Amanda thought about the lie she was about to tell Santa Claus as to where she was going so early in the morning. Aaron had made it clear that he did not want the interference of the police and most especially, her companion or else he was going to kill the girl. She was but a child and it was a vicious thing to do so he could lure Amanda out of what he presumed was her comfort zone. She hurriedly dressed, his groan and threat still ringing in her ears overlapped by the fearful whimper of a child. She had hoped the child would be safe going with her uncle and under the government's protection but it was definitely the government trying to lure her out right now by using a defenseless child and one they were sure she cared about.
Amanda grabbed a bag and dashed out before slowing down her pace, she did not want to alert Santa Claus on the happenings because he was sure to follow her and put the child in danger.