Page 87 of Finders Keepers

“Here, drink this.” Ms. Lucy presses a warm mug into my hands. The scent of chamomile wafts up, and I wrap my fingers around it gratefully.

“Thank you.” My voice comes out raspy.

She settles into the chair across from me, her green eyes studying my face with that mixture of concern and understanding. “You did good today, honey. Real good.”

I take a sip, not trusting myself to speak. The tea scalds my tongue, but I welcome the sensation. It gives me something else to focus on besides the churning in my stomach.

“Sophie, baby, come show me what you’re coloring.” Ms. Lucy calls out, and Sophie bounces up, proudly displaying her artwork.

“Look! It’s a unicorn, and I made her purple!”

“That’s beautiful, sugar.” Ms. Lucy beams at her. “You know what? I’ve got some cookies in the kitchen that need decorating. Would you like to help me with that?”

Sophie’s eyes light up. “Can I, Mommy?”

I manage a smile. “Of course, sweetie.”

Once Sophie disappears into the kitchen, Ms. Lucy leans forward. “Bailey, why don’t you head back to your place for a while? Take some time for yourself.”

“I don’t know…” I glance toward the kitchen.

“Sophie’s okay here with me. We’ve got cookies to decorate, and I’ve got some new picture books she hasn’t seen yet.” She reaches over and pats my knee. “You need some space to breathe, honey. This morning was rough.”

The lump in my throat grows bigger. “I just keep thinking about everything. About him. What if–”

“No what-ifs.” Her voice turns firm. “The police have your statement. You’ve done everything right. Now you need to take care of yourself.”

A crash from the kitchen followed by Sophie’s “Oops! Sorry, Ms. Lucy!” Breaks through the tension.

“Nothing to worry about, sugar!” Ms. Lucy calls back, then turns to me. “Though I might need to rescue my kitchen soon. Why don’t you text Gavin? He mentioned he had the afternoon off today.”

Heat creeps into my cheeks. “Ms. Lucy…”

“Don’t you dare ‘Ms. Lucy’ me.” She waves off my protest. “And I’m making my pot roast tonight. We’ll eat around six.” She stands up, smoothing her skirt. “That gives you plenty of time to clear your head.”

Before I can argue, she’s heading toward the kitchen. “Sophie, honey, let’s see what happened to those cookies.”

I stay curled up in the floral armchair for a moment longer, the fabric soft and worn beneath me. What kind of mother leaves her child behind when the man who hurt her is still out there? When he could be anywhere, just waiting to take everything from us again? Guilt twists deep in my stomach, sharp and unforgiving.

But then Sophie glances up, beaming, her eyes light and free in a way they haven’t been in so long. And suddenly, I know. I’m not abandoning her; I’m protecting her. Giving her this moment. This chance to be safe, to feel like a normal five-year-old.

I pull out my phone, turning it over in my hands a few times, my fingers trembling just slightly. Then I open my messages. And I text Gavin.

The last text from him sits there from this morning:

“Thinking of you. Let me know if you need anything.”

My fingers hover over the keyboard. The thought of being alone with my thoughts terrifies me but being with Gavin… that’s different.

“Hi. You free this afternoon?” I type quickly before I can change my mind.

His response comes almost immediately: “For you? Always. Everything okay?”

“Rough morning. Could use some company.”

“I’ll pick you up in 15. We can go wherever you want.”

I stand up, my legs slightly steadier. “Ms. Lucy? I think I’m going to take your advice.”

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