Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Obviously, the alarm scared them off, but had that been before they took anything? I’ve done a quick walk through of the house. No electronics, televisions, computers, or anything worth money appears to have been stolen.
I run a frustrated hand through my hair and glance at Bailey and Mia from the window over the kitchen sink. Mia took her to the swing set to keep her away from the adult talk and chaos inside.
I filled the police in on the custody issue I am having with my ex-wife, although breaking and entering doesn’t strike me as her MO. She has nothing to gain and everything to lose by taking such an extreme step or persuading someone to help her.
I called my parents, and they are on their way to pick up Bailey. I want her out of here for the night—or longer. I don’t know what is going on, but I don’t like it, and I don’t want my daughter at risk.
“You’re sure I can let my daughter inside?” I ask the officer who is writing up a report.
“Yes. We checked closets, the basement, and every room in the house. We just have a man going through room by room to see if we missed anything.”
I open the window, avoiding the broken glass on the door. “Mia!” I call and wave to her to bring Bailey inside. “Come in through the garage!”
She flashes me a thumbs-up gesture. A few seconds later, they join me in the kitchen.
“Can you take Bailey upstairs to pack? She’s going to have a sleepover at her grandparents’.” I ruffle my daughter’s hair.
Mia nods in understanding.
“Really??” Bailey asks, obviously surprised.
“They miss you. Let’s call it a special occasion,” I say to her, forcing an easy smile I don’t feel.
“Okay, Daddy.” She unhooks her backpack from her shoulders, where she’d slung it to come inside, and places it on the kitchen table.
I catch sight of an unfamiliar manila envelope on the counter. “What’s this?”
“Oh, my God.” The color drains from Mia’s face. “With all the excitement of what happened at school and then the break-in, I completely forgot! Shit.” She winces, glancing at Bailey. “I was subpoenaed to testify at a retrial for my old boss.”
“I thought he was in jail?” The hair on the back of my neck begins to prickle uncomfortably.
“Apparently, he got off on a technicality, and it took the DA a while to find me since I moved out of state.”
“Mia, do you think he has anything to do with the guy who approached you at the supermarket? Or this?” I gesture to the still-broken glass by the back door.
“I… The supermarket definitely. Threats are something he’d do. A break-in?” She shakes her head. “He’s done nothing like that in my past experience.”
“Detective?” A uniformed officer walks out from the hallway where Mia’s room is. “I found this on the bed in the extra room down here.” He holds up a white paper with typing on it.
The detective accepts the sheet. “‘Mind your own business,’” he reads out loud.
I shoot Mia a knowing look. “Still so convinced?” I ask her.
“Oh, my God. I’m sorry. I mean, I had no idea there even was a retrial until today. I’ll pack. I’ll go. I would never put you or Bailey in any danger. I’m so sorry.” She starts for her room but I stop her, grabbing her arm.
“Whoa. Slow down. You’re not going anywhere.”
Panic rushed through me at her words. She isn’t leaving when she is in trouble. Guarding against it is my specialty, and I’ve already arranged for Bailey to be away from things for a while. School can wait. She is only six, after all. If Mia is going to turn to anyone, it will be me.
“But—”
“Please go help Bailey pack. I’ll fill the detective in on your situation, and you can answer any questions when you’re finished. Okay?” I glance at the other man, not wanting to step on toes.
“Fine. Make it quick,” he says to Mia, his gaze softening when he glances at Bailey.
I begin to explain Mia’s previous employer’s trial, conviction, and subsequent release, and while I am doing so, my parents arrive. It takes a few minutes to calm my mother down and reassure her the break-in is under control and everyone is safe and will remain so.
My dad steps up and ushers Bailey and his wife out of the house. I kiss my daughter good-bye and promise to video chat with her later. Mia and I finish up with the police, and they say they will let me know about anything new they find out.
Finally, the cops are gone, Bailey is safely with my parents, and Mia and I are alone.
I walk up to her and grasp both hands in mine. “Do you really think I’d let you go through this alone?”