âDonât cry, Destinee.
If you can get some good sleep tonight, I promise weâll go see your mom first thing in the morning.
â
Destinee puffed out her cheeks and shook her head stubbornly.
âI wonât sleep if I canât see Mommy.
If you insist, then let me stay awake all night!â
Kyson was stunned.
For the first time, a flicker of anger crossed his face as he frowned.
Outside, the rain poured down, chilling the night air.
Kyson had tried calling Nathan and Lucinda repeatedly, but with no success.
It was late.
Where could he possibly find her?
Frustrated, Kyson turned the little girl over in his arms, positioned her across his legs, and placed his big palm on her butt as a threat.
âDestinee, naughty children get a spanking.
Iâve never had to spank you before, but if you continue to fuss, I might have to,â he warned sternly.
After he said this, he raised his hand as if to deliver a pretend spank.
Terrified, Destinee burst into tears and her voice wobbled with hurt.
âKyson, youâve turned mean too.
Youâre going to spank me like Daddy does.
Mommy doesnât want me anymore, and now you donât care about me either, just like Daddy.
Iâm so sad.
â
Kyson was left without words.
Her heart-wrenching expression quickly doused his brief flare of anger.
The cute little girl Looked exactly like Lucinda as a child.
Kyson found himself feeling guilty even at the thought of raising his voice at her.
How could he ever bring himself to actually spank her?
Realizing that threats were ineffective, Kyson felt powerless.
He had no choice but to face the situation head-on and try to find out what was happening next door with Destinee.
In the ward next door where Colby was staying, a sliver of light peeked through the doorâs crack.
Were they awake as well?
Kyson turned the doorknob slowly and saw Sonny sitting on the edge of Colbyâs bed with arms folded.
They glared at each other, suggesting a recent disagreement.
Kyson, noting Sonnyâs dilemma, felt a sense of relief.
At least, he wasnât the only one suffering.
He entered the room calmly, carrying Destinee.
âWhatâs the matter with you two? Why is the air so tense? Shouldnât you be in bed? Itâs quite late.
â