I’d Hate to See Your Pretty Little Bird Get Hurt

An Excerpt from The 25th Hour (Book One in The Adventures of Mackenzie Mortimer):
They turned, only to find their path blocked by an imposing figure.
“You!” Tucker exclaimed.
The man chuckled. “Now boy, is that any way to greet your pa? Especially after he’s been away for so long.”
Tucker squeezed Brooke’s hand.
“Let’s go, Tucker,” Brooke said. “Your foster parents will be wondering where you are.”
The man grinned. “Aw, ain’t that cute? You done got yourself a little girlfriend while I was ban...