Guilty By Association

Bonus Chapter - Unpredictable Actions

Even though this is a little late, I'd started writing this on Father's day. It's a bit short, but it's something I've written for my followers and fans.

So I hope you guys enjoy this :)

Short

"She did what now?" Alex's usually calm and patient voice was laced with humor and disbelief. Kelsey was sure there was even a hint of pride in them.

"She picked the lock on the toy box." Kelsey repeated, glancing at their five-year old daughter as she played with her favorite dolls in the living room way past her bedtime. Again.

"Maybe you just forgot to shut it, honey. She must have gotten up for something and noticed." He suggested, glancing at his sweet little angel. Ever since she was born, Lana was the light of his life. Kelsey was sure that he loved Lana more than Alex loved her, but that fact only made her love Alex more.

"That's what I thought, too." Kelsey agreed. "But that was last night and I got her into bed before you got home. Alex, I'm telling you. You have to believe me. She picked the lock. I made sure it was locked tonight. Twice. And she's in the living room playing again and the box is open."

The silence haunted the room for only a few more moments. "But she's five years old." Alex said, dumbfounded before glancing at his wife, suspiciously. "You're joking with me, aren't you? I'm not going to fall for it. You're playing with me."

Kelsey sighed. "I don't joke, Alex. Not about Lana."

"Where on Earth could she possibly learn how to pick a lock. She's not supposed to know how to do that. I'm a respected government agent. My daughter can't be going around picking locks." The way he said it, calmly, made Kelsey want to giggle.

"Let's go ask her." Kelsey suggested. "Come on."

At their arrival, Lana looked up, her brown eyes landing on her father with excitement. She dropped her dolls and jumped up, eager to give her father a proper welcome by wrapping her little arms around his long legs.

"Daddy!" She exclaimed, clearly delighted. "Chloe is throwing a party." Lana happily informed her father, regarding the activities of her little doll.

"Is that so?" Alex asked, reaching down and picking her up. "Who's invited?"

"Everyone is. I tried to explain to Mom this but she insisted that I go to bed." Then, Lana graced Alex with her adorable little brown eyes, the look that made everyone melt into putty in her hands. It was a power that Lana had and had mastered it, too.

"Mom is right, angel. You should be in bed." Alex said. Lana rubbed her head against Alex's chest and surreptitiously tried to yawn into it, thinking that no one will notice. Kelsey internally grinned. Lana was an excellent learner. Ever since she was born, Kelsey tried to teach her as much as she could, despite her age being so young because she believed that children started learning as soon as their hearts started beating.

"I'm not sleepy at all, Daddy." Lana said, staring at her father with milky warm brown eyes. Alex couldn't help but chuckle.

"I believe you, button." Alex said, looking at his daughter with sincerity. Kelsey couldn't help but smile. Even though she knew how tired Alex must be, he was still cheerful and pleasant so he didn't hurt Lana's feelings. At this young age, how she felt was important and seeing Alex understand that, too, well, it only made Kelsey love him more. Truly, it was amazing how much you realize how much more you could love someone after seeing them love someone so important to you. "The thing is that Daddy had a long day at work, and Daddy is tired and Mommy had a long day, too, so she's tired."