Page 63 of Moose

“Can I play, buddy?”

Maddox shrugged. “Sure.”

“Thanks, man. I guess you can guess who we are, huh?”

Maddox handed him a controller, and they started to play the video game.

“Yeah. Are you gonna take us away from our dad?”

Nova looked up at the man, and he shook his head.

“Nope. By the way, my name is Josh. I’m just here to make sure you’re safe, that’s all.”

Maddox laughed. “Dad has the best security system money could buy. There’s nowhere safer but here.”

Josh laughed. “Good to know. But do you feel safewithyour dad?”

Nova nodded. “Of course. Daddy is always here for us. And he makes the best breakfast!”

Maddox nodded his head. “I feel safest when he’s next to me. Dad loves us more than anything.”

Josh smiled at both my kids. “Well, I’m pretty happy to hear that. I’m not a bad guy, just making sure you guys are good. That’s my job.”

Nova tilted her head. “Do you help other kids?”

“Yup. I help lots of kids.”

“There’s a little boy in my class... he doesn’t have lunch money, so I give him my lunch. Can you help him?”

My heart broke for that little boy but soared to hear my daughter was looking out for him.

“I can absolutely do that. That’s very nice of you to help. Can you get your friend's name and tell your dad?”

“I can!”

Josh smiled and put the control down as Maddox won the game.

“Thanks for talking to me, you guys. I appreciate it.” He walked over to me and placed his card on the table. “Call me when she tells you and I’ll check it out. You’ve got some wonderful kids there.”

I smiled and pocketed the card. The older woman stood, and we walked them to the door. Lily handed Josh a manila folder.

“Here’s everything that’s going with the court case. I have an inkling that it was Tessa who called.”

Josh nodded. “It was, and we can clearly see the kids are fine. This seems to be a case of a false report. I’ll be handling it.”

“Thank you so much. We’re so sorry you had to waste your time.”

Josh smiled. “Not a waste at all. I’ll check out that little boy and hopefully we can get to the bottom of it and help.”

I looked at the older woman and she huffed, walking to the car. Josh shook his head.

“Sorry about Nancy. She’s…”

Lily laughed. “Old school. She came out with a decision already in her mind because of Moose’s past and how he looks. I’ve seen it many times before.”

“Exactly. She’ll be gone soon, though. Thank you both for meeting with us. Have a great night!”

Josh walked away, and we both went inside. As soon as I knew their car was gone, I took Lily’s hand and led her downstairs to the basement.

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