"Okay," she said, steeling herself. "Let's do this."
The night was dark as Cherry prepared to head back to the casino. She'd donned a simple outfit, hoping to blend in with the crowd.
Lila sat in the safe house, watching her with wide, trusting eyes.
"Stay here and stay quiet, okay?" Cherry said, crouching beside Lila. "I promise I'll be back before you know it."
"Be careful," Lila whispered, her small hands fidgeting nervously. Cherry could see the concern in her eyes, a reflection of the fear they all felt.
Cherry nodded, giving the girl a reassuring smile before heading out into the night. As she walked toward the casino, her heart pounded in her chest, each step a reminder of the stakes involved. She couldn't let Lila down.
