Page 21 of Seven

TALLIE

“How did it go?”

“I’m not sure.” I shrugged. “They don’t have any leads yet.”

“Can you go?”

“Yes, but we have to come back tomorrow. The detective wants to ask you and Ford some questions.”

“But I’ve already talked to one of the detectives.”

“He’s just trying to be thorough.”

“Well, there’s only so many times I can say I don’t know.”

“Yeah, you’re telling me.” I knelt down next to Ford and took his hand in mine. “How are you holding up, kiddo?”

“I want to go home.”

“I know. Me too. Let’s get your grandmother home first, and then…”

“Please stay with me tonight,” Mom interrupted. “I know you have been through so much tonight, but I really don’t want to be alone.”

“Okay. We can do that.” I glanced down at Ford as I asked, “That going to be okay with you?”

I could tell by his expression he wasn’t crazy about the idea, but he answered, “Yeah, as long as I don’t have to sleep downstairs.”

“You can sleep with your mom or on the sofa,” Mom answered. “Wherever you feel most comfortable.”

“We’ll figure it out when we get there.”

I motioned them towards the door, and they both followed suit. As we started towards the parking lot, I couldn’t help but notice a sleek black Mercedes with dark tinted windows that was parked across the street. There was something about it that caused a flicker of unease to pass through me. I paused and gave it a hard look, then shook my head and pushed my doubts aside. With everything that was going on, paranoia was the last thing I needed.

We hurried to the car, and I did my best to shake the weight of the day as I got behind the wheel and started the engine. But just as I started driving, I noticed that the Mercedes pulled out behind us. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, but with every turn I made, it followed quickly behind.

My hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Mom, do you know who that is?”

“Who?”

“The Mercedes behind us,” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “Do you recognize it?”

She glanced back and after a quick look, she answered, “No, but I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“I don’t know. I think they’re following us.”

“I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.”

Before I had a chance to argue, we came up on an intersection. I took the turn, but the Mercedes kept straight. I let out a shaky breath and told myself I was imagining things. But deep down, I wasn’t so sure.

Half an hour later, we were pulling up to the house I once called home. We were all exhausted, so we wasted no time getting inside and ready for bed. Mom helped me get Ford settled in my old room, and once he was asleep, she suggested, “Why don’t you go take a hot bath?”

“I’m fine.” I turned to face her as I said, “It’s you I’m worried about.”

“Oh, honey. I’m okay.” Her eyes drifted to the ground as she admitted, “I’m still running on shock.”

“But the shock will eventually run off.”

“Yes, and I will deal with everything then.”

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