Page 47 of Under Ground

I don’t really know how to respond. This isn’t a situation I was ready for, but I feel like I should have been prepared for it. I’ve been swept away by a loving, gentle man who’s perfect for me, and all other thoughts have been pushed aside when they really should have been my priority.

“I’m sure Alex will know what to do,” she says. “In the meantime, can I make you a coffee?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’d really appreciate it.”

Anna gets up and walks to my desk, plucking my mug from in front of my monitor. “If there’s ever anything I can do to help, just ask. And I’m not just saying that because your boyfriend is Alex Stone. I haven’t told anyone.”

“Thanks, Anna.”

I rub my face with my hands and then grab my mouse, giving it a jiggle until the screen wakes up.

This is not going to be an easy day.

* * *

When it’s time to leave, I step out of the office and into the fresh air.

Taking a deep breath, I pause a moment before I set off toward day care. I can’t wait to get home with Casey. Home feels like the one safe place right now.

There’s a lot of chatter when I get to day care, and I sign the attendance book to say I’m taking Casey home and make my way through to the toddler room.

“Mummy.” Casey launches herself at me, and I squat, opening my arms to receive her. I bury my nose in her neck and hold her tight. She wriggles out of my grasp, her blue eyes wide. “There was a lady in the park looking at me.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

Maria walks up behind her. “She’s right. The kids were out playing and someone in the park was watching Casey. I brought her inside as it seemed weird. One of the other teachers went out to see if she was okay, but the woman ran off.”

I bite my bottom lip. Maria’s brows knit. “Are you okay?”

“Not really. It’s been a really screwy day and it’s not over yet. Thank you for taking care of Casey.”

Casey hugs Maria’s leg.

“That’s what I do. If there’s anything else you need, let me know.”

I straighten up. “I’m not sure yet, but I will.”

“We’ll be on the lookout tomorrow just in case. Hopefully it was a one-off.” Her smile is reassuring, but I’m not so sure there’s nothing to worry about. This has to be related to that stupid website. Surely.

I don’t even know who to be angry with.

Alex should know better but clearly didn’t. I have been naive, apparently.

And I can’t let Casey see any of that. She needs to think everything is fine and normal.

“Let’s go home, Casey.” I hold out my hand and give her a hug when she takes it.

She beams. “Home time?”

I laugh. “Yes, it’s home time, sweet girl.”

Walking this way isn’t fun. This is the park we were photographed in, and none of us had any idea.

I’ll use the car every day from tomorrow.

I switch on the TV as soon as we walk in the door and change the channel to cartoons. I’m too agitated to worry about Casey spending too much time in front of it.

Alex will still be on set so I can’t call him for advice.

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