Chapter 5 - The Shield and the Assessment
The instant Noah reached him, Derek lowered his center of gravity, pulling the terrified four-year-old behind his back. Derek stood as an impenetrable physical barrier between the recovering attacker and the child, completely shielding Noah with his broad, jacketed torso.
Over the back of the sofa, Travis coughed and struggled to sit up, his face twisted in shock and lingering hostility.
Derek took one sharp, deliberate step forward, his shadow engulfing the sofa.
“Don’t move,” Derek said in a low, dangerous tone that made Travis freeze where he sat.
Satisfied that the physical threat was contained, Derek immediately dropped to one knee, turning his back partially to Travis so he could focus entirely on his nephew.
Noah clung frantically to the lapels of Derek’s dark canvas jacket, buried his face in his uncle’s chest, his small frame shaking with violent sobs.
“I’ve got you, buddy. You’re safe. Uncle Derek’s right here,” Derek whispered softly, his aggressive demeanor melting into gentle paternal care.
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Carefully, with practiced medical awareness, Derek lifted Noah’s left arm. He examined the faint red marks and swelling along the small boy’s forearm where Travis had grabbed and pushed him. While painful, the bone appeared intact, but the emotional trauma was profound.
“He... he tried to take my phone...” Noah hiccuped, clutching Derek tighter.
