Page 101 of Risky Move

Andrew lifted Danny as Caryn stood with Jenna in her arms. Tom began to collect toys, but Caryn waved her hand. “Leave them…that’s the nice thing about a playroom. We just shut the door.”

Tom slipped the backpack over a shoulder. “Pretty sure I can guess who left these.”

Caryn glanced at him. “Amelie? She enjoys studying by the pool. Just put them on the kitchen counter, Tom. If she doesn’t realize it, I’ll call her tomorrow.” Tom saw speculation spread across her expression. “I wonder if she stopped by to help Cassie yesterday?”

Andrew’s laugh conveyed no humor. “Amelie help? More like Amelie distracts.”

“Drew…” Caryn warned as she glanced at Tom. “Did Cassie say anything about Amelie coming over yesterday.”

“She mentioned it.”

“I assumed she did since she came to the spa to tell me about Daniel.”

“Did she take you to the hospital?” Tom questioned.

Caryn shook her head. “The girls took me. Amelie was too distraught. I told her to go on home.”

“I can drop these books off tomorrow on my way to work.” Tom started to say something further, but after glancing at his brother kept his opinion to himself.

“I’ll call Amelie and let her know you’re coming by tomorrow,” Caryn said.

“Warn her, please, that I’ll be there early…around six.”

Caryn nodded with a smile. “Absolutely.”

Tom saw Andrew watching him. He waited to see if he said anything, but after a beat, Andrew turned and followed Caryn to the nursery.

* * *

Tom arrived at the condominium early and waited in the lobby. Caryn said Amelie had promised to meet him at six o’clock, so Tom took advantage of the extra time to think through the questions he intended to ask.Maybe she’ll volunteer the information that she was at the house when Daniel fell into the pool? It’s the only explanation that makes sense. If she came over to help Cassie with the twins, did she use the pool deck for a study break? What could she add to Cassie’s account of the near tragedy?

Not sure what he expected, but he never imagined Amelie would emerge from the elevator, a bright smile on her face, and dressed for success.

“Hi, Tom! Thanks for bringing these—I thought I’d have to tell my professors I left them at home.” Her smile came across too bright—flirtatious?—too happy for Tom’s mindset. “Danny’s fine? No after-effects?”

“Ready to take on the day.”

“That’s a relief,” Amelie said with a laugh. “I love those children so much. How’s Cassie today? She sounded overwhelmed last time we spoke.”

“I haven’t seen her today.” Tom paused a moment. “Do you know exactly what happened? Were you there?”

“Yes...One second we were playing with the twins. We’d had such a wonderful day…Jenna pretended I was a climbing wall. The next moment Cassie screamed for me to call 911…It was…frightening,” she said with a visible shiver.

“So, you didn’t see him go out by the pool?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know how he got out there…It’s all a nightmare.” She paused and look at Tom with a small smile. “I thought I’d go over today, to see if I can give Cassie a hand with the twins.”

“No need. She’s not working today.”

“Too distraught?”

“Yesterday was hard on her.”

“I know—so scary to see Danny like that.” Amelie shuddered.

“But you don’t know how Daniel got to the pool? That door’s always locked…maybe you left it open after you did your homework?” Tom nodded toward the backpack. “Found your books on the table near the pool.”

“Tom, I don’t think I left the door open. Maybe I did?” Amelie shrugged. “Either way, it was unintentional, no matter who forgot to lock that door.”

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