Page 126 of Asher's Assignment

“Edith, you can’t?—”

“Mom, please. Stay put.” Edie waved a hand.

Faye huffed and got up. “No. You’re pregnant. I’m not letting you run into danger without backup.”

“It’s probably nothing.” Esther slowly got to her feet, wincing as her incisions pulled.

“Seriously?” Edie sighed. “Sit down, Esther.”

“I’m going to check the breaker box.”

“I’ll do it. You stay put. Mom, make her sit.” Edie hurried away.

Esther crossed her arms and glared at her sister’s retreating back. Edie knew she couldn’t walk that fast.

“She’s right, honey. You should sit.”

“I’m fine. Why don’t you go after her?”

The tinkle of glass breaking turned Esther’s muscles to stone.

“What was that?” Faye turned toward the sound, which had come from the back door at the end of the hall.

“Mom, call 9-1-1.” Esther reached for her phone to call Asher.

Shadows shifted and the air pressure of the room changed.

Someone had opened the door.

Esther pushed to her feet and grabbed her mother’s hand.

“Esther, what are you doing?” Faye looked up from her phone.

“Come on,” Esther hissed. “And keep quiet.” Moving much faster than was wise for her healing body, she dragged her mom toward the kitchen.

“I still haven’t called for help,” Faye whispered.

“Me, either.” Esther ducked behind the island, then peered over the top. She couldn’t see the hallway from here, but there was nowhere to hide where whoever broke in couldn’t see them. “Let’s get to Edie.”

Footsteps tracked across the wooden floor from the hall. Esther eyed the open space between herself and the door. If she could run, it wouldn’t be a problem, but whoever was in the house was too close. Based on the footsteps, he or she was near the dining table.

Her mind whirled as she tried to come up with a plan. Asher had been gone almost thirty minutes. Audra, Brooke, and Annabeth should be back any time.

“Esther…” a male voice called to her in a sing-song tone.

Chills went up her spine.

“Esther, I know you’re here.”

“Mom, send a text to 9-1-1.” Esther’s voice was barely audible. “Tell them there’s been a break-in and give them my address, then turn off your ringer.”

Faye nodded.

Esther opened her texting app and sent a quick message to Asher. She silenced her phone and opened the cabinet door just enough to shove the device inside. She took her mother’s when she was finished with her message and did the same.

“What now?” Faye mouthed.

Esther held a finger to her lips. She eyed the door again and prayed Edie wouldn’t come through.

---