Page 104 of Finders Keepers

“Bailey, I didn’t leave any flowers in your car.”

The phone nearly slips from my grasp. “But there was a note… it said ‘You look pretty’ and I thought…” My voice trails off as the truth hits me like a physical blow. “Oh no.”

“Bailey?”

“My car was locked.” The words come out in a horrified whisper. “When I was leaving the flower shop, my car was locked” Bile rises in my throat. “The spare key. Matt has the only spare key.”

My free hand clamps over my mouth again as I fight back another wave of nausea. He’s been here. He’s been here for who knows how long, watching us, waiting. Playing his sick games.

“Bailey.” Gavin says bringing me back to the present.

“I need to be with Sophie,” I whisper into the phone. “Please hurry.”

“I’m five minutes away. The police are almost there. I’ll knock three times so you know it’s me.”

I disconnect and crawl back down the hallway. Every shadow makes my heart skip, every creak of the house sends ice through my veins. I keep low, below window level, even though the curtains are drawn. The memory of those words on the glass haunts me. How long was he watching? How many times has he stood there, looking in at us while we went about our lives, thinking we were safe?

I reach the room and slip inside, easing the door shut behind me. The soft click of the lock engaging provides little comfort. What good is a lock against someone who wants to cause damage? What good are the police when they’ve failed us before?

My mind flashes back to Oklahoma, to the bruises I carefully documented, the police reports I filed that went nowhere. “It’s your word against his, ma’am.” “No visible marks this time.” “Maybe you should try counseling.” Always the same dismissive responses, always leaving us alone with him, making things worse.

I climb into bed beside Sophie, gathering her small warm body against mine. She stirs at the movement, her eyes fluttering open.

“Mommy?” Her voice is thick with sleep. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, baby.” I smooth her hair back from her face, trying to keep my voice steady. “Just wanted some cuddles.”

She burrows closer, but I feel her little body tense. She’s always been so attuned to my moods, picking up on my fear no matter how hard I try to hide it. “Are you scared?”

“No, sweetheart.” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue. “Everything’s okay.”

A flash of red and blue lights sweeps across the ceiling through a sliver in the curtains. Sophie’s grip on my shirt tightens. “Police cars?”

“It’s okay.” I press my lips to her forehead. “Some friends are coming to check on us.”

“Is it ’cause of Daddy?” Her voice trembles and my heart shatters. “Is he here?”

“No, baby.” I pull her closer, wishing I could absorb her into my body. “He’s not here. I won’t let him hurt us anymore.”

But even as I say the words, doubt gnaws at me. How can I protect her when he’s already gotten so close? When he’s been watching us, planning who knows what?

Footsteps crunch on gravel outside. Sophie whimpers and I hold her tighter.

“Shh, it’s okay. That’s just the nice policeman checking everything.”

“And Gavin?” She asks. “Is Gavin coming?”

“Yes, baby. Gavin’s coming too.”

More footsteps, voices murmuring outside. Flashlight beams sweep past the windows. I strain my ears for any sound that might be Matt, might be him trying to get in while everyone’s distracted out front. My body is coiled so tight it aches.

Three knocks at the front door make us both jump.

“Bailey?” Gavin’s voice, tight with worry. “It’s me.”

I hesitate, torn between staying in our defensive position and letting him in.

“Stay here, baby,” I whisper to Sophie, but her arms lock around my neck.

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