Page 51 of Cause and Effect

Laurel stuck the key into the lock and stopped.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“The door is unlocked, and I know that I locked it before we left,” she whispered so the girls wouldn’t hear.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. I’m positive because after I locked it, I dropped my keys.”

“Let me go in first,” I said. “Tell the girls to get their bags from the car while I check out the house.”

I walked in and looked around, scanning each room to see if anyone was in the house.

“All clear,” I shouted.

“What’s all clear?” Stella walked in and dropped her bag.

“The house.” I smiled. “It’s safe for you to come in.”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” Sophie asked, and Laurel shot me a look.

I needed to come up with something fast.

“Fine. It was just a game I was playing. Can you let me have a hero complex for a few minutes?”

“Sure. Okay,” Sara said. “You’re our hero, Julian.”

“Thanks, Sara.” I winked.

“Girls, take your bags upstairs and hang your bathing suits up to dry,” Laurel told them.

She walked into the kitchen and stopped, staring at the table.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“The chair is pulled out.” She pointed. “That chair was pushed in when we left.”

“Like the door was locked?” A smirk crossed my lips.

“Julian, I’m serious.” The frightened look on her face worried me. “Someone was in my house.”

“Maybe it was your landlord.”

“They aren’t allowed to enter the home without telling me first.” She grabbed the bottle of wine and poured us a glass.

“Why is there no security system in this house?” I asked.

“The landlord told me it’s a very safe neighborhood, and they didn’t feel the need for one. They lived here for almost twenty-five years and never had an issue.”

“I’m staying the night,” I said, sipping my wine.

“Uh, no, you’re not.” Laurel’s brows furrowed. “We’ll be fine.”

“It’s not up for discussion, Laurel. I’m staying.”

“Julian—" she started, and the girls walked in, arguing who would take a bath first.

“Mom, I’m the oldest, so I get to take one first,” Stella said.

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