Rabbit Hole Carnival: Can't Let It Go

 “Go Away!” Renee said, as there was a knock on her door. “I’m not opening it!”

“Not even for a buccaneer?” Nick replied.

There was a moment of silence before Renee replied back. “And at the helm?”

“The captain.” Nick answered. “So who’s at the ready?”

“Always keep the whole crew.” Renee said.

“Steady.” Nick said, as a couple locks clicked, and the door swung open. “Will that be all?” He continued as Renee plowed into his arms. “You may ask her any questions you like, if needed.”

“I don’t know about Jared here, but I’ve seen enough.” one officer replied.

“Don’t know if she remembers me, but I agree with Charlie.” Jared replied.

Renee looked up as she sniffed “Your name is Jared, huh?” She said. “Yeah, hard to forget that sort of night.”

“Wait he’s?” Nick asked. “My apologies. I didn’t even remember the face.”

 “Hey, I don’t even remember your names either.” Jared replied. “But as our young girl here said, it’s hard to forget a night like this. Even when you’ve seen as many of them as I have.”

“You three know each other then?” Charlie asked. “Another old case from our grandpa, here?” He nudged Jared’s arm.

“That wasn’t a case, and neither is this” Jared replied.

“You’re okay?” Nick asked. “Are you gonna be able to work tonight?”

“Daddy I… I’m fine, but..” Renee just shook her head.

“Okay, then.” Nick replied. “I’ll hang up that sign I have tonight.”

“Miss, I’m afraid we still have to ask a few questions.” Jared said. “That Charles here is quiet at all means he understands how serious this is.”

“What… happened here?” Charlie asked. “However long ago it was.”

“All I remember is getting a call that some girl was walking around in the middle of the night. Beat up, and with a bruise. And she pounded on the door to this bar, and walked right into it.” Jared answered.
Renee grabbed Nick’s arm as he was about to speak before speaking herself. “Daddy’s room has enough space. I’ll show you where it is.” Renee walked shaky and slow, and just opened the door to Nick’s bedroom.

---LAST NIGHT---
“Welcome to the Rabbit Hole—.” Renee replied before looking at who came in and dropping her mug. Glass shattered as she shivered in fear. “What are you doing back here?”

“Dragging you back to where you belong!” Mike shouted as he dashed towards her.

Renee ducked and weaved, and headed straight to her bedroom. Slamming the door shut, and locking the room before dialing 911. “I really don’t have time for that. My crazed father is here!” She gave the address of the bar, and stayed curled up on her bed holding Inky. She didn’t even hear the sirens as Mike fled the scene. 

---PRESENT---
“And that’s what I remember.” Renee said. “It was quiet right up until Daddy knocked on the door.”

“Then that was a safety code between you two?” Jared asked.

Renee simply nodded. “It stems from my love for the sea eons ago, but as far as I know only me and daddy know it.” She smiled a little as Charlie ripped the page that had that code on it into several pieces.

“We won’t be needing to report that then.” Charlie said.

“Thank you.” Renee replied.

“Closed the whole place.” Nick said, as Renee went right into his arms. “I figured I need to look after her tonight.”

Both officers tipped their hats as they left, and Renee wiped the tears from her face. “Sorry”

“For what?” Nick asked. “Did you make my maniac of a brother show up?”

“I mean kind of, no?” Renee replied. “If I had just been good back then—” Renee yelps as she got pulled into a hug.

“Never think like that, again.” Nick said. “As long as you’re here. You are at home, and safe. And if you need a little extra attention some days.” Renee started sobbing as he spoke. “You’ve been owed it for a while now.”