Richard slowly lowered himself to one knee so he could look directly into Sophie’s eyes.
“Nobody is going to take you anywhere, sweetheart. You’re safe here.”
Sophie didn’t answer.
She looked around the ballroom, watching the adults as if she was searching for someone.
Richard noticed that her little hands were trembling.
“Where is your mother?” he asked gently.
“She works here sometimes,” Sophie replied.
“Sometimes?”
Sophie nodded.
“Mama told me to stay here and not talk to strangers.”
Richard looked confused.
“Then why did you come to this party?”
Sophie looked down at her teddy bear.
“Because Mama said she would come back for me.”
Richard noticed something unusual.
The teddy bear had a small piece of blue ribbon tied around its neck. It looked old, but Sophie protected it like it was the most valuable thing in the world.
“What’s your teddy bear’s name?” he asked.
“Mr. Buttons.”
Richard smiled.
“That’s a lovely name.”
Suddenly, a party employee approached them.
“Mr. Richard, we need you inside. The guests are waiting.”
Richard nodded but didn’t move.
“Can someone help us find this little girl’s mother?”
The employee looked at Sophie and immediately became uncomfortable.
“Sir… I think I know who her mother is.”
Richard stood up.
“Then please bring her here.”
The employee hesitated.
“There’s something you should know about that woman.”
Richard’s expression became serious.
“What happened?”
The employee leaned closer and whispered something that made Richard’s face change.
Sophie wasn’t supposed to be at this party.
End of Episode 2.
