Page 53 of Under Ground

“Sorry.”

Thankfully, he shuts up the rest of the way, and as soon as he comes to a stop outside day care, I open the door and run.

The office is just inside the front door, and several of the teachers are gathered right by it.

“Mummy!” Casey pushes her way through the group and throws herself into my arms, and I grip her tight, closing my eyes. This is my baby. Tears prick my eyes.

“Hey.” I kiss her hair over and over. Mine.

“That lady was here.”

“I know.”

Maria places her hand on my arm. “The good news is that we got some really clear shots on the security camera.”

I blow out a breath. “Good. Are the police here yet?”

The door behind me opens, and in walks Gareth, flanked by two police officers. They head into the office while Gareth joins me.

“This is …” I swallow and take a moment to refocus. “This is my boss. He was concerned so he drove me here rather than me driving myself.”

Maria nods. “Understandable. You must be shaken up.”

“You Mummy’s boss?” Casey stares at Gareth, wide-eyed.

His lips are drawn into a tight smile. “I am. I’ll wait and give you a lift home when you’re ready, Lana.”

“Thank you.” I give Casey a squeeze and she squeals.

“No, Mummy. Don’t hug me too tight.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just so glad you’re okay.” I cover her face with kisses. I shift my gaze to Maria. “What happened?”

“The kids were on their way back in for morning tea, and Casey wanted to bring the toy she’d been playing with inside, so she popped back out. I looked out the window to make sure she was okay, and the woman must have said something to her, as then Casey ran to the gate.”

I suck in a painful breath. Is this what’s come out of the way Alex and I met? Does Casey now think it’s okay just to go over to strangers? A million thoughts race through my head, and I hold my baby tight again.

“Ouch, Mummy,” Casey whines.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Mummy’s just a little scared.”

“If I hadn’t looked out the window when I did …” Maria’s eyes are full of fear.

“You always take good care of her. I know you do. Please don’t think I’m angry at you.”

“Anyway, the woman opened the gate opened just as I rounded the corner of the building and she was squatting with her arms open like she was waiting for Casey to give her a hug. As soon as she saw me, she stood and ran away.”

“Casey, you can’t go to strangers like that.” I place a kiss in her hair.

“She said she knew Daddy. He wants to see me.” She slots her index finger in her mouth the way she does when she’s thinking about something.

Behind me, Gareth clears his throat.

“Honey, if Alex wants to see you, he’ll be here with me. He won’t send a friend. Do you understand?”

She screws up her face. This is a lot for her to take in. She’s so warm and friendly, and I hate to seed mistrust in her, but she has to learn that not everyone is going to be as good as Alex.

“Okay. Only Daddy.”

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