Page 5 of Ethan's Command

Brooklyn laughed. “It’s true. His model that shows how a tsunami wave forms and travels is really well done. He’s even made it so he can change the depth of the water to show how it changes wave height. And the model houses and stores he’s built to show what happens when the wave hits are incredibly detailed.”

“I’m so bummed I won’t get to see him present it on Saturday. Can you record it for me?”

“Of course. I was planning to anyway.” Brooklyn hesitated. “Jackson, I should tell you…”

“Tell me what?” His voice shifted, tension creeping in. “What is it? Is there something wrong with Liam?”

“He’s fine, honestly. But earlier today, there was an incident.”

“What kind of incident?” Jackson asked sharply.

Brooklyn explained what had happened, recounting the attempted abduction and the police’s theory about it being a gang initiation or a TikTok trend. “They said they’re on the lookout for the kids. If they find them, we can press charges. But Liam is fine—shaken up, but fine. He’s asleep now.”

Jackson let out a long breath. “That’s terrifying. I’ll be on the next flight?—”

“No, Jackson. You don’t need to do that,” Brooklyn protested. “Liam is fine. Nothing happened. You need to stay there. You said yourself you couldn’t pass up this opportunity.”

“How are you?”

“I’m okay,” she said, even though her hands still trembled. “I poured myself a big glass of wine, and I’m going to try to sleep. We just need to put this day behind us.”

“I’m so glad you were there to stop it.”

“Me too,” Brooklyn said quietly.

“Thanks, sis. I’m nineteen hours ahead here, so I’ll call Liam later tonight and tell him I love him. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“Will do,” Brooklyn said, ending the call.

She glanced at her phone, checking her calendar. Tomorrow was Thursday—just two clients in the morning, and then she’d be free. She decided she’d pick Liam up directly after school. They could finish his science project and treat themselves to something nice. They both needed a little pampering.

Brooklyn pulledup in front of Liam’s school. He hopped into the car with a grin.

“How does ice cream sound?” she asked.

“Most excellent!” he deadpanned.

When she finished laughing at his dude-bro accent, she asked, “How was school?”

“Not bad. Mr. Kumu let us work on our projects during science period.”

“That’s great! Are you all set up?”

“Almost, I put everything together. I just need to glue the last of the cars and houses in place.”

“I’m so proud of you, Liam. I think your project is amazing.”

“Thanks, Aunt Brooklyn. I enjoyed doing it.” Liam glanced down at his lap. “I just wish Dad could be here.”

“I know you do, honey. He wishes it as well,” Brooklyn said gently.

They pulled up to the ice cream stand, and Liam jumped out. Brooklyn rolled down her window. “Wait! You know what? Get me one too—chocolate.”

Liam grinned. “Sounds good!” He scampered off to stand in line.

Brooklyn watched him, marveling at how resilient kids were. Yesterday’s events still haunted her, but here was Liam, excited about ice cream and chatting about his science project. She glanced in her rearview mirror as a white van pulled into the parking lot.

Her heart stuttered. There must be more than one white Express Cargo van on the island, she told herself. “You’re just being paranoid.”

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