Sam’s eyes dropped briefly to Ava’s hands. She signed again, faster now.
That’s Not My Father.
Sam responded in American Sign Language without hesitation.
Are you safe?
Ava shook her head violently, fresh tears spilling down.
No.
The man’s expression shifted. He noticed the exchange and pulled Ava closer. “She’s confused,” he said quickly. “She’s my daughter. She’s just acting up.”
Sam didn’t look away. “What’s her middle name?” he asked calmly.
The man blinked. “What?”
“You heard me.”
Continue on the next page:
