Page 105 of Finders Keepers

“No! Don’t leave me!”

“Okay, okay.” I shift her to my hip, her legs wrapping around my waist.

We make our way to the front door, staying well back as I check through the peephole. Gavin stands there in sweatpants and a t-shirt, his hair mussed from sleep. Two deputies flank him, scanning the darkness.

I unlock the door slowly and Gavin steps inside immediately, wrapping us in his arms.

“Are you both okay?” His eyes search my face, then scans Sophie for any sign of harm.

I nod, not trusting my voice.

“Ms. Monroe?” One of the deputies steps forward. “I’m Deputy Martinez. We’ve searched the property and surrounding area. No sign of anyone, but we found fresh tire tracks by the back fence.”

My knees go weak. Gavin’s arm tightens around me.

“Mommy, I’m scared.” Sophie whimpers into my neck.

“Shh baby, we’re okay.” I smooth her hair and give her a kiss on her forehead. Covering her ear, I look back at Deputy Martinez.

He continues. “We’ve documented everything and photographed the message on your window. Do you want to file a report?”

I freeze. “What good will that do?” I whisper shout. “You can’t protect us. No one could—.”

The sound of an engine roaring up the driveway cuts through the tension. Headlights sweep across the yard as a side-by-side utility vehicle skids to a halt near the porch. Ms. Lucy jumps out with surprising agility for a woman her age, her silver hair flying wild around her face. She’s wearing a flannel robe over her pajamas.

“What in God’s name is going on here?” She marches up the steps, her green eyes blazing. “I saw the police lights from my window. Bailey? Sophie? Are y’all alright?”

Sophie’s grip on my neck tightens and I can feel her tears on my neck, but I feel her head turn toward Ms. Lucy’s familiar voice.

“He was here,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “Matt. He left a message on the kitchen window.”

Her expression hardens into something I’ve never seen before, a steely determination that transforms her kind face into something formidable. She turns to the deputies.

“Well? What are y’all doing about this? This woman and child are being stalked by a dangerous man.”

Deputy Martinez shifts uncomfortably. “Ma’am, we’ve searched the property. No sign of anyone now, but we’re filing a report.”

She turns to me, her weathered hand reaching out to squeeze my arm. “Bailey, honey, you and Sophie aren’t staying here tonight. You’re coming up to the house with me. Nobody’s getting near you two.”

“Bailey, you and Sophie can stay at my place tonight,” Gavin says, his voice low but firm. “I’ve got a state-of-the-art security system—motion sensors, cameras covering every angle of the property.”

I look up at him, still clutching Sophie who’s trembling against my chest.

“My house is on five acres with a gated entrance,” he continues. “No one gets in without me knowing about it.”

Ms. Lucy nods, her face softening slightly. “That’s a better idea. I would love to have you both at my house, but…” She glances toward Gavin. “His security setup is better than anything I’ve got.”

“It’s up to you, Bailey,” He says gently. “Whatever makes you feel safest.”

Sophie’s grip tightens around my neck again, her tears now soaking into my shirt. The weight of this decision feels crushing. Both options are infinitely better than staying here, where Matt has already proven he can reach us.

“We’ll go with Gavin,” I whisper, the decision forming even as I speak. Something about his calm confidence makes me feel like we might actually be safe.

“Let me help you pack some things,” Ms. Lucy offers.

I nod numbly and carry Sophie back to our bedroom, unwilling to set her down even for a moment. The deputies remain in the living room, speaking in hushed tones with Gavin.

“Mommy, I don’t want to be here anymore,” Sophie sobs, her little body shaking. “I’m scared.”

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