Luca arrived safely with Rose, as I was screaming and crying, running to them.
"Mama! Mama!" Rose was crying, reaching for me. She was scared and terrified, but seeing her alive was enough for me.
I grabbed her from Luca's arms and held on to her tight. I just couldn't stop sobbing.
"You're okay, and you're safe. Mama's here. Mama's got you, alright." I kissed her forehead and cheeks, checking her over frantically. Her fingers, toes, arms, legs, and face.
There were no injuries and no bruises. She was not harmed; she was only scared.
"You're okay, baby girl. You're safe now."
Rose clung to me and wouldn't let go. She had been traumatized by hours with a stranger.
But now she was home and safe.
Rose was safe, but Tony wasn't back yet, I realized later.
"Where is he?" I demanded, my phone pressed to my ear as I spoke to Luca.
"There was a shootout. Juliet resisted arrest, and Tony was hit. We're transporting him to the hospital now."
