O'Reilley glowered at her and blew his nose solemnly. "Don't be silly, child. Now get your coat on and go with Mister Norris. He's taking you for a ride in his truck. Won't that be fine?"
"I don't want to. I wanna stay here."
"Peeony! On with you!"
She brought her coat and stared at Norris with childish contempt. "Can Daddy go, too?"
"Be on your way!" growled O'Reilley. "I got things to do."
"We're coming back?"
"Of course you're coming back! Git now—or shall I get my spanking switch?"
Peony strolled out the door ahead of Norris.
"Oh, inspector, would you be punching the night latch for me as you leave the shop? I think I'll be closing for the day."
Norris paused at the head of the stairs, looking back at the old man. But O'Reilley closed himself inside and the lock clicked. The agent sighed and glanced down at the small being beside him.