"No, honey," he said, shaking his head. "I don't think I'm your daddy." Her hopeful little face and earnest manner made him wish he could say he was, just to make her smile again.
Bane's short stub of a tail wagged excitedly as the little girl noticed her. She licked at the child's hands. "She's mine. Her name is Bane, but you can call her just about anything and she'll answer." Gator-bait was one of his favourites.
"I'm sure, little bit," he said. "I think I'd remember if I had a little girl as pretty and nice as you. But maybe I can help you find him or your mum. Is no one with you now?"