Page 55 of Cause and Effect

“We knew you were in here!” All three girls ran into the bedroom and jumped on the bed.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Why are you girls up so early?” I asked.

“We’re hungry and want to go swimming,” Stella said.

“It’s too early to swim,” Julian said. “Go to the kitchen, and we’ll be there to make you breakfast in a second.”

“Okay!” All three girls climbed off the bed and ran out of the room.

Julian looked at me. “That was weird. I’ve never had children in my bed.”

“God, I would hope not.” I smirked.

“You think you’re so funny,” he said.

“I am.” I smiled, climbing out of bed. “You do have breakfast foods, right?”

“Uh, I think.”

After the girls finished their waffles, they asked to go swimming.

“You’re good to go,” Julian said. “Go put your bathing suits on.”

As the girls ran up the stairs, the front door opened, and Parker walked in. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Julian and I in the kitchen.

“Did I just see the girls run up the stairs?” he asked.

“Yeah. They spent the night last night,” Julian replied.

“Wait a second. You, Julian Hamilton, let three children sleep in your house?”

“Knock it off, douchebag. When I drove Laurel homelast night, someone had been in her house. There was no way I was allowing her and the girls to stay there.”

“What?” Parker’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“The front door was unlocked, and one of the kitchen chairs was pulled out,” I said.

“She’s also been getting a lot of calls from an unknown number. When she answers, they don’t say anything and then hang up. Why are you here so early?”

“I need a cup of coffee. I’m out.”

“I’ll make you some,” I said.

“Morning, Parker! Do you want to swim with us?” Sophie asked him as the girls ran into the kitchen.

“Morning, little ladies. Uh, I’m good for now.”

“Let’s take our coffee and sit on the patio,” Julian said.

“Did you call the police, Laurel?” Parker asked.

“I called Simon last night. He’s going over to the house this morning to check things out,” Julian said.

“Okay. Good.”

Julian’s phone rang, and Simon’s name appeared. After taking the call, he looked at his brother.

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