Away from the centre of the fair, the little girl led them along a path between the stalls.
"This is away from the fair," Ruelle said, turning to look behind them. "Your mother would be looking for you there."
"I saw her go this way," the little girl said, pointing at the narrower alley.
"Are you sure?" Hailey asked, who was still holding the girl's hand.
"Perhaps we should head back and wait for her at the fair," Ruelle suggested. When she turned to look behind her again, she caught sight of two familiar-looking men. They had visited her house the last time she had been there, demanding her father return the money.
"I must say, you've grown quite beautifully," the bearded man's gaze lingering as he stepped closer.
"Where is my payment?"
Ruelle and Hailey heard a woman's voice come from between them, and their eyes snapped towards the girl who was no longer trembling.
